Photo courtesy of Owen Klos
Wichita State offers a wide variety of study abroad programs to every continent except Antarctica. Owen Klos is an International Business major who took advantage of study abroad opportunities to study in Japan. He answers a few questions about his experience:
What went into your decision to study in a different country?
What inspired me most to study abroad was the opportunity to experience life as a citizen of another country. Studying abroad gives you a chance not only to visit a new place, but also to live as a local of that place. I chose Japan because I have absolutely loved Japanese culture for as long as I can remember, especially the food and entertainment.
Photo courtesy of Owen Klos
Which was your favorite spot that you visited?
My favorite area was hands down Kamakura. It’s a beautiful town close to the beach, and there are always bright flowers and an ocean breeze! Some other places I also enjoyed were Nikko, home to the most ornate shrine in Japan, and Odaiba, a man-made island with its very own statue of liberty.
What was the most important thing you learned from this experience?
Studying abroad made me realize how much I love to travel. Due to my time abroad, I am interested in work that would allow me to go on expatriate assignments, in the hopes of being able to see more of the world.
Photo courtesy of Owen Klos
What did a typical day in Japan look like for you?
A typical day began with waking up in my dorm room, then catching the train, which was only a 10-minute walk from the dormitory. I stayed in Soshigaya-Okura, which is only about a 25-minute train ride from Tokyo. My school was then another short walk from the train exit. I attended class for a couple of hours, depending on the day, and then would eat lunch with my friends. After class, we would have dinner and walk the city streets.
I attended Aoyama Gakuin University, located in Shibuya, a very popular area in Tokyo. Harajuku, a part of Shibuya known for its fashion and sweet treats, was also close by so we would glance at shops there and get crepes as well. If I was not in class that day, I would typically meet with my friends in the lobby of the dormitory, and then we’d head into Tokyo for the day.
For students considering studying abroad, what advice do you have?
The best piece of advice I can give is to go for it! Studying abroad exposed me to people and situations I would’ve never encountered here at home. The friends you make and the adventures you have will shape who you are as a person.
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