I learned about the opportunity of becoming a Centre for the Study of Global Japan Student Affiliate via stumbling across the 'people' page on their website. On it, I saw familiar faces—a conference attendee I had spoke with, or someone…
My Experience as a Centre for the Study of Global Japan Student Affiliate
Exchange Academics: What’s Different?
With social media, it’s easy to forget all about the “study” in “study abroad”! As a student on exchange, you’ll much sooner find me Instagramming a museum or a lunch out than my latest homework assignment. I’m sure other students…
Exchange Experiences: Learning about Japanese Culture
Culture shock is an infamous aspect of the exchange experience. It's no secret that living abroad can bring on homesickness, but it also presents a chance to learn about another culture, first-hand. Being half-Japanese, I didn't experience culture shock, but…
Going Abroad While Abroad
When I tell people that I’m on an exchange, I often get the question: “Have you done any traveling?” I always find this question surprising! To me, studying abroad is traveling in and of itself. Nonetheless, I understand why it’s…
Why I Almost Didn’t Go on Exchange
From mouth-watering food to New Year’s celebrations, going on exchange to Tokyo has been one of the best experiences of my undergraduate career. With all the joys I’ve blogged about, it may be hard to believe that just a year…
Celebrating the Holidays Abroad #JoyAtUofT
When I hear the word “joy,” the first thing I think of is the holiday season. This week for #JoyAtUofT, I’d like to share how I spent the “the most wonderful time of the year” abroad. While being on exchange…
Surviving Exam Season: Japan Edition
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…
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,…
Reading and Traveling
I've loved Japanese literature since I was a high school student in Hiroshima. I've continued to read in between my stays in Japan, both as a source of enjoyment and a way of staying connected; no matter where I am, Japanese literature offers…
Yokohama and Japanese History
I went to Yokohama for the first time last weekend to catch a play. The professor of my Japanese theatrical history course has a number of friends in the Greater Tokyo Area’s theatre scene. He somehow negotiated free admission for the…