Why Kyoto? My Decision to Go from Washington State to High School Abroad in Japan 

This post was written by CIEE Global Navigator alum Carolina P. from Washington who participated in the Global Navigator Marketing Internship in spring of 2025. 

More often than not, people ask me “Why Japan?” In fact, my mother's side of the family asked me “Why not Spain? Or Mexico?”  

Why did I decide to take a leap of faith across the Pacific rather than where my heritage began? Thanks to my Abue and Abuelo, funny enough, I found something I love. 

1. The Sushi 

I know, it sounds a bit absurd, but its true. Sushi with my Abue and Abuelo was such a treat.  

Since I could remember, I would grab plate after plate off the conveyer belt and my mother would have to restrain me for taking too much. The way the fresh, mouthwatering dishes would circle around and around… I fell in love.  

It wasn’t until one day back at school, that one of my friends had announced her return from this country called Japan. The minute my friend said, “We ate a lot of sushi too!”  

Bingo. That was all I needed in order to know where I wanted to go. 

2. The Language 

Over snippets of time, my love for sushi mellowed out as well as the strong desire to visit Japan.  

Around COVID, whilst everyone was stuck inside, I thought it might be a good idea to learn another language. I began by searching up “Japanese alphabet”, which provided me with 

Challenge #1: English isn’t the only language in the world. 

Younger Carolina had assumed all languages had one alphabet with a few characters you would mix around. With that, of course they have similar characteristics like English…right? The realization had hit me like a ton of bricks that every language was so uniquely different.  

Challenge #2: Japanese has three alphabets: Hiragana (ひらがな), Katakana (カタカナ), and Kanji (漢字). 

I began with Hiragana and Katakana using Duolingo, later pairing it with everyday phrases to start. Eventually, I registered in an online class where I got a peek at a whole new learning community. From there, over a 2-year span of time, I loosely studied Japanese through self-study, tutoring, until I reached high school where they offered it as a class. 

3. The Dream 

With my dive into Japanese language and culture, I learned of an opportunity called “Study abroad” which had been brought up through media.  

I remember the day clearly; my mother and I were at brunch when I asked her what my dad thought of the pitch “High School Abroad in Kyoto, Japan!”! My parents and I worked to create a reasonable plan.  

After the final "yes," I started my application right away.  

4. The Study Abroad 

My four months in Japan were the most influential months of my 17 years of living.  

The joy of waking up at the crack of dawn, looking at the 32 C weather and sighing as I slipped my woolen sweater vest on. Wind chimes ring during class, girls with their mini fans to beat the heat, and endless amounts of カラオケ(karaoke).  

Dreams come with tough moments too. Missing my family because I don’t know enough Japanese or accidentally sleeping past my stop on the train. Of course, the realization of it all coming to a close. 

5. The Now 

In the wake of those four months, I continue to keep connections and spread my love of culture through my community at home.  

The adjustment back wasn’t swift, but things are starting to level out. For parents, maybe your kid will want to go back, or maybe their study abroad was just right. But I can assure you, their views of the world will also expand.  

Studying abroad is a genuine way to experience the world, so if you want to spread your wings, find a way to do it. If study abroad is too expensive, apply for scholarships and fundraise! Maybe your parents don’t like the idea, show them the value and benefits.  

Worried about academics? CIEE is made for students like you who reach for any challenge they can get. 

Dreams exist for a reason, so make sure to hold on to them tight.  

Your Dream Starts Here!