Last time, I talked about the Bamboo Trail in Kyoto. This time, I want to focus more on city life—specifically, that of Osaka! I’ve had the opportunity to explore many different parts of Japan, from Kyoto to Nara to my local Kansai area. However, Osaka has to be my favorite place to explore, with its vibrant nightlife, amazing food, and abundance of activities. If you’re … Continue reading A Love Letter to Osaka City! by Nathaniel Mejia
Kyoto’s Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama Park is a site containing various important historical landmarks and temples, also home to the villa of a famous Japanese silent film actor, Okochi Sanso. There, I had the opportunity to explore the home of the famous actor as well as various shrines dotted both within and outside his abode. The climb up to his Villa however, was quite challenging. … Continue reading Exploring the Kyoto’s Bamboo forest by Nathaniel Mejia
When I first arrived in Seoul, South Korea, I was full of excitement and curiosity—but nothing could have prepared me for the richness of the culture I was about to experience. From ancient palaces to futuristic cityscapes, Seoul is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, and living here has been nothing short of life-changing. One of the most unforgettable parts of my journey has … Continue reading Embracing the Unknown: My Cultural Journey Abroad by Juliet Rivera-Cedillo
Balancing daily life affairs, classes, mandatory program meetings, and exploring my host country has proven to be a learned skill. During my first two weeks abroad it was easy to visit the local war memorials, art museums, and local hotspots such as Myeondong and Hongdae. Classes were still short, and it was highly encouraged to go and explore the city! But as my … Continue reading Day in the Life by Shannon Feagin
Coming to S. Korea for the first time, I understood there would be ways of life to become accustomed to—obvious things, such as the language barrier, transportation, and social norms. Once I arrived, it became clear to me very quickly that I would need to change a lot more than the way I spoke, got around, and made friends. Koreans eat at different times of … Continue reading Reflection by Shannon Feagin
Embarking on my Semester At Sea journey, we were presented with an extraordinary opportunity—to travel from Belgium to Thailand, passing through the Suez Canal and visiting 12 diverse countries along the way. However, the course of our adventure took an unexpected turn due to an unforeseen conflict in the Middle East. Originally set to enter the Suez Canal and explore destinations like Jordan, Dubai, and … Continue reading Reflection after Semester at Sea by Chase Hirshorn
Embarking on Semester At Sea is like stepping into a dream for any college student. The sheer awesomeness of traveling the globe on a cruise ship, hitting up three continents and thirteen ports, transforms us into true global citizens. Living among 500 fellow students and 300 staff members creates an incredible sense of community. We’re not just studying abroad; we’re coexisting, learning, and exploring together. … Continue reading Day in the life on Semester At Sea by Chase Hirshorn
After feeling like I had found my place in Singapore, I started planning trips. I first went to Bangkok, Thailand. I will be honest and state that I did not love it. Nevertheless, it was a great experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. It has made me more appreciative of the countries I have lived in or visited. It is a very … Continue reading Traveling through Asia from Singapore by Madison Caranta
I left my home in France to go to the small country of Singapore on August 5th excited to start a new chapter of my life. But, as the plane made its way down to land, I started to panic. I was absolutely petrified. I was looking directly at the tarmac completely shocked with what was about to happen. In approximately 30 seconds I was … Continue reading Singapore… Oh lovely Singapore! By Madison Caranta
Name: Madison Caranta Major: International Business Minor 1: Global Logistics and Transportation Minor 2: Economics Host Program/Institution: TEAN – Singapore Management University (SMU) Why did you choose your program? I chose this program because I’d never been to Asia. I was born and raised in France, so I know Europe quite well. My mother is American, and I visit her side of the family in … Continue reading Introduction by Madison Caranta
