Student Voice: My Experience In Akita – A home away from home – Daniel JACKSON, Towson University, U.S.A.

Daniel JACKSON from Towson University, U.S.A. is participating in our exchange program for Spring 2024. We would like to introduce his experience at AIU.

As my trip is coming to an end in Akita, reflecting back there are so many places that were memorable, and I enjoyed every part of it. Even waking up and walking around campus, there are so many spots where you can sit down and enjoy the scenery.

The place I remember the most is the cafeteria, where I would always talk to my friends and keep each other updated on our lives.

Then there is Suda Hall, where there were multiple events for students and where I would participate in Kendo practice, which I really loved.

Practicing Kendo was such a joy for me because not only were I and other international students taught by students and professors, but it also felt like people truly cared to teach us and wanted to learn more about each other.

Finally, there is the library, where I spent nights studying and preparing for exams. The Nakajima Library was a place where you could actually focus, and the collections of materials and resources were always useful. I vividly remember always returning to the international sections to learn about different cultures and languages.

And I can’t forget about the bus trips, which had so many beautiful scenes. For instance, going on a bus trip with a group of peers, RAs, and staff and seeing Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan, and seeing how clear the water is; you could see the fish swimming. It was awesome!

And I can’t forget going to the Cherry Blossom festival in the city, which was a lifelong dream for me and now I have experienced it!

This study abroad trip was worth it, and I will cherish the friends I made this semester as well as these memories for the rest of my life.

Thank you, Akita International University!