Hello from Kyoto!

Hello from Kyoto! My name is Nanaka. I’m part of the College Student Life Team at CIEE Kyoto. I first joined CIEE as an intern for three months back in 2022, and I’ve recently returned to the team after spending about two years backpacking in Australia as a working holiday maker. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to explore new places, meet amazing people, and grow in ways I never expected. Now that I’m back in Japan, I’ve been enjoying supporting students and sharing meaningful experiences here in Kyoto. 

How I joined CIEE Kyoto back in 2022 was a funny miracle—a serendipitous encounter that brought me here. I met a previous center director of CIEE Kyoto at a random station. Funny enough, it was the *wrong* station for me. Somehow, we started chatting, and I honestly don’t even remember how the conversation began. I think I was not totally happy with where I was, and maybe just needed to talk to someone. So we chatted until Karasuma-Oike, which is a nearest station both from CIEE center and from my previous workplace. It wasn’t a long conversation, but it felt meaningful.

Not long after, I made a big decision: I quit my previous job and ended up doing an internship with CIEE Kyoto. I interned with CIEE Kyoto until I left Japan for Australia. During that time, I really appreciated the chance to support international students and enjoyed helping them enrich their lives in Kyoto. It was such a rewarding experience. I’m still grateful for that moment of serendipity. 

My original plan to go to Australia was cancelled because of COVID, but I didn’t want to give up on the idea—so I decided to go with any Working Holiday Visa. Once I arrived, I ended up moving around the country quite a bit, either to find new jobs or simply to feel refreshed in a new environment. Each time I moved, I met new people, and I was lucky to make friends from many different countries. Even though the time I spent with those new friends was often short, they still feel really special to me. One thing I realized through my experience is that depending on where and when you decide to go, you’ll have completely different encounters and that’s part of the beauty of it. I’ve come to really enjoy meeting new people in this way, and I always appreciate those serendipitous encounters that feel like they were meant to happen.

It feels so good to be back in my hometown, Kyoto, after spending the last two years living in Australia. One of the best parts has been reconnecting with my family and friends. Another thing I’ve come to appreciate all over again is just how amazing Japan is when it comes to food and general service. Also I've been enjoying the seasonal flowers, like autumn leaves and cherry blossoms (sakura). In my free time, I enjoy playing the guitar, crocheting, and taking photos with my film camera. 

Since coming back, I’ve also taken a couple of short overnight trips with my family—one to Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture and another to Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture. The nature in both places was stunning, and the atmosphere felt so peaceful. These moments reminded me how beautiful Japan really is and how lucky I am to call it home.

I’m sure that choosing to try something new will bring you the rewards you deserve for your bravery. Stepping out of your comfort zone can inspire new ideas for your future plans. It would be an honor for us if you chose Kyoto to start a new chapter of your life😊