Ruby Ceja

Hello! My name is Ruby Ceja, and I'm currently a sophomore at UCSD majoring in International Business. This past summer, I had one of the most memorable experiences of my life in Japan. I participated in the Global Seminar for MMW 14 in Tokyo, and while we explored the heart of Japan, we also ventured to incredible places like Nikko, Kyoto, and Osaka. I saw this as an amazing opportunity to fulfill some of my GE requirements while experiencing one of the most magical places in the world.

While staying in Nikko, I remember staying at a beautiful traditional hotel where we were given kimonos as sleepwear. I had never worn a kimono before, but my roommates and I, along with everyone else in the program, decided to wear them to dinner. Afterward, we had a karaoke night at the hotel, which was so much fun! If you ever get the chance to study abroad in Japan, a karaoke night with friends is a must! In Kyoto, we stayed for a week and got to see deer roaming freely around the streets. I remember everyone taking silly photos with them and feeding them. But a word of warning when you decide to feed the deer, they can get a little wild! I vividly recall one kid trying to feed them, but so many deer surrounded him that he ended up tossing all the cookies at once just to escape the chaos.

Studying abroad offers so much more than just academic credit -- it opens your eyes to different cultural perspectives and helps you grow as a person. You gain a deeper understanding of traditions, cultures, and environments that go far beyond the classroom. I was able to make lifelong friends during the trip. As an introvert, I didn't expect to connect with so many people, but stepping out of my comfort zone led to some truly meaningful relationships. Honestly, I have no regrets about studying abroad--it was an experience I'll treasure forever.