I am currently an undergraduate student of Japanlogy. As part of our course it is recommended that all students spend their fourth year of study in Japan and so, it is for this reason that I came to Japan. I chose to come to Waseda mainly because it has strong ties with my home university, but also because it has a good reputation both within Japan and also internationally. Furthermore, the School of International Liberal Studies is organized so that there is the opportunity to study alongside and interact with local students and this fact also attracted me to Waseda.
The past nine months here have certainly flown by but I have many fond memories to take home with me. In particular I will remember the 100km walk from Saitama back to Tokyo in which over a thousand participants, dressed in all sorts of fabulous outfits, took part. Although it was extremely taxing both physically and mentally, I feel lucky to have been able to take part in such a prestigious event. I also enjoyed a weekend trip to Shirakawa with a group of students also living in Hoshien House (one of the international dormitories). This trip was heavily subsidized and so well organized that within the space of two days we were able to experience daruma doll painting; a traditional tea ceremony; make our own magatama (comma-shaped beads); visit some beautiful Japanese gardens, amongst other activities. Above all, I enjoyed staying at a remote ryokan and spending hours in the outdoor onsen. The second evening which was spent in a Buddhist temple was also an enjoyable experience despite the fact that we had to wake up at 7am to meditate!
To those who will be coming to Waseda in the future, my advice would be to get involved from the start and when it comes to food, try three times before you decide you dislike something!
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