First Week in Tokyo: A High Schooler's Reflection

Evelyn C. ventured to Tokyo as a part of CIEE's High School Summer Abroad Anime & Manga Program. Staying in a youth hostel in Iidabashi, a bustling yet scenic area of Tokyo, she went to a plethora of different and exciting activities surrounding anime, manga, and Japanese culture such as taking anime drawing classes, singing karaoke, and exploring the anime capital of Tokyo, Akihabara. 

Evelyn answered a few questions about her experience in Tokyo so far and how the first week has been.

CIEE: Where are you from?

Evelyn: I'm from North Carolina.

CIEE: Why did you decide to go to Japan, and Tokyo specifically?

Evelyn: I've been wanting to go to Japan for a really long time now. I really like the culture, the food is one of my favorite types of food; I love sushi and noodles. Really big fan of Pokémon so going to the Pokémon center was a big thing to do on my list. 

CIEE: What are your initial thoughts exploring Tokyo as an anime and manga fan?

Evelyn: It's really cool because walking around, you definitely see similarities from the shows. It's cool seeing the posters and anime is clearly such an important part of the culture here. It's really interesting seeing how it is integrated into the city. 

CIEE: What is something that surprised you when you explored Tokyo?

Evelyn: How few animals there were, how much greenery there is in the city was the biggest shock, and the trash cans. The struggle with that was definitely... a struggle. 

CIEE: How would you describe this program to a friend?

Evelyn: It's a really cool program. The activities are cool, the classes are fun. The program leaders are very nice and I like them a lot. The free time is lax; it's cool that we can just go out and about. And I would definitely recommend it. 

CIEE: What advice would you give to high schoolers who are interested in learning abroad?

Evelyn: I would recommend it. For advice, just do what you want to do because you don't have that much time before you have to go out into the world. It's a really good opportunity and experience. Do it! 

CIEE's high school summer abroad programs provide teenagers with the opportunity to explore specific fields and studies while abroad. There are two sessions per summer, three to four weeks each, where students are giving a holistic and diverse experience of a country's culture and way of life. 

Ready to spend a summer abroad with CIEE? Apply today!