Memories from EAI 2024

Hi, I’m Ella! I am a 3rd-year student from Biola University in La Mirada, California. I came to Japan looking for a new experience, but I had no clue what that experience was going to be. I asked God to lead me to where He wanted me to go, and it just so happened that His plan for me was to come here, so I listened and came, and I am not disappointed. These past 4 months in Japan, and specifically at TCU have been incredibly rich and fulfilling.

(Ella in the famous Shibuya Crossing at nighttime.)

I have met the most loving and thoughtful people here, whether they be full-time students studying here or other foreign exchange students. Each and every individual I have met here has been a reflection of the love of Christ and has blessed me endlessly with their presence. I was originally worried about studying abroad because I thought I was too antisocial to make new friends or that I was too different to fit in, but that quickly changed when I arrived at TCU. I instantly was met with overwhelming love and support, which made the transition to a new country so much easier. As the days went on, every day on campus felt new. Every interaction I had with people felt like a breath of fresh air. TCU quickly became home for me and now looking back, I will miss it dearly!

(Pathway to the cafeteria at TCU. It is filled with rich greenery)

Some of the most memorable experiences in my life have been during this semester at TCU. One to note was my trip to Sapporo, in Hokkaido, with fellow EAI students. This trip was so much fun as I was able to personally connect with the others and explore a completely new area of Japan together. The views were beautiful and the ramen was exquisite! The main highlight of the trip was being able to hang out with my friends, just be in their presence, and see how God is moving and working in their lives.

(5 EAI students at Mount Moiwa Observatory Deck, overlooking the sunset on the horizon.)

(4 EAI students exploring the streets of Susukino in Sapporo. )

(5 EAI students eating ramen in Susukino.)

Another really memorable experience was going to the Bosso-no-mura Open Air Museum for the EAI day trip. This trip was especially fun as I got to wear samurai armor as well as a princess kimono. These were just replicas of course, but it felt so magical, like I was put back into the past. It was fun to just mess around with our swords and roleplay historical Japan for a day. The museum itself was also very interesting as it literally placed you into historical Japan.

Lastly, another significant trip was our EAI overnight trip to Hakone. This trip was especially important as it was my first time trying out an onsen, and let me tell you, I am never going to forget it. The onsen in Japan is amazing, every muscle in my body felt relaxed and I felt all the stress of my prior finals melt away into the steamy water. It was also nice to be able to spend time with all the girls and just chat with them. The time in Hakone was also wonderful as the leaves had already turned colors, so the mountains were painted with beautiful yellows, oranges, and reds. This trip was overall a really great bonding experience for me and was a special one I will hold close to my heart forever.

(All EAI students at the hotel in Hakone, dressed in yukata.)

(All EAI students at the Hakone Open Air Museum.)

All in all, words cannot express the happiness this trip and the amazing people I have met have brought me. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world. I do truly believe this is why God brought me here, to feel loved by so many other brothers and sisters in Christ as well as to experience such an interesting and adventurous life, different from my home in California. I encourage each person reading this to come to Japan and live amongst the students of TCU. You will not regret it one bit. I know I sure don’t.