Exchange programs are for students who are a bit more willing to be independent as they often require more work—in the classroom and in navigating host university bureaucracies. However, it is certainly worth it for the deep immersion opportunities offered. The programs are offered at some of the best universities in the world.
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Advice for Future Sophia University Exchange Students
Thomas Hayden, Sophia University Exchange Fall 2024 A study abroad experience has so many unknown variables before you embark. And while you have to discover much of the experience on your own, there is some advice I would like to give to anyone studying abroad in Japan, or at Sophia University. For a fulfilling study…
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Friendship is Universal
Thomas Hayden, Sophia University Exchange Fall 2024 In the days leading up to a study abroad, it is difficult to picture the local people, how you might interact with them, and whether or not you will make friends through cultural differences. In a country like Japan, where over 95% of the population is Japanese, and…
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Learning Cultural Customs in Japan
Thomas Hayden, Sophia University Exchange Fall 2024 Before visiting Japan, I had heard about how the people are very polite. Politeness in the Japanese language is certainly intricate compared to English politeness, and is no doubt a large part of the culture. But, while living in Japan, it wasn’t these linguistic differences that stood out…
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Take Things One Day at a Time
Paul Sadofsky, GE3 KAIST Fall 2024 Before coming to South Korea, I wish I had been told to take things one day at a time. During your first couple of weeks, you are in this honeymoon period where everything is so new, it’s hard to process it all. You will be experiencing so many emotions…
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Overcoming the Fear of Mistakes While Abroad
Paul Sadofsky, GE3 KAIST Fall 2024 The most profound challenge that I had to overcome was being okay with making honest mistakes in social situations. In every part of the world, you’re going to have different social expectations, and the locals may convey judgement or distain when those unwritten rules are not followed. I care…
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Noticing Cultural Differences in South Korea
Paul Sadofsky, GE3 KAIST Fall 2024 What I absolutely love about my new university is the space and community that the campus provides. This campus truly has it all, which allows me to feel like I’m living in a school, as opposed to the feeling at Pitt where my school exists within a city. Neither…
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Travel during FAME: Rome-ing around Italy
John Klamut, FAME Spring 2023 During my time abroad, my first big trip was Italy! I had the privilege of staying in Rome for two whole weeks with my Uncle Jeff for my first break. Before I say anymore, yes the food was amazing!! The pasta, pizza, and other Italian delicacies alone made the flight…
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Travel during FAME: Tour de France- Family Edition
John Klamut, FAME Spring 2023 My final vacation during my study aboard experience was after the FAME program ended, and with my family! Flying into CDG on June 2nd, I packed my bags from America. It would be another two weeks though until I got back. So, I hopped in the van my father rented,…
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Travel during FAME: Eastern Europe Tour
John Klamut, FAME Spring 2023 My second vacation during my study aboard experience was a tour of Eastern Europe. My good friend Frank and I decided we wanted to see the eastern world, so we packed our bags and headed to our first stop. Berlin!!! The largest city in Germany. With its rich recent history,…
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The Importance of Budgeting When You’re Abroad
Carolyn Phamtran, Yonsei International Summer School Summer 2024 Living in a dorm during a six-week program can often make it inconvenient to cook. In Seoul, eating out tends to be cheaper than making a meal from scratch, making it a practical choice for daily sustenance. My routine typically included buying breakfast, lunch, and dinner from my school’s…