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Ash Campbell, a senior KSU student double majoring in Digital Media Production and Theater Studies with a minor in Japanese language, recently studied abroad for a year at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan.

Ash said of his choice to study in Japan: 

“I’ve had an interest in Japan for a long time, including Japanese music, movies, and literature. I went with a Japanese minor after taking classes in my last year of high school. Because one of my parents is a full-time KSU employee, I could apply the tuition waiver to my time in Japan, which made the program feasible.”

Ash explained more about the types of courses he took at Rikkyo University, stating 

“There are many classes offered there in English, taken by a mix of native Japanese and international students. However, in classes where Japanese is taught you do not speak English at all. It was a great experience to learn from native speakers.”

Outside of academics, Ash enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy Japanese culture, saying 

“My favorite thing about the program was just living in Tokyo. Moving from a small town in Ohio to one of the biggest cities on Earth was a huge opportunity for me, and it was great getting to speak and practice Japanese on a daily basis.”

However, socializing and exploring isn’t all there is to the education abroad program. Ash praised the classes he got to take in Japan, stating that 

“Learning-wise, I really enjoyed a class I took on East Asian cinema. I got to see and discuss a lot of older Asian films in that class that I would have otherwise never heard of.”

Food was another great aspect of Japan for Ash. His favorite food during his time with the program was ramen. 

“Most of the time, you really can’t go wrong with ramen. Although, the tempura bowls were great, too.”

The environment and people of Japan helped to make the education abroad program enjoyable for Ash, as he stated that 

“I think what was so special about the program for me was the autonomy I gained from living by myself in such a big city, and the range of people that I got to meet there. I made a lot of friends that I never would have met without it.”

As someone who spent two whole semesters in Japan, Ash gave some advice to any students considering the program, saying 

“Just don’t bring a lot of clothes, because you’ll definitely want to buy a bunch of cool stuff once you’re in Tokyo. Besides that, just don’t be afraid to meet new people. I met some great friends in Japan.”

Ash made it clear that the Rikkyo University in Japan education abroad program is worth it for any student considering traveling abroad. Ash found the program very impactful, stating “

Although Japan is obviously impacted by American culture somewhat, it’s still so different. Visiting will really expand your horizons and your view of the world, and you’ll be introduced to so many new things.”

Want to have an experience like Ash's? Learn more about the Rikkyo University in Japan program here.