My full-circle journey in Kyoto

Written by Andi Patiware Metaragakusuma, Program Assistant

About me

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to finally introduce myself. Hi, I’m Kusuma, your Program Assistant. I officially joined the CIEE Kyoto family this past May. I am absolutely thrilled to spend my time helping you navigate and fall in love with this beautiful city. As an Indonesian living in Japan, my path to CIEE Kyoto has been a long, beautiful, full-circle journey, and I wanted to share a bit of my story with you.

Believing in the impossible dream

Believe it or not, I used to be exactly where you are right now. I came from a humble family, where studying in Japan felt like nothing more than a distant, impossible dream. However, my first taste of Japan came during my university days in Indonesia, when I participated in a free 3-month homestay program was offered. At that time, forget about Japan—I hadn't even been to our own nation’s capital! Yet, I gathered the courage to apply. Against all the odds, I passed. It became my very first time traveling abroad, and ironically, my first time stepping foot in my own capital city, even if it was just for a flight transit at the airport.

Those three months changed everything for me. When it was time to fly back home, I looked out the airplane window and made a firm promise to myself: I would find a way back here to get my postgraduate degree. Fast forward to about 14 years ago, and that dream came true. I returned to Japan for my graduate degree, a journey that lasted five and a half years of intense learning, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories.

Remarkably, my time in Japan as an international student also opened opportunities for me to travel to several countries in Asia. Then, after graduating, choosing to live and work in Japan opened even bigger doors to travel outside of Asia, including to the U.S.—and everything was fully funded because these travels were related to my study and work in Japan, lucky me! Looking back, if I hadn't taken that chance on the free homestay program all those years ago, I might still be in the exact same town where I was born and raised in Indonesia, instead of being here in CIEE Kyoto today.

Why I’m here for you  

When the opportunity came up to join CIEE Kyoto, I knew it was fate. Having experienced Japan both as a short-term exchange student and as a long-term resident, I know exactly what it feels like to step off the plane into a completely different world. I know the excitement of seeing Kyoto’s historic temples for the first time, but I also know the minor panic of trying to read a train map, understanding public information written in Japanese characters, or figuring out how to sort your trash correctly.

That is exactly why I am here. My main goal is to be your support system, your cultural bridge, and your biggest cheerleader. Whether you need help with your daily student life, tips on the best local spots in Kyoto, or just a friendly face to talk to when you’re feeling a bit homesick, I’ve got your back.

Our program flies by incredibly fast, but the impact of studying abroad can last a lifetime (just look at me, 14 years later!). So, when you see me around, please come say hi! I can’t wait to hear about your adventures, your favorite convenience store snacks, and what you're loving most about Kyoto so far.

Let's make your time in your program unforgettable.