International Studies & Programs

Connecting Over Small Moments

The small moments made Japan feel like a home away from home.

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Published: Friday, 03 Apr 2026 Author: Caris Jeske

Caris standing outside of a store in Kyoto
Caris standing outside a store in Kyoto, provided photo

Overall this was an amazing and educational experience! Not only did I get way better at Japanese and learn about Japanese culture, but I made lasting connections and tons of fun memories over the course of 2 months. It was a very low pressure cultural immersion experience. Still, it was an academic challenge! The pacing and volume of material was intense, as the program name suggests, but I was able to learn a lot because of my amazing teachers and classmates. The cultural events were so fun and a huge highlight of the program. Even the small moments like trips to the conbini or movie nights in the dorm made it feel like a little home away from home. I would definitely recommend to anyone studying Japanese!