This Wednesday, me and a couple of friends went to Ghibli Park! If you don’t know, Studio Ghibli is known for its unique anime style and beautiful, fantastical stories in the form of films. I grew up watching Studio Ghibli from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind to Howl’s Moving Castle. Some of their titles, like Ponyo or My Neighbor Totoro, might be familiar to you, as they are incredibly popular films even outside of Japan. The park itself is closest to Nagoya out of the major cities in the country, which is lucky for us.

Having family in Tokyo, I would visit them every year growing up. Being a student my whole life, however, means that my breaks were in the summer, and therefore would only see Japan during the summer months. Because of this, one of the things I was most excited to experience during my year abroad in Japan was the different seasons. Being late November, the leaves are starting to change around me as the air becomes chillier. A popular pastime for the locals is to travel to see the kōyō (autumn foliage).

One month into my exchange program, I still feel like I am getting used to the new environment around me, since I am getting more comfortable with a regular and stable schedule, it is easier to develop a routine. I now feel like I can tell you what your average day in the life of a Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) student is like at Nanzan University!

This isn’t a “final reflections” post.

My program is over, I’ve said goodbye, and I’ve returned to the States. I’m closing the door on my time at Oxford and moving on to whatever comes next. This is the end, right? 

That’s what I feel like I’m supposed to say. But there are so many emotions and thoughts inside me still that I know I can’t close the door behind me yet. Perhaps I may never have to, according to C.S. Lewis.

One of the great things about being in a direct enrollment program is how many involvement opportunities are available to you. You don’t have to search very hard for groups to join, no matter what you’re interested in. And Oxford University is especially good at involvement - it seems like basically everyone I have met is involved in something.

Participating in a protest action along the Atocha train station area was one of the most remarkable moments of my time in Madrid. The march brought together activists championing a wide range of causes—from Palestine liberation to women’s rights—and culminated in a vibrant demonstration as we moved through the streets to the Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol. The atmosphere was electric, with drums and music echoing through the city, banners swaying overhead, and an infectious sense of unity among participants.

Studying abroad has been one of the most defining experiences of my life, from my initial move from Vietnam to the U.S. to my upcoming semester in Spain. Along the way, I’ve learned that while studying abroad can be thrilling, it also comes with challenges that can affect your mental well-being. Here’s my advice for making the most of this experience—and looking after yourself along the way.

The Galápagos Islands are often described as a living laboratory, a place where evolution plays out in real time. During my time studying abroad, I had the incredible opportunity to witness some of the most fascinating and unique wildlife in the world. What struck me the most wasn't just how different these creatures were from anything I'd seen before, but how they seemed to embody the essence of adaptation, survival, and resilience. From the shores to the skies, each encounter was a reminder of nature's boundless creativity.

My visit to MOCAK, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, was an unexpected highlight of my time in the city. Arriving early, just as the museum opened, I took a moment to sit in the café, sipping coffee while finishing some work. The calm, creative energy of the space set the tone for what would become a deeply reflective experience. For only 14 zloty—about 5 euros—I had access to both the permanent and temporary exhibitions. What awaited me inside wasn’t just a collection of art but a profound exploration of identity, expression, and transformation.