A Typical Day in The Life of a First Year Abroad Student
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Post written by CIEE Ambassador Abroad Fiona Sanchez who is currently participating in CIEE’s First Year Abroad Program in Japan. In this blog, Fiona shares her experiences of adapting to life in Japan, from peaceful mornings and unique classes to exploring the city, making new friends, and reflecting on the little surprises each day brings!
Starting the Day in a New City
My mornings in Japan have become a peaceful routine. I wake up early to catch the train to the Kezai building, the train ride being a quiet moment where I can gather my thoughts before the busy day ahead. The streets are calm, and there’s something soothing about the gentle pace of the morning here. It’s different from the rush I’m used to back home, but I’ve grown to appreciate this slower start. After a quick breakfast, I head out to explore the city on my way to university, soaking in the beautiful mix of traditional and modern architecture that defines Japan.
About The First Year Abroad Program
Since the first year abroad program is pretty new, it’s just me and one other person in all of my classes. At first, it felt kind of awkward, plus it’s hard to hide when there are only two people... but now I think it’s pretty great! I don’t feel as nervous about speaking up in class, and the participation points practically rack themselves up. It’s funny how something that seemed strange at first turned into one of my favorite parts of being here. The professors are super approachable, and it almost feels like we get private lessons sometimes, which makes learning even more interesting.
Exploring the City and New Friendships
In the afternoons, I usually find myself wandering through the streets of the city, either heading to get food or just exploring new areas nearby. Japan’s mix of nature and urban life is beautiful, the perfect balance between bustling city streets and tranquil gardens. I’ve met some new friends, and it’s been great sharing experiences with people from different parts of the world. Our most recent adventure took us to Arashiyama, where we hiked up to the monkey park. It was such a fun experience watching the monkeys roam freely while we enjoyed an amazing view of Kyoto from the top. Spending time there felt like a perfect break from city life, and it’s definitely a memory I’ll hold onto.
Reflection and Unwinding
As the day winds down, I try to take some time to relax. Honestly, some evenings I’m so tired that I end up falling asleep on the train ride home. It’s funny because I’ve noticed it’s a pretty normal thing here; it's almost comforting in a way, knowing everyone’s just as tired as I am. Once I’m back, I usually spend some time catching up on homework. Occasionally, I’ll text my family to let them know how I’m doing. It’s a small way to stay connected without feeling too homesick. After that, I’ll either scroll on my phone for a little or catch up with manga to help me unwind before bed. Japan has this way of filling each day with little surprises, and reflecting on those moments before sleeping always leaves me excited for what tomorrow might bring.
Adapting
Time is flying so fast! Though I’m only a few weeks into my time here, I feel like I’m growing and adapting more each day. The combination of university life and exploring Japan has made this experience unforgettable so far. I look forward to the last couple of weeks here. Until next time!
If you are interested in spending your first year of college abroad like I am check out CIEE’s First Year Abroad program in Japan. If you still need more information on program details feel free to schedule a call with an Enrollment Coordinator and they can help answer any questions you may have.