First Day at J.F. Oberlin University
I’m currently in my last two weeks of studying abroad, and it’s crazy to think I’ve been away from home for a month already. Through this program and classes, I have taken so far. I’ve been able to meet new people, eat different foods, and explore. While in Japan, the Buddy program at J.F. Oberlin University has been so much fun. Everyone was so welcoming and wanted to interact with us foreign students. I got to learn a lot about Japanese customs and student life. My buddy Komachi was the sweetest person, and it was amazing to hang out with her. The class I took, Japanese Anime and Popular Culture, was interesting. We learned about anime, its influence on pop culture, and went on scavenger hunts in Akihabara and Ikebukuro. The other field trips were the Anime Tokyo Station and the Suginami Animation museum. It gave more insight into anime history, exhibits, and activities we could do. As a big anime fan, it was awesome to see in person. The program also had activities planned for us kimono wearing, calligraphy, and tea ceremony. It was wonderful to participate in Japanese culture and learn of its significance. I’m now in South Korea for the rest of my study abroad. I have already been on a lot of field trips and buddy activities. We have buddy activities with Sogang students every week on Mondays and Wednesdays. So far, I have joined the Seoul City Bus Tour, Bowling, Deoksugung Palace/Cheonggycheon Stream, and the Han River Picnic. I have really enjoyed seeing the sights, eating food, and having a great time. The class I’m taking in Korea is Introduction to the World of Korean Religions. A class that really shows various perspectives in Korea. We have gone on field trips to a few Buddhist temples, the Chondogyo headquarters, and looked around Sogang University’s religious statues. Overall, this program showed me a side of the world that’s so different from mine. Trying many foods like Korean pancake, Japanese curry, strawberry mochi, hot pot, etc. The sights of the mountains, temples, tall buildings, trains, etc. Left me in awe and wanting to take everything in while I’m abroad.
Strawberry Mochi at Asakusa during Kimono wearing
Kamakura
Suginami Animation Museum Activity
First Day at Sogang University
Namsan Seoul Tour
Buddhist Temple