Macks Koontz
Hello! My name is Macks and I'm a sophomore at the University of Tennessee majoring in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Japanese. I love learning, hiking, reading, and playing the guitar/ukulele. Studying abroad is super important to me and I am so very excited to be able to share my journey with other people :)
Blogs by Macks Koontz
A Reflection/Being Autistic in Japan
There were so many things I was so scared about before going to Japan–one of them being how to adjust while being autistic. I am very, very glad it didn’t scare...
On Living Accommodations
My opinions on dorms and homestays, and my experience in my dorm/what it was like!
Bonus Things to Know About Japan
A bunch of random things that I didn’t get to fully write about but think are important to know!
Daily Life in Japan
A glimpse into what my life is like here in Nagoya! Nanzan's campus/my school life, commute, homework, amongst other things!
A Guide to Packing
Going over what I suggest to pack/not pack, and more tips surrounding that!
IES Abroad Field Trips
An overview of all of the trips/events IES Abroad has sponsored!
Tokyo Pride & A Summit in Shinshiro!
Going from Shinshiro where I hiked, used an Onsen for the first time, and was surrounded by nature, all the way to Tokyo for Pride was such an unbelievable...
Seeing Sakura in Osaka
My trip to Osaka has probably been my favorite thing I’ve done so far. I was able to see cherry blossoms, met up with my Japanese friends that studied abroad at...
A Trip to Universal Studios, Japan!
USJ has to be one of the coolest amusement parks I have ever been to. So many fun memories and so many cool photos :)
Psychiatry in Japan
What to expect when going to the psychiatrist/having psychotropic medicine in Japan!
Being Trans in Japan
I was so scared of what would come about while being trans in Japan—now I've learned that it's so much better than I could have thought.
Finding Peace in the Unknown
This all feels so surreal, but my many anxieties do not. However, I’m trying to make all of my spiraling thoughts spiral in the opposite direction. I can never...