Meet Your Academic Coordinator!

Hi everyone! My name is Michi Fukushima, and I’m your Academic Coordinator here at CIEE Kyoto. Thank you for stopping by to read my blog—I’m excited to finally introduce myself here!

I was born and raised in Kyoto in a Japanese American household, which gave me a bicultural upbringing from an early age. As a child, I spent many summers visiting the U.S. to see my grandparents in Wisconsin and traveling abroad with my family. My parents, wishing me and my brother to have a chance to connect to our American culture, encouraged us to move to the U.S. for higher education. As university professors themselves, they deeply value the freedom of the Western education system, where students are encouraged to explore different interests and change their majors whenever they want. Inspired by that spirit, I followed my passion for art and majored in Animation at DePaul University in Chicago, focusing on Storytelling and Character Design. I even got to study figure drawing from a former Disney animator who worked on Tigger—such a memorable experience! My passion for international education comes from my own experience navigating life across cultures. I’ve experienced firsthand how studying abroad can be incredibly challenging but very rewarding, and how it can expand your worldview significantly. I’m excited to support you as you embark on your own journey!

One of the best things I gained from living abroad was the confidence to explore on my own. Outside of work, I love going on solo adventures. One of my favorite things to do is to walk around cities on foot—wandering without a plan. During a trip to New York, I even ended up walking around Manhattan for seven hours straight (with a quick burrito break at hour four). That spontaneous adventure later gave me the confidence to take a solo trip to South Korea! These days, you’ll often find me strolling through downtown Kyoto, uncovering hidden gems in my hometown. Areas I have the most fun exploring are: Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Shirakawa Canal, Arashiyama, and all the Aeon malls.

I’m also a homebody: I love painting, watching movies, and spending time with my cat. I am especially drawn to the art of storytelling and character development in films. In my natural habitat, I am watching film analysis videos on YouTube, scrolling on Pinterest for art inspo with one hand, and giving my kitty some chin scratches with the other.

I’ve lived through it all—passing by miles of cornfields in Wisco, the busy streets of downtown Chicago, and the cultural heart of Japan here in Kyoto. And I can confidently say, Kyoto is a city like no other. It’s a city that blends culture, history, nature, and modern life in a way unlike anywhere else. Even if your stay here is short and sweet, I hope this place feels like home to you too.

I joined CIEE in March 2025, and it’s been such a joy to be welcomed into a globally diverse team filled with inspiring people. As your Academic Coordinator, I’m here to support both our amazing faculty and you, the students. Whether it’s academic support, cultural adaptation, or just needing someone to talk to, we’re here for you. With that said, I’m very much looking forward to welcoming you all to our Kyoto programs and can’t wait to be part of your journey here!

– Michi