Located across from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts gave SJMC Japan students an opportunity to learn about university life in Japan while connecting with students their own age.
Founded in 1876, Doshisha Women’s College was established at a time when educational opportunities for women in Japan were limited. The university was founded on Christian principles and has grown into one of Japan’s most well-known women’s colleges. Today, the university continues to educate students while maintaining many of the values that shaped its founding.
Doshisha Women’s College students led SJMC Japan students on a tour of the campus and gave short presentations about the university’s history. Students visited several historic buildings, including the campus chapel, which was constructed in 1932 and continues to be used for university ceremonies and events.
The group also visited one of the university’s oldest buildings, which now serves as both a museum and an educational space. Students viewed exhibits about the individuals who played important roles in the university’s founding and history. Additional stops included academic buildings, study spaces and student cafeteria, where students learned that breakfast is available for only 100 yen (about 70 cents USD).
While the campus tour offered insight into the university’s history, the highlight of the visit came when students joined a senior seminar course and met with Doshisha students.
Students were divided into small discussion groups and spent time comparing daily life, academics and culture in Japan and in the United States. Conversations covered everything from favorite foods and music to career goals and life after graduation.
“I really enjoyed getting to meet Japanese students and students from different cultures,” said Cadyn Perkins, digital media innovation senior. “I think it’s really fun to be able to compare our different college experiences and see what similarities we also have and be able to bond over that.”
Throughout the discussions, students learned about different aspects of university life in Japan. Some Doshisha students shared details about their daily commutes, including train rides that lasted more than an hour each way, while others discussed living independently near campus and preparing for careers after graduation. Students also learned about differences in campus life while discovering how much they had in common with the students they met.
Camren Nichols, an electronic media junior, said she enjoyed learning about both the differences and similarities between the two groups.
“I really enjoyed getting to know students at DWCLA because it was interesting learning about the differences between our two cultures,” Nichols said. “Even though we were both girls around the same age, there were still experiences that each of us had that the other didn’t simply because of our vastly different cultures. However, we were able to bond over things like the snacks we liked or the music we enjoyed, like K-pop or Harry Styles.”
Despite the cultural differences, students found common ground through shared interests and experiences. Many conversations continued beyond the classroom as students exchanged gifts, took photos together and discussed topics ranging from sports and music to Japanese and American food.
For many students, the visit provided a perspective on Japan that extended beyond the country’s historic landmarks and tourist destinations.
“Visiting the university was one of my favorite experiences from this program,” journalism senior Taylor Carrasco said. “It was a big culture shock to share our similarities and differences. The girls were lovely, Mio and Yuzuki, and I loved how we were able to bond over things such as baseball, music and loving Japanese food. It reminded me that there is so much in the world and so many different people to meet.”
The visit allowed students to experience a side of Japan that cannot always be seen through museums, shrines or popular tourist destinations. By speaking directly with Japanese students, participants gained a better understanding of daily life, education and culture in Kyoto.
Nearly 150 years after its founding, Doshisha Women’s College continues to bring students together through education and cultural exchange.
For SJMC Japan students, the visit offered more than a campus tour—it provided an opportunity to learn from students whose experiences were different from their own while discovering how much they had in common.
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