SP26 OCBI-III Griffin Sibley

Written by Griffin Sibley
 

When deciding where to study abroad, I wanted to challenge myself by living somewhere completely new. I also wanted a location that would give me the opportunity to explore countries and cultures that were very different from what I had experienced growing up in the United States. Most importantly, I hoped to immerse myself in a place rich in history, tradition, and culture. For all of these reasons, CIEE Kyoto was the perfect destination for my study abroad experience. 

While exploring Kyoto and the rest of Japan was one of the most rewarding aspects of my semester abroad, an unexpected benefit was the opportunity to travel throughout Asia during program breaks. These trips allowed me to experience a wide variety of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes while creating unforgettable memories with friends. 

My first trip took place between Blocks 1 and 2, when a group of friends and I traveled to Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. We began in Thailand, spending three days exploring the unique city atmosphere and enjoying what I would argue is some of the best Pad Thai I have ever eaten. Some of my favorite destinations included visiting bustling street markets, where vendors sold everything from clothing and sports jerseys to freshly prepared local dishes. The food, the markets, and the people all made Thailand an unforgettable experience. Experiencing a culture so different from my own helped me become more comfortable navigating unfamiliar environments and appreciating new ways of life. 

Next, we traveled to Vietnam, where we spent four days learning about the country’s history and culture. We visited museums focused on the Vietnam War and explored the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which provided a fascinating look into the experiences of those who lived through the conflict. We also spent time wandering through local markets and experiencing the daily life of the city. Learning about Vietnam’s history while seeing how the country has grown and changed gave me a deeper appreciation for the country today. 

Our final stop was Bali, Indonesia. Bali offered a completely different atmosphere, with vibrant beaches, sprawling rice terraces, and lush landscapes at every turn. One of the most memorable moments was visiting Nungnung Waterfall. After descending more than 500 steps, we reached a large pool beneath one of Bali’s most powerful waterfalls. It was a truly breathtaking experience, and no photos could capture the beauty or magnitude of the falls. 

Later in the semester, I spent a week in Singapore. While many travelers recommended spending only a few days in Singapore, staying for a full week allowed me to experience the city beyond its most famous attractions. In addition to seeing iconic landmarks such as the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay, I discovered local restaurants, unique architecture, and hidden corners of the city that many visitors never experience. The combination of modern innovation, cultural diversity, and incredible food made it one of the most memorable destinations I visited during my time abroad. 

Studying abroad in Kyoto opened the door to experiences far beyond the classroom. While exploring Kyoto and other parts of Japan were some of my favorite experiences, the unexpected international travel made this trip even better than expected. Each destination offered a unique perspective on culture, history, and daily life, while also teaching me valuable lessons about adaptability and independence. CIEE Kyoto helped me to adapt to a different culture, make a new group of friends, explore off-the-beaten-path Japan, making my time in Japan unforgettable. Together, these experiences transformed my semester abroad into one of the most meaningful and memorable chapters of my life. Thank you to CIEE for making studying abroad a memorable life experience.