Returning to Kyoto — Third Time’s a Charm

There’s something about Kyoto that keeps pulling me back.
Maybe it’s the matcha, the winding narrow streets, or the simple fact that every time I leave, I immediately start thinking about my return.
Whatever the reason, I’m thrilled to say that I’m back in the ancient capital once again—this time stepping into a new role as a CIEE Business & Marketing Intern.

How It All Started: My First Encounter with CIEE and Kyoto

My journey with CIEE began in the fall of 2023 when I studied abroad in Kyoto as a college student.
That semester changed how I view global education and international travel. When I returned to the U.S., I couldn’t shake the feeling that my time in Kyoto wasn’t finished yet. I began searching for any opportunity to return.

Just two months later, I received an offer from CIEE that I couldn’t resist—coming back to Kyoto, not as a student this time, but as a High School Summer Abroad (HSSA) Alumni Intern.

Supporting the High School Program

In that role, I worked closely with the Kyoto Center Director and staff, supporting high school students during excursions and capturing special moments for CIEE’s social media.
My tasks ranged from attending weekly excursions to curating a yearbook so students could hold on to their Kyoto memories for years to come.

Because I had just been in their shoes months earlier, I understood exactly how it feels to navigate public transportation, adjust to local customs, and explore a new city for the first time.
Seeing the passion and effort that goes into the Kyoto program firsthand planted the seed that would eventually bring me back once more.

And Now—My Third Time Back, in a New Professional Role

Now, I’m thrilled to be in Kyoto for the third time with CIEE, and I’m officially in my second week as a Business & Marketing Intern—a role that fits perfectly with my studies in Marketing and International Business.

Although my responsibilities look a bit different now, my mornings still start the same way:
a short local train ride from my apartment, the smell of fresh pastries drifting through the station, and a quick stop at a kombini for my yogurt and Kyoto matcha latte before heading to the office.

What My Work Looks Like Day‑to‑Day

Once I arrive at the office, I jump into a mix of projects that keep every day exciting and unpredictable.

Some days, I support marketing initiatives by updating and organizing assets or trying to figure out how to print a seven‑foot banner in a country whose language I’m still learning.
Other days, I focus on site‑specific operational goals, including helping manage the @cieekyoto Instagram account.

It’s a balance of creativity, logistics, and problem‑solving—no two days are ever the same.

A Glimpse Into My Social Media Work

Here’s an example of some of the social media content I’ve worked on for @cieekyoto.
Every Friday, we host cultural excursions around Kyoto, and one of my responsibilities is to attend and capture snapshots of these memorable experiences.

Want to Follow Along?

If you’d like to follow my journey through Kyoto and beyond, you can find me on Instagram at @myachuntao.
And if you want to hear more about my experience or have questions about CIEE programs, feel free to reach out—I’d love to connect!