From the bustling lifestyle and massive cities in Japan to the secluded and private countryside of Montana, Tokyo to Helena is a change of cultures and scenery.
For Shiho Namikawa, studying abroad is an entirely new experience.
“I had many options when choosing a school abroad,” said Namikawa. “I wanted a school that had only a few Japanese students.”
Shiho Namikawa is a sophomore studying social studies at Gakushuin University in Tokyo, her hometown. She lives in a special ward called Suginami City, located outside the center of Tokyo.
The rural countryside and surrounding mountains drove Namikawa to make Carroll her home for the year.
“Suginami is just houses and lots of people, no mountains,” said Namikawa. “Seeing the mountains here is awesome.”
However, the Tokyo area has a natural beauty that attracts tourists and locals every year, cherry blossoms.
In the spring, Japan has a sakura bloom, where the cherry blossom tree’s flowers turn into a magical light pink, which carpets the ground with its pedals.
“They are very beautiful,” said Namikawa. “It’s very crowded when seeing them because they don’t last very long.”
While she has enjoyed the people she has met, her favorite part about Helena is the lack of people.
“Tokyo is extremely crowded,” said Namikawa. “People in Montana are so friendly.”
Outside of classes and studying, Namikawa is a seasoned ballet dancer. She started ballet fifteen years ago and has been doing it since then.
“Ballet is relaxing for me,” said Namikawa. “I just found a ballet class in Helena too.”
Studying abroad often allows exchange students to experience their hobbies and interests in a new culture and environment.
Namikawa also enjoys figure skating and is even a part of the club at her university in Japan.
Although her journey has just started, Namikawa is enjoying her time at Carroll.
“Everyone has been really nice,” said Namikawa. “Even though I’ve had some trouble understanding classes, people have been very helpful.”
