My name is Angela, and I studied abroad in Japan with SPC while taking the course “East-West Synthesis”. I visited several cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Hakone, and Osaka. My experience studying abroad can be described as nothing other than absolutely amazing. Not only because it was one of my dreams to visit Japan, but also because I got the chance to immerse myself in another culture’s environment and truly experience what it’s like to be a global citizen.
While in Japan, I got to see cultural sites such as the Great Buddha Statue in the beautiful beach town of Kamakura, the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine located on a mountain in Kyoto, took a cable car up a mountain in Hakone to see a stellar view of Mt. Fuji, and visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where I had an in-utero survivor as my tour guide.
Not only did I receive an educational experience, but I also got the opportunity to live like a Japanese local. I had the chance to be styled in a traditional kimono from head to toe, including the wooden sandals and chopstick-style hairdo, and walk the streets of Kyoto. I also ate authentic ramen, fresh sushi, and tried wagyu steak for the first time. One of my favorite parts of this trip was taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) from city to city.
The most unforgettable experience of them all was making lasting friendships with my classmates on this trip, and quickly we went from strangers to close friends. This was my first study abroad trip, but it definitely will not be my last. I’ve now been inspired to travel to other countries to gain a similar cultural experience. And for that, I have St. Petersburg College to thank. Arigatō, SPC!
– Angela, SPC Japan Study Abroad Program, May 2025