I spent the past spring semester studying at Waseda University in Tokyo. During my time there, I discovered some pretty awesome things in Japan — things so awesome, I think they should come to America.
So, after all these posts, are you interested? I hope I've managed to make clear how valuable a study abroad experience is--the hard part is figuring out which one is right for you. In order to present the Kenyon Exeter program as broadly as possible, Jenna Nobbs '15, another member of the program, has also contributed a piece about her experience. We share a lot of the same positive sentiments: the work, the independence, the travel. I think the differences in our experiences are valuable, and I hope you take the time to read both sides as you work towards a decision.
One of the differences in the British curriculum is something I literally just learned about: they have three terms. The extra third term is there for exams--which, as an abroad student with the classes I've chosen, I don't have. Therefore, when the second term ends, we essentially have two months of "free time." I put that in quotes, because it's possibly the busiest time of the year. This is where all the traveling goes, the group trips, the bucket list items, all scheduled around final essays. I just returned from a three-week bender in Europe, and tried to document it as best as I could. Here's a taster of what I got up to. Now it's just time to hunker down and write before jetting off to Scotland in a week.
Coming at you with another video today, this one detailing the recent time I've spent with my family who came over to visit me. It was a lot of fun, and something refreshing amidst this cloud of essays and stress. I start traveling soon, but for now, here's a little something to stave off homesickness for the next few months!
Being abroad does inspire a certain sense of adventure, and since arriving in England, I've become much more eager and comfortable with travel and the relinquishing of plans in favor of simply strolling. Here's a video of my latest wander.