Why did you decide to study abroad with IES Abroad?
Lindsey: I was already accepted by IU’s Nagoya study abroad program for the spring of 2013, but I really wanted to spend an entire year abroad. So I began searching for a good non-IU program for the 2012 fall semester. My study abroad office recommended the IES program to me, and since I was already planning to be in Nagoya, I really wanted to try living in a different city, like Tokyo. I could choose between the culture focused program or the language intensive program.
The only difference between the two was the culture track students had to take one more culture class than the language students, and the language students had to take more language credits. Since I really wanted to improve my Japanese speaking skills, I went with the language intensive program. The program is really well organized and the application process is streamlined online, making it easy and relatively stress-free. They also assign you a personal application advisor to answer with any questions you have or concerns, which was extremely helpful.
What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Lindsey: This study abroad experience was very unique in the fact that I could take an internship at a Japanese company as a class and get credit for it. I worked once a week at an anime art gallery in the Aoyama district in Tokyo. This experience was by far one of the most rewarding and challenging. None of my coworkers spoke English, but they’ve had foreign students work there before, so they knew how to work with me and my poor Japanese skills.
I got to be a model, which I never would have been able to do in the states, and I had a blast doing it. In addition to the internship, the IES program has several day trips planned throughout the semester where you can go as a group and see various cultural sites around Tokyo and participate in activities. I went to as many of these trip as I could, cause it was a great way to see the city and do something fun and unique. On one trip, we painted traditional lanterns that we got to keep. We even had a Japanese film crew film us while painting!
Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home:
Lindsey: For one trip, we went to Kanazawa and stayed at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with a public bath (or onsen). On this trip, I went to a public bath for the first time. At first I was nervous, being naked with a bunch of strangers and my friends as well. But really, after you strip down for the first time, it doesn’t seem so weird, because everyone else is naked too. And no one really cares that you’re naked, they don’t even look except for a quick glance, but that’s mostly because my friends and I were foreigners.
After you wash your body in the shower, you get into a large bath full of really hot, but very nice water (like a hot spring). The water is usually murky with bath salts so once you get it you can hide your nakedness. Taking a long bath was so relaxing and wonderful. And it was great fun having my friends with me; we just chatted the evening away! I highly recommend going to a bath house if you ever go to Japan, it truly is a wonderful experience to have!
What did IES Abroad do for you and what did you need to do on your own?
Lindsey: IES does a lot of things for you. They plan trips and help you find proper housing depending on your preferences – either a homestay or a dorm. They work really hard to find a living situation that will make you as comfortable as possible. My host family was fantastic and I still talk with them to this day – they’ve become a second family to me. IES also helps you find part time work, and finds places willing to take students in for internships.
During orientation week, the IES staff show you how to use the train system, as well as anything else you will need to survive in Japan. They really do a great job, but of course there are things you simply have to learn on your own - like how to order food from a vending machine in a restaurant, or where the best ramen in town is. However; the IES staff is available 24/7 in Tokyo to answer any questions you may have, or to help you out in a tricky situation.
What is one piece of advice you'd give future IES Abroad students?
Lindsey: My best advice is to not stress so much over school work. Studying is important, but really enjoy your time abroad, because the best way to learn about a new culture is to experience it firsthand. I traveled every weekend to see as much of Tokyo as I could, and if I could do it again, I’d travel even more! Take every IES sponsored trip possible. Also spend time with your host family, the time you spend with them goes by very quickly.