Shelby S - Kansai-Gaidai Exchange, Japan - Spring 2014

Study Abroad Kansai Gaidai Spring 2014, Hirakata City Japan

I knew that I had always wanted to study abroad in Japan I just was not sure exactly where in Japan. I have been in the Tokyo area many times before so I knew I had to do something different this time. I choose to go to Kansai Gaidai University which is in the Kansai Region of Japan. It has been such a great experience so far. In my seminar house I meet people from all over the world. Many of the friends I have made here do not speak English as there first language. I am not only learning about Japan’s culture but cultures around the world (Korea, China, Sweden, etc).

The atmosphere at Kansai Gaidai is so friendly. Everyone on campus is willing to help you and in the Seminar houses everyone is so friendly as well. It really makes the experience much more special knowing that people are so willing to help. I’ve only been here for a couple months now but the friendships I have made are stronger than my friendships back home. Coming abroad really opened up my eyes to how different people are but so similar at the same time.

Famous Tori Gate at Miyajima Island, depending on the tide level you can go and touch it.

Since being in Japan I have been to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima island, Yokohama, Yokosuka and a few more places. It is so easy to travel in Japan, and the train are so “Benri” aka, convenient.  What I like about the Kansai region compared to Tokyo is that it is much more relaxing here and there is so much history to see. When I go to Tokyo it is exciting but I only go shopping. In Kansai I site see at temples, shrines, and see many wandering friendly deer! I have seen so much already but still have much more to see. Coming to Kansai Gaidai has been a great experience and I wish I could extend my stay. If you come here you will not regret it.

The campus seems much bigger compared to Elmhurst.

Carmen S - Gold Coast, Australia - Spring 2014

Hello from Australia!

My name is Carmen and I am currently spending the semester at Griffith University in Gold Coast.  I live a block away from the beach in Sufers Paradise, Queensland where I relax at almost everyday.  My experience has been undescribable so far.  My first few days were in Brisbane, where we walked along the river and through the Botanical Gardens.  It was the most beautiful city I've ever been to.  Jessica and I then flew up to Cairns for orientation where we went scuba diving (I touched a sea turtle and got stung by a jellyfish but it was totally worth it!), hung out with Kangaroos and Koalas in the Rainforestation, and hiked through the Botanical Gardens.  I highly recommend going to Cairns, it was well worth the trip and there were so many things to do there!  Jessica and I later went to Sydney for the weekend!  Although it was raining the whole time and I didnt pack well, we still were able to see everything we wanted to in the short amount of time.  Bondi Beach was only an hour bus ride from Sydney and that was probably my favorite part because it was the most beautiful beach I've ever seen.  We then hiked through the Blue Mountains where I was attack by leeches and we saw the 3 Sisters, still worth it. 

 Lately, Ive been doing my best to stay focused on my school work in this beautiful weather.  I tried Kangaroo meat and LOVED it.  A group of us also took surfing lessons last week and I just signed up to become a licensed scube diver!  

We plan on traveling to New Zealand soon and hopefully see more of Australia.  I've loved every second of the trip so far and I cant wait to see what else I can see and learn!