Student Blog Kyoto Open Campus Block2!

Authored by Diego Lara

When asked where my favorite place to study abroad is, I stopped to think about my experiences. I want to think about all the memories and pros and cons but I can never begin to describe the feeling of studying in Kyoto. How could a city so far away from everything I know feel like a second home?

The culture shock and differences between my last block in South Korea were some of the first things I noticed. I believe I still needed clarification and hope even after orientation. However, I sat down and told myself I came here to make this experience something personal and something I will always remember.

Japan felt like walking through an art piece with scenic and beautiful sights no matter where I looked. I felt Japan come to life in every corner I lost myself in. Everything stood out, like the bright red color of the Tori gates, lanterns, red temples, Nintendo signs, and Tokyo tower. The green was vibrant in the rich matcha, colorful trees and bamboo, and Seven Eleven signs. The blue stood out in the Dontonbori running man in Namba, the flowing waters in the river in Kyoto, and the bright blue skies as I visited temples and castles.

By the first few days in Kyoto, I felt extremely comfortable walking around and making my way around the city. My goal was to find the best ramen spot which had me truly exploring every corner of the town. I would also challenge myself to learn something new or find a new place daily. Kyoto as a city felt very safe and welcoming and the program was very supportive. I liked the excursion to Himeji and Kobe that the program organized. Along with my trips, CIEE planned trips and tours that helped me see places in Kansai as a program.

Its beauty made me want to lose myself in the streets and cities all over Japan to learn and experience more daily. My experience was truly special because of the friends I made along the way. With RJ, Ella, Katherine, and JD, I would find the best places to eat delicious food and enjoy fun adventures in whatever we enjoyed exploring. With Eva, I would explore the Book-Off stores to find thrifted goods and lose ourselves in Osaka. With my cousin Regina, I would love to spend my time on the intriguing shrines and rich culture in cities like Kanazawa, Shirakawa, Takayama, Nagoya, and Nara while enjoying the matcha and local dishes. With Lili, we found the best desserts across Kyoto and had the most delicious fluffy pancakes. With Naomi and ZiQi, we spent our time working on our projects for class while finding time out of class to smile and laugh together along the way. To Kai, Sory, Rowan, and all my other friends, thank you for making this an important place to me.

I recommend that anyone try to study abroad in Kyoto. My story is one of many people who truly enjoyed and grew from such a unique experience. Kyoto is one of my favorite places around the world; everyone can find something they like around the city.

I look forward to what the world has to offer. My travel buddy RJ and I will make the most of our time studying abroad before returning to Thunderbird and Arizona State. I will say see you later in Kyoto and the rest of Japan. I know that I will be back to create more memories of losing myself in the shrine, trying all the different dishes, and checking off new things on my bucket list.