Racheeli-San

Well, I've been a resident of Kyoto, Japan for two weeks. I've had a hard time adjusting, but it's really beautiful here and there are so many photographic opportunities. Change of plans though, I decided to only stay for the semester instead of the year. Since I decided I wanted to work towards getting my MFA in photography, it's really important that I graduate on time. At my university I receive a scholarship that will only last for four years, so anything more than that will have to come out of my own pocket. It's vital that I graduate debt free so I won't have money problems on top of worrying about paying for grad school! When I re

I leave for Kyoto in 6 weeks! I feel this summer has flown by. I'll be away for 10 months studying Japanese at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. Ever since my freshman year of high school, I've wanted to study in Japan. Most people don't get it when I tell them I'm studying Photography and Japanese; buuuuuut, college is such a great time to study things that genuinely interest you, so even if Japanese does not ultimately factor into a future career for me, I won't regret taking the time to learn about such a great country. I've been working part time most of the summer and spending time with my boyfriend. I've been slacking a little in the

I am pleased to announce that today I was notified of my acceptance to study Japanese at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan! I'll spend 9 months in an intensive Japanese language program, living and learning with other International Students and interacting with Japanese students on campus. I am euphoric. My love affair with Japan began in the 6th grade, and I've had struggles with learning the language--I transferred high schools after the 10th grade and did not study Japanese for two years until I came to college. I am so pleased that I have this great opportunity and that out of the TWO spots ISEP had available to American students,