Hi everyone!

My name is Siobhan Black and my Beyond the Classroom experience was a semester-long study abroad at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. Although I have been lucky enough to travel to many different places in the past, living in Tokyo was truly one of the most incredible and unique experiences I have ever had. As a double major in Linguistics and East Asian studies with a minor in Chinese and my Global Theme being Culture and Politics, this experience provided me with the most amazing opportunities to explore my interests. Through courses like Buddhism in Japan and A Critical Understanding of Korean Society Through the Lens of Sexuality, I was able to expand my understanding and knowledge of Japan and other regions in East Asia. Tokyo itself is undoubtedly one of the most fantastic and unique cities that I have ever visited! It truly felt has if there was no end to the delicious food – including innumerable affordably priced Michelin-starred restaurants, endless temples and shrines to explore, and numerous fantastic events and celebrations to enjoy.

Beyond my time spent studying in Tokyo, I made sure to visit as many other places as I could (and could afford). From the most beautiful wisteria trees I have ever seen in Tochigi prefecture, the incredible temples and history of Kyoto and Nara, the funky and eccentric feel of Osaka, a temple stay at Koyasan in Wakayama prefecture, and the majestic beauty of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefecture, I experienced and saw some of the most fantastic and awe inspiring adventures and sights of my life.