SDSU Study Abroad at Seinan Gakuin University

Seinan Gakuin University campus provides students with a taste of Japanese city life and local suburban life. The campus and scenery all around Fukuoka is beautiful, and tall buildings mesh into the each other creating the city atmosphere. Though unlike most cities, the areas around Seinan are relatively quiet. The living around Seinan is easy, and provides guests with everything that is needed. Everything is in walking distance; from fast access to subway stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and even recreation areas like Momochi beach.

Some challenges for new comers would be the language barrier. Having some Japanese under your belt will be a good idea since many locals understand some English, but not all. Foreigners are a rare sight around Fukuoka and English is not too commonly used even in the City. However, the people here are very friendly and willing to help.

The university provides different options for living. Students can choose to live in the few dorms provided or try to find living on their own in apartments. I decided to stay at an international dorm provided by Seinan's exchange program. The living is fantastic and you get to meet many students from around the world all studying Japanese. It is very exciting to speak to someone from France in Japanese because language knowledge.

Overall, the Seinan Student Exchange program is fantastic and I would recommend anyone if they are given the opportunity to jump on it. This is a life time experience and will certainly provide a new cultural outlook towards Japan and other cultures around you.