My time abroad on the UCEAP exchange program during the 2024–2025 school year at Waseda University was a truly transformative experience that taught me lessons I will carry into every stage of my future. When I first arrived in September, I was overwhelmed and nervous about the year ahead. However, those feelings quickly faded as I met new people and immersed myself fully in the program. I had the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, each with different backgrounds and perspectives, which challenged me to see my own life, education, and future goals in new ways.
Waseda University itself provided an eye-opening education, with classrooms filled with students and professors whose diverse perspectives enriched every discussion and interaction. I learned just as much from my peers as I did from my professors, and together they broadened my understanding of the world. The classes at Waseda were taught in styles that were different from UC San Diego, which was slightly difficult to adjust to at first, but I was able to adapt after settling in. I took a wide array of classes, from Japanese language to Design and also Religion, that I could not have taken at my home university. These classes, along with school events, gave me unique experiences and exposed me to topics I would never have encountered without this program. They also inspired me to consider different career paths, including the possibility of working in Japan or pursuing graduate school to further my education which was something I had not previously anticipated thinking about. Thanks to Waseda and the UCEAP program, I have been able to broaden my horizons and discover interests I didn’t even know I had before coming here.
Beyond the classroom, exploring Tokyo and traveling throughout Japan deepened my knowledge and encouraged my own personal growth. I became more independent, discovered what I truly value, and learned to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them. Looking back, I see how far I’ve come: the person who arrived in Japan was open to new opportunities but still held onto fear of the vast world and uncertainty about the future. Now, I feel much more confident facing the unknown, both in new places and within myself. I’ve learned to be confident in new situations and realized I can do so much on my own. While Tokyo makes solo activities easy and culturally normal, I felt empowered to do anything independently, whether it was grabbing a meal alone or taking a solo trip across the country. And while I still place great importance on spending time with others, I’ve also gained the ability to love my own company and fully enjoy experiences by myself. This sense of balance, between independence and connection, is something I know will continue to guide me even after my time abroad.
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity expanded my view of the world and reminded me how much I still have yet to discover. I encourage anyone with the chance to study abroad for a full year to take the leap because it has truly been the most exciting and event-filled year of my life. While a semester abroad is also a wonderful experience, I believe that a year-long program allows you to fully immerse yourself in a new place and live through all its seasons. This program exceeded my expectations tenfold, and I would never trade the memories I’ve made for anything. Because of this opportunity, I now am able to move forward into the future with confidence, no regrets, and a renewed perspective on both the world and myself.