日本にようこそ　（Welcome to Japan)

I have always dreamed of being able to visit Japan, and experience the vibrant culture first hand. Having the opportunity to not only study Japanese, but interact with Japanese students and local Japanese people was truly a once in a lifetime experience. The location we studied at was Seisen University, a gorgeous campus with historic buildings, located in a peaceful scenic neighborhood. The excursions we went on were really fun, and I was super excited to get to wear a kimono and participate in a Japanese Tea Ceremony. Of course the classes I took were for Japanese language. I learned so much, and have continued my studies on my own after the program. We learned grammar but also wrote Haikus with the vocabulary we learned. I am still close friends with several of the Seisen students who helped teach the class, and was thrilled to be able to see them when I returned on another trip. Now I didn't spend all my time in class, there was plenty of free time to explore the city of Tokyo and surrounding prefectures on my own. I even went to a Japanese outdoor hot spring and to Kamakura to see all the shrines and temples. If you want to experience a historic and vibrant culture that perfectly blends traditional beliefs with modern technology and lifestyles, I cannot stress enough how amazing the January in Japan program is!