Thirteen students from Florida State University embarked on an exciting journey to Japan as part of an FSU Global Exchange program. The students are attending classes at Waseda University, one of Japan's most prestigious universities located in Tokyo. Some will be enrolled for the spring semester and others will be there for the academic year. The Global Exchange program offers students the opportunity to gain a global perspective and immerse themselves in a new culture while pursuing their academic goals. The students are thrilled to explore the rich cultural heritage of Japan, experience its unique traditions, and learn from Waseda University's renowned faculty. This exchange program promises to be an enriching and unforgettable experience for the students, as they expand their horizons and make lifelong memories.

Four of the students from Florida State shared their experiences studying on a Global Exchange program at Waseda University. Each of them had different reasons for participating in the program, but they all shared how the experience has shaped them as a person and how it will influence their future career paths.

Jessica Hawkins, a junior studying psychology, has always been interested in Japanese language and culture. Her brother's exchange program to Japan inspired her to pursue the same opportunity. Adjusting to the cultural differences has been a great experience for her so far, giving her a better appreciation for the country.

Trinity Kennedy, a senior studying international affairs and human resource management, knew that the exchange program offered through the Center for Global Engagement here at FSU was an opportunity she couldn't miss. She spent her first three weeks in Japan solo-traveling and learned how to be more self-reliant and foster relationships with strangers. She believes this experience will impact her career in that she will be more confident in her own capabilities and say yes to more opportunities.

Alexandre Dormoy, a senior studying management information systems, wanted to study at Waseda University to improve his Japanese and experience life in Japan. This exchange program allowed him to experience many new things that he would not have otherwise experienced in America. “Japan has a very different culture from America, so it has been fun to learn more about it,” he said.

Ash Austin, a sophomore studying hospitality and tourism management, has always been interested in learning about other cultures and languages. Going on an exchange program allowed him to learn things about a culture that he couldn't learn from a simple Google search. He said studying abroad has encouraged him to come out of his shell a little bit, become more social and forge friendships.

Despite not knowing one another before the program, the students have formed a tight-knit group, providing support to each other, and navigating new experiences together. The process to get to Japan was quite lengthy and difficult, with many forms, deadlines, and requirements to keep on top of, but the payoff is worth it.

The students all agreed that taking classes at Waseda is different from going to class at FSU because Japan has a very different culture and teaching style. Overall, the students agree that participating in an exchange program is a unique and rewarding experience that they would recommend to other FSU students considering it.