Finding a Second Home in Kyoto

By William Karantonis 

Introduction 

When I first arrived in Kyoto, Japan,  I didn’t know what to expect, however I quickly realized I made one of the best decisions of my life. Before coming, I never truly traveled out of the country, let alone flying 18 hours by myself. As a University of Massachusetts Lowell Student, I chose to do my first block in Kyoto because I wanted to immerse myself in a unique, traditional culture, while completing my general education requirements. I wanted to learn how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. 

From the moment I stepped foot outside of the Osaka airport, I knew everything would be alright. The mix between traditional culture and modern life that Kyoto brought made every day feel like a new, exciting adventure! 

Academics & Excursions   

One of the most memorable parts of my experience with CIEE Kyoto were the courses and excursions. My Modernizing Ancient Japan course allowed me to dive deep into historical Japanese eras, while also giving me the opportunity to visit sites I learned about, such as the Imperial Palace. I especially enjoyed the flexibility that came with taking ASU online courses as I could both enjoy Kyoto, and stay on track to graduate. 

The various excursions that CIEE staff took my peers and I on were also memorable. Whether it was the overnight trip to Osaka & Universal Studios, or visiting Arashiyama to see monkeys and a bamboo forest, there was never a dull moment. 

Life Outside the Classroom 

Living in Kyoto allowed me to fully immerse myself in Japanese culture. I loved spending my free time traveling around the city, visiting street markets, trying new foods like sashimi & okonomiyaki, and seeing beautiful temples & shrines. 

One of my favorite memories was spending my 21st birthday with friends I met on the program. We celebrated with a traditional Japanese dinner and played arcade games! Moments like this helped me adjust to the city and pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Whether it was my 30 minute walk to class, learning how to overcome the language barrier, animal cafes, or late night 7/11 runs, Kyoto became my home away from home. 

Personal Reflection 

Choosing to study abroad in Kyoto helped me grow immensely and made me overall a happier person. I know now how to navigate unfamiliar environments & public transportation systems, stay open minded, and be more independent. Living in Japan challenged me; it taught me how to face the unknown and smile through it. 

This experience helped me understand myself better, it taught me that life is all about what you make out of it. I learned that it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey that gets you there, and I’m forever grateful Kyoto had a part in my journey. 

Closing Thoughts  

Looking back, my time at CIEE Kyoto was truly unforgettable. This experience was magical - it was everything I hoped for and more. I’m incredibly thankful for the life lessons, staff, and friends I met along the way. If I could give one piece of advice to someone considering CIEE Kyoto, it would be to just do it! Don’t be afraid to get lost in the city by yourself, and remember there’s always a flight back home.