On January 28th at 10:00 PM JST, I jumped for joy and started playing “Freedom! ‘90” on full blast. At this moment, I submitted the final assignment of my first semester at the University of Tokyo. Due to the different…
How I Prepared For Exchange
Coming at you live from Gare de L’est Station in Paris after just missing my train for a weekend trip, I don’t feel as though I’m prepared for exchange—but is readiness really the issue? After a 30-minute phone call rant…
When in Rome, do as Romans do
Whether it’s a favourite brand of facewash or a go-to morning breakfast, everyone has their ritual daily comforts. In preparation for my year abroad, I didn’t hesitate to load my suitcase full of favourite things from home. While packing up,…
My LDR with Clubs at U of T
One of my favourite parts about being a university student is taking part in clubs on campus. Back at U of T, I participate in the UTJA (University of Toronto Japan Association), and PCJS (Peace, Conflict, and Justice Society). While…
“Only” a Year: Making the Most of My Time Abroad
When I first told my Grandma the details of my exchange to Tokyo, she exclaimed “Only a year? That’s too short!” Her reaction surprised me. A full year? I thought, if anything, that’s a bit long. But in retrospect, my…
Best Tourist Activities in Buenos Aires
So your spending your semester and or year abroad in Buenos Aires, having a good time, when you get the call. Family (or friends) will be coming to visit. Here are the essential tourist activities I would take my loved…
Thanksgiving in Tokyo
Studying abroad means constantly learning. Not always by sitting in class or studying at the library, but in daily interactions. Every day is an opportunity for cultural exchange– embarrassing myself during conversations, listening to my obachan talk about etiquette, and…
Studying Abroad: Living with a Host Family
Hello, Life @ U of T readers! My name is Emi, and I am this semester’s Study Abroad Blogger! I am a third-year specialist in Peace, Conflict and Justice at Victoria College. You may remember me as a Student Life…
Bon Voyage
Since this is my final blog, I want to change it up a bit. The setting is no longer in the United Kingdom but in Paris, France instead – well half of it. Last week, my mum and brother came…
Hello Easter!
The Easter break has arrived and universities all over the UK will be closed for the next month. A break for an entire month, can you believe it?! Many students, international and UK students take the time to travel Europe…