Never in my life would I have ever thought that I would get the chance to study abroad in Japan, especially during my four years of college.
I remember always hearing stories back in elementary school when friends’ older siblings would get the chance to study abroad. I always used to think that it was the coolest thing, being able to finish school on the other side of the globe. At the time, I could only hope that I would get a similar opportunity when the time was right.
Going into college, I had kind of come up with the negative idea that maybe studying abroad wouldn’t be a possibility. I had fallen out of hope for no good reason at that point, but I thankfully decided to work hard and continue applying for scholarships.
From then on, an opportunity arose in which I had received a scholarship that would guide and support me throughout my four years in college. I was even made aware that this scholarship highly encourages students to study abroad, as they would help students with the cost of the classes.
I knew that I couldn’t let this opportunity pass, so I started doing my research on the study abroad program during my sophomore year. At first, I was planning on applying for that summer, but I wasn’t aware that I should have been applying since the fall semester instead of the spring.
This was a sort blessing in disguise as it let me really think about where I would want to study and what classes I would like to do abroad.
It has always been a dream of mine to go to Japan, and during this time I found out that SJMC Japan would allow me to finish my classes for my electronic media major. I knew that I had always wanted to write on the go but writing about my travels was the next level. I knew that I needed to be a part of this class right away.
The next year, I made sure to apply early in the fall semester. I also made sure to let my advisers know what my plan was for the next two years of college. I double checked that everything was in order, and I sent in my application. I was so excited that I was already imagining what I would want to write about, as well as what I wanted to shoot for Instagram posts and videos.
I’ve always wanted to get better with managing social media, as well as using social media as a promotional tool. I knew that these two classes were perfect for what I wanted to learn, but to be able to take them in one of the most beautiful countries in the world was just a huge blessing and a dream come true. I was eager to learn more about the culture and the country as a whole, so much, in fact, that I would watch YouTube videos about different eras in the country’s history. It’s crazy to say, but studying abroad in Japan was all I could think about during this past spring semester.
As we inched closer, it was nice getting to know everybody during our few meetings before the trip. The meetings calmed anxieties and gave me a better focus for what I was trying to accomplish while taking these classes. Strengthening my editing and social media skills, learning how to write on the go, as well as documenting my day in a professional and organized manner.
Thankfully this experience has done exactly that. I feel more confident when it comes to travel writing and mobile storytelling. I believe this is true because before I even stepped foot on the plane, I knew what topics I wanted to explore for my assignments. I made sure that schedules were aligned with the classes and that I would have time to go to a car meet in Tokyo, find music-related activities in Kyoto and film a guitar store in any of the three cities.
Once on the plane, I got started on some writing just to be more prepared and to have more time to explore and feel like an adventurer throughout Japan. I remember actually feeling a bit nervous for the flight at first. Thankfully, those 11 hours zoomed by and by the end, it felt like I would be able to travel anywhere without having to worry about the flights.
Once we landed, I was hit with an emotion of not being able to believe that I was on the other side of the world. I had just stepped foot in Japan, a place that I thought was going to stay on the bucket list for a while, but thankfully, I was lucky enough to experience its glory while in college. I was so excited that I couldn’t wait to leave the airport and start exploring.
Along with three other students, I arrived at Tokyo Haneda Airport about 10 hours before the rest of the students and faculty in SJMC Japan. The first thing we did was hop on a train and head straight to the first hotel to drop off our luggage. Thankfully, this gave us time to learn how to navigate the subway as well as get a feel for what to expect when it comes to social norms and being respectful.
I remember being surprised by how clean everything actually was as well as how quiet the subway train was. From the hotel, we went straight to Shibuya, and I will never forget seeing the city for the first time as I came up from the station. We were right across the street from Shibuya Crossing, and I couldn’t believe that I was looking at the real thing.
We explored for a bit and I sure found out what Don Quijote, a discount department store, was. On this day I also had my first Japanese meal, and that’s when it all really hit me. I couldn’t believe I was eating ramen that was so good in a country that was so beautiful.
There were many standout moments on this trip for me, with two being exploring Miyajima Island and seeing Daibutsu (the Great Buddha of Kamakura) as a group. I was working on the daily blog post the day that we saw Daibutsu in all its glory, and I remember thinking that documenting that day was one of the best assignments I’ve ever gotten to do.
I also thought to myself that I would be blessed if I ever find a job that will let me write about my experiences around the world. This trip really opened my interest to that. It also opened my eyes to seeing that there really are so many options in life and that I shouldn’t let the future worry me when I’m not even sure what’s to come. It made me learn and experience that the unknown could be a blessing in disguise.
I felt this same sense of relief and wonder while exploring Miyajima. If there was one location in all of Japan where I would feel like I wouldn’t want to leave, it would for sure be living a secluded life on Miyajima. I felt so relaxed and I feel like it’s the perfect place where you can take in Japan’s beautiful nature. From its waves crashing on the shores to its tall trees making the island smell so good to the friendly deer that roam the place, Miyajima felt like home away from home.
Other standouts were the places I experienced while working on my travel stories and reels. A few of them include the downtown Tokyo area like the Tokyo Tower and Daikoku while being driven around in a decked-out sports car. I thankfully did all the background research beforehand, so I basically got to enjoy riding around the city as we saw the neon light reflecting off of everything. I just made sure to record videos and get some good pictures with my camera that I had brought along.
It was amazing to be able to see the Nissan Skyline in what seemed like the perfect city for it to be driving around in. Being in that car as we cruised through the city was just an unforgettable experience, and it really made me feel like I was in the middle of a movie. I also got to see live music and visit record stores and music stores while in Tokyo and Kyoto. Thankfully, just being there made for some really cool reels, as well as some touching travel stories that I am really happy with.
Overall, I feel like this once-in-a lifetime trip really rewired my brain,and changed my college and life experience for the better. I got to see so many beautiful sights, surrounded by such a good group of people, that I really just had the time of my life.
I am really happy and grateful that I feel like I now have a better understanding of travel writing and mobile storytelling, so much in fact that I can actually see myself doing something similar as a career. I learned that I could manage promotional material on social media, and I will continue to apply new techniques to my own Instagram account, including adding voiceovers, interesting edits and staying consistent.
I feel like this would benefit my music, as I will continue to work on that as well. I am also grateful that I now have such a special study abroad program to add to my resume and portfolio with works that I am very happy to share. I hope to apply and land great internships and job positions after this experience, as I start job hunting and get closer to the end of my college days.
I am really grateful and blessed to have been a part of the SJMC Japan program for the summer of 2026. I will apply what I learned to my current day job as well as my career in the future. I feel like this trip has also been beneficial for me in ways that I can’t even see yet. I just know that when the day comes when a new door opens, I will forever be thankful for the door that opened with SJMC Japan 2026.
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