I had the absolute pleasure of going on the SPC Study Abroad Trip to Japan this summer. This was my first international trip I had ever taken so I was a little nervous going into it, but I ended up having the time of my life. We stayed in Tokyo, Kyoto, and took a day trip to Hiroshima! Japan succeeded my expectations, it was absolutely beautiful and picturesque, it felt like every little corner or street was worthy of a photo. I wish I could share every photo I took. The people there are so polite and respectful. I got to see a completely new culture/new way of life, and it was eye opening in a lot of ways; especially when we went to Hiroshima and saw the Atomic Bomb Dome and walked through the Peace Memorial Museum, seeing the other side of that story was devastating but necessary in my opinion. I met some amazing people on this trip (our tour guide Myuko was absolutely amazing, and it was a pleasure getting to know her), saw beautiful sights, experienced so many new things, and learned a lot about myself while on this trip. I loved the itinerary that SPC provided for us, and I loved how it also left plenty of free time for each of us to explore things on our own.

I think going on my first international trip with SPC was the perfect start to traveling, it was structured and well-planned, even when things got interrupted with a Typhoon hitting Japan, we persevered through the rain (safely of course!) and that ended up being one of my favorite days with a beautiful shrine, bamboo forest, and calligraphy session that was so peaceful and eye-opening, I’m so glad that we didn’t let the rain deter us. None of this would have been possible for me without the help of the Study Abroad Association and their generous scholarships that they offer to students who need it. I would recommend this 10 times over, to go on an SPC study abroad trip, this is just the beginning of my journey with traveling, however, I will never forget this trip, these people, and who made it possible😊 Photo Recap: 1.) Calligraphy Class in Kyoto 2.) Our group in front of the Meiji Shrine on day 1! 3.) Free time in Shibuya, rooftop access over Shibuya crossing with a photoshoot! 4.) Kimono wearing experience in front of Meiji Shrine.

– Brianna, SPC Japan Study Abroad Program, May 2026