My Study Abroad Experience in Tokyo - Center for Global Education

January 23, 2026 - 01:51

This spring, I embarked on my first-ever journey outside my home country to study at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan. The experience proved to be both profoundly eye-opening and wonderfully challenging, exactly as I had hoped. I selected Japan for its unique blend of deep tradition and cutting-edge modernity, seeking total immersion in a culture vastly different from my own.

Living in Tokyo was an education in itself. Navigating the efficient yet complex subway system, practicing basic Japanese phrases in local shops, and adapting to the rhythms of daily life in a megacity taught me resilience and independence. Academically, my courses provided fascinating local context, allowing me to study subjects through a Japanese lens. Beyond the classroom, the friendships I built with both local and international students were invaluable. We explored serene temples, discovered hidden restaurants, and shared perspectives that broadened my worldview.

The semester challenged my preconceptions and pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. I learned not only about Japanese society but also about my own capacity to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar surroundings. The experience has left me with a deeper sense of global citizenship, cherished memories, and a lasting desire to continue exploring the world.