James

Name: James

Majors: International Business/Finance

Program: Temple UniversityJapan

Where: Tokyo, Japan

When: Spring 2006

Favorite Course: Japanese Elements II

Highlight: Mt.Fuji Trip

Best Excursion: Trip to Kyoto

Favorite Dish: conveyor belt sushi

Describe your most memorable experience while abroad.

I am very glad that I had a roommate who has relatives living in Japan. I was invited to spend some nights at his grandparents’ place. The experience was amazing and memorable as well. Even though I had never met them before this time, I was treated like an honored guest, with a high level of respect. They prepared so much traditional food that my roommate and I couldn’t finish it all. Out of all the delicious dishes, sushi and tuna sashimi were some of my favorites. At night, we moved the dining table to the side of the room and made our beds on the open area by putting thick blankets on top of the tatami mat. We could then sleep in the traditional Japanese manner. In addition, I did not miss the chance to practice my Japanese with the natives. His grandmother was a talkative person; she knew that my Japanese skills were limited, but she kept telling me stories and jokes to help me learn more. I often picked up what she said and added a comment or two to keep the conversation going, and she was always very excited when seeing me trying to speak the language.

What is one piece of advice you would pass on to a student who is about to study abroad?

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make sure to get the most out of it. Always live each day like it’s the last day.