Hi everyone! My name is Esther Muang, and I’m a rising junior majoring in Psychology. I decided to study abroad in Japan because I’ve always wanted to travel and experience a different environment outside of what I’m familiar with. I think this opportunity will allow me to grow personally while also learning more about a culture I’ve always been interested in.
Going into this program, I expect a lot of the experience to revolve around learning about Japan’s history and culture. I think being able to experience these things in person will give me a better understanding and appreciation for the culture beyond what I’ve seen online.
One of the goals I’ve set for myself during this trip is to not limit myself when it comes to trying new things, especially food and experiences that I normally wouldn’t go for. I want to be more open-minded and take advantage of being in a completely different place instead of staying in my comfort zone the whole time.
I also think a big part of this experience will be the people involved. I’m looking forward to making new friends throughout the trip while also getting to share the experience with friends I already have. Overall, I hope this study abroad program helps me gain new perspectives, memories, and experiences that I can carry with me after the trip is over.