Tanaka and Green Essay – Mariana Salas

From the moment my friend and I had missed our flight from NRT to KIX and shortly
after almost missed the last Shinkansen of the night to get to Kyoto, I knew my time abroad
would be a challenge. However, little did I know that these early hurdles would actually set the
stage for an unforgettable study abroad experience in Japan.

As we arrived in Kyoto, with a mix of exhaustion and a hint of chaos, I couldn’t help but
marvel at the foreign signs, colorful vending machines, and konbinis on every corner that
awaited us. With each passing day, I began to realize that these challenges were not obstacles but
rather opportunities for personal growth and resilience. Throughout my time in Japan, I
approached each obstacle with a positive and open-minded mindset. Whether it was navigating
the complex train systems or overcoming language barriers, I discovered a newfound sense of
adaptability within myself. Beyond the challenges, my study abroad experience was an
unforgettable journey of cultural immersion and self-discovery. With every day that went by I
discovered new layers of Japan’s rich culture and history. Living in Kyoto, the ancient capital of
Japan, was an incredible experience that showed me breathtaking landscapes, temples, and a
blend of old and new. I also had the privilege of exploring different cities such as Tokyo, Osaka,
Kobe, Nara, and other places outside Kyoto.

Beyond the cultural experiences, Kyoto offered a vibrant and inspiring academic
environment. One of the most transformative aspects of my study abroad experience was the
opportunity to study at Ritsumeikan University. Immersed in a new educational system, I had the
honor of studying alongside passionate students from all over the world, engaging in
thought-provoking discussions that expanded and challenged my perspectives, and learned from
esteemed professors. In group projects and classroom discussions, I had the chance to learn from
my peers’ diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking. These interactions taught me
invaluable lessons in teamwork, cross-cultural communication, the power of collaboration, and
allowed me to make lifelong friends who I will never forget. I was able to take fascinating
courses like Kyoto and the Japanese Arts, Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and
Japanese culture and society related courses.

Beyond the classroom, I had the opportunity to intern at the Utoro Peace Memorial
Museum in Uji. The internship I undertook during my study abroad program was a
transformative and rewarding experience. I was able to learn more about the ethnic Zainichi
community in the area and meet residents of the community through events at the museum.
During my time at the internship, I was able to show my enthusiasm for social media in order to
bring attention to the Zainichi community abroad and the younger generations while also
collaborating with people who were passionate about their work at the museum. It was a unique
internship that pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown.
Overall, the internship was a crucial component of my study abroad experience, bridging the gap
between academic knowledge and professional application.

As I conclude this essay I look back at my two years in Japan that left me with cherished
memories that will last me a lifetime. Looking into the future I don’t think I will ever be able to
explain and express everything that I was able to accomplish and encounter during my time in
Japan. Studying abroad has been a life-changing experience for me. I hope that with my
knowledge I can bridge multiple cultures as a Hispanic-American in the future. As I embark onto
my next journey in my hometown in Washington, DC I hope that one day I can come back to
Japan for work and travel.

I am incredibly grateful to a number of people who supported me such as my family,
friends, and everyone I met along my four year journey at both American and Ritsumeikan
University. I would also like to thank the Japan-America Society of Washington D.C. and the
Tanaka and Green Scholarship Program for facilitating me to go out and experience Japan at its
fullest capacity.