Class: 2027
Concentration: Environmental Science and Engineering
House: Cabot
Hometown: Compostela, Davao de Oro, Philippines
Favorite Japanese food: Cold soba
Japan-related experience: 2024 Harvard Summer School in Kyoto
What connections to Japan, if any, did you have before coming to Harvard? As a kid, I watched a little bit of Japanese media like anime every time I visited my cousins.
What drew you to Japan, and how did you decide on participating in HSS Kyoto? I was interested in understanding how Japan was able to advance technologically and still preserve its natural resources. The program in HSS Kyoto was the perfect opportunity for me to experience the rich culture and history of Japan and learn its place in the modern world while taking in how the people treat the natural world.
What was daily life like in Kyoto? Every day, I enjoyed my time taking the bus or the train to class. In the afternoon, I either visited a cafe to study by myself or with friends and explored the food places and temples in Kyoto. Afterwards, I ate dinner with my host family, and some days we biked around the Shijo area to attend special events at night or tried fun activities like buying capsule toys.
What are some highlights from your summer? I visited my host parent's hometown in Fukui and got a chance to dance with the locals during a small festival in Obama. We played with fireworks, assembled a sushi train, and visited a sunflower farm. Above all else, I hiked Mt. Fuji with my host dad and saw the most breathtaking view of a sunrise above the clouds.
Was there something that surprised you about living in Japan? I was surprised by the public bath culture in Japan. It was an unforgettable experience and one that I would recommend anybody try at least once.
What advice do you have for others considering going abroad? Do it! The best approach to studying abroad is to be mindful of your surroundings. The people are very kind and considerate, and it is easy to take this for granted. By being observant, consistently curious, and flexible, it will enhance your overall experience and serve you well in maintaining good relationships. If you have a host family, they are the best resources for anything about Japan (better than Google).
How have you stayed involved with Japan at Harvard? I am taking a Japanese language class to hopefully communicate better with my host family and use it to rediscover Japan in my next visit.