Semester in Japan
Meiji Gakuin University

Yokoso means “Welcome” in Japanese! So in this first activity, we will be doing our Tokyo Orientation and welcome meal while exploring both traditional and famously fashionable modern parts of the city! Let’s first show you how to take the famous Tokyo trains and travel to the popular Harajuku station and walk over to Meiji Shrine, one of the most well-known and peaceful Shinto Shrines in Tokyo and all of Japan! Let’s relax in the middle of the city at the most peaceful place at the Shrine, the Meiji Shrine Inner Japanese Garden which features a teahouse, bonsai tree display, lots of nature paths, a koi pond, and some traditional gazebos where we can chill out while digitally going over the Orientation PowerPoint. After this, let’s walk through the famous and fun Takeshita street in Harajuku and through the fashion district of Omotesando , and then over to the most famous fashionable area of Japan – Shibuya where we will cross one and only Shibuya Crossing and embark on a walking tour of central Shibuya – especially the dynamic Shibuya Center gai area- while also stopping at various places to eat delicious Japanese food. What’s on the menu? Let’s visit a standing sushi shop and try some of our own choices, then let’s make and eat okonomiyaki and learn about the importance of katsuo and dashi in Japanese cuisine, then let’s try some street food that everyone loves like kushiage – Japanese fried chicken, and various types of yakitori – different kinds of food on a grilled skewer. Finally, we will finish with obanyaki sweets for dessert while touring the underground food area of Shibuya station – Shibuchika! Let’s eat while learning and going around Shibuya!

We will finish off the semester cruising the night away on a traditional boat ride called Yakatabune!! We will reminisce on what we learned and our memories in Japan while watching the Tokyo skyline go by as we feast on many delicious Japanese foods! We’ll see the lights of Odaiba, the gorgeous Tokyo Tower at night, the brilliant Rainbow Bridge, and the towering Tokyo Sky Tree, all while remembering so many things we learned, things we did, and the people we met

Let’s go to the most famous city outside of Tokyo – Kamakura during the beautiful Fall season! This city is a very popular destination for its temples, shrines, and historical monuments. We’ll Fall into colors such as red Japanese Momiji maple trees as we visit the most famous shrine – Tsuruoka Hachimangu. Then, let’s have lunch at Komachi Street. We will then go to the famous Hase Temple (Hase Kannon Temple). Finally, we will visit and enter the Great Buddha statue

About:

Hailing from Toronto, I spent the first part of my life in Canada. Armed with a BA in Philosophy, I eventually joined the JET Programme as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) to explore my Japanese-Canadian heritage. I anticipated a brief 2-3 year stint, aiming to pursue an MBA thereafter, but shifted course and transitioned from rural Japan to Tokyo. My trajectory encompassed two roles in private education companies. I’m thrilled to be partnering with CIS Abroad. Family inspires me, and I’m a sports enthusiast who cherishes karaoke and onsen — major factors that tied me to Japan, along with meeting my wife and starting a business.

You’ll be supported every step of the way!

Advising

Kaylee Klinger, our student advisor and 2x CIS Abroad alum, can help match you with a program that fits your academic and personal objectives. It’s not always an easy choice, but you can’t go wrong! Once you’ve decided, we’ll guide to you submit an online application.

Enrollment

Once you’ve submitted your initial application and the fee, you’ll be assigned a Program Enrollment Coordinator. We’ll work closely together to guide you through the enrollment process and prepare you for a life-changing experience!

Find ways to connect with your host community – the language, everyday activities, common gathering places. You’ll discover that you can gain the most genuine and life-long friendships just by trying to immerse yourself into the culture.

I highly recommend learning some of the language, even a few phrases, before going abroad for an extended amount of time. Don’t be afraid to mess up speaking – though you will likely say something wrong and hilarious (I’ve got too many instances in Korean to count), that’s part of the process and the locals will definitely appreciate the genuine effort!

Expect the unexpected! Sometimes culture shock is stronger in countries where you expect things to be more similar to your home country and environment. Traveling abroad is an excellent way to learn more about your own culture, habits, style, and adaptability.