Semester in Tokyo, Japan
Elena Nunez (TSB, '26) spent her fall semester studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan. Elena says:
What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?
My favorite memory, and what I consider the best day of my life so far, was when I went to Nara Park. There are several things to do at Nara Park, such as visiting Todaiji Temple and seeing the giant Buddha statue, but the most famous attraction must be the friendly deer that live at the park. Nothing could have prepared me for this experience! Nothing on paper can capture the joy I felt, as an animal lover, being able to take pictures with little deer that bow to you and eat out of your hand (and subsequently harass you for more food).
If you have ever wanted to interact closely with wild animals (for free!), or know someone that you want to torment with a mob of hungry deer, I highly recommend visiting the Nara Park deer!
What personal growth have you experienced during your time abroad and how has it impacted your future goals and aspirations?
I feel so much more confident and independent. Living alone in a country on the other side of the world and being a solo traveler for the first time really exposed me to new experiences, and I frequently had to ask for help and DIY lots of things that I'd never done before - finding the lowest-priced hotels that weren't three years overdue for a deep clean, making my own tourist itineraries, figuring out how to get a student commuter pass while communicating in broken Japanese, and even doing everyday things that never required so much effort, like simply ordering food. Advocating for myself and learning to surpass language barriers built up my confidence for trying new things and talking to new people.
Most importantly, studying abroad broadened my horizons on career and lifestyle options. Before traveling, I always thought my one option was the college-to-internship-to-full time offer-to-Big 4 corporate job for the rest of my life/career, mostly because it was the tried-and-true norm. During my time in Tokyo, however, I met so many classmates that were on different paths students who were living in Tokyo for their whole college career, students who were involved in the military, students who were searching for jobs in Tokyo, students who simply had a different major, and so on. Ever since, I've been reconsidering the type of career and lifestyle that I want to have and exploring other options, and traveling is definitely something that I'd like to remain as a constant in my future. There are so many options out there that aren't even so far off the beaten path, and opportunities can arise at any time. I'm excited to see where my experiences will take me. If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that my first time in Japan will not my last!
Any advice for other students thinking of studying abroad?
Just do it! Rarely will there be another chance in your life to take four months off (or even eight) to travel and learn in another country.
The OIE and Study Abroad advisors are super helpful and amazing, and there's definitely a program that will meet your needs and interests. The E-Peer Advisory list is also a great resource to hear from other students and get firsthand advice on living abroad. (If you're looking for advice on Tokyo specifically, look for my name and email on the list!)