Emiliano Corona
Emiliano Corona (he/him) - Stanford in Kyoto
Major: Political Science
Minor: Classics
College year while abroad: Senior
About the photo: A few days before leaving, I went with a friend to rent kimonos and walk through the expansive gardens of Heian Jingu, my favorite shrine in Kyoto. Definitely a great way to end my time in Japan.
Contact
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Q&As
Why did you choose to study in Kyoto?
During my sophomore spring, I decided to take Japanese just to try a new language, and I really enjoyed it! I continued studying the language and even took a calligraphy class, which only furthered my interest in Japan. After learning so much about the culture, traditions and history of Japan, I knew I couldn’t let the opportunity to study there pass me by - and I couldn’t have asked for a better country to be my first experience abroad. Though I will also come forward and say that visiting Universal Studios Japan did play a slight role in my decision.
What were your expectations before you went and how did those change once you arrived in Kyoto?
As an introvert, I came in thinking I would have trouble finding people to do things with. Luckily, everyone in my cohort was super open to trying new things, whether that was going on a side quest to a temple or just grabbing some dinner at Kyoto Station. After lunch, you could announce where you were headed for the afternoon, and someone would almost certainly tag along. This openness pushed me out of my comfort zone and led to some truly amazing shared experiences with my new friends.
What were some of the academic benefits from studying abroad in Kyoto?
Beyond most classes satisfying various WAYS requirements needed to graduate, my favorite aspect of the classes I took was their emphasis on learning outside of the classroom. I was able to practice new grammar patterns that I had learned in my Japanese language class when talking with people. Field trips were also a staple of my academic experience, going everywhere from temples within Kyoto to an art studio in Osaka. I especially have to shout out Ogino-sensei’s photography class, which not only encouraged me to explore as much as possible but made me a better photographer.
What did you learn about yourself while you were studying abroad?
The biggest thing I took from being abroad was that there truly is so much world to see - and I want to see as much as possible. In the span of 11 weeks, I felt like I had seen so much of what Kyoto had to offer, but then it dawned on me that Kyoto is just one city in one country on our whole planet. My sense of exploration has not left me, and I know that my experience studying abroad will not be my last time in Japan.
What was the most challenging experience you encountered while you were abroad and what did you learn from it?
While traveling solo in Tokyo, my phone died when I was about an hour away from my hotel. With the last 5% of battery life, I had to memorize the various subways and stops that I would need to take to get back. After 8 weeks into the program and using public transportation, this was my big test of my navigational abilities and confidence in myself. Luckily I got back safely, but I learned to always have a backup plan and to prepare as much as possible, you never know what may happen. And never forget a portable charger!
What was the biggest cultural adjustment you had to make?
Japan is still very much a cash-based society, so I got used to making sure I had enough bills and coins whenever I left for the day. You would be surprised as to how many coins you can accumulate over the course of just a few hours, and I can say that I got really good at knowing my numbers in Japanese. Still, it was in these small moments of me having to take and count my money that I was fortunate enough to have some really meaningful chats with locals.
What was your favorite part of your everyday life in Kyoto?
My favorite part of everyday life was going out to explore in any free time that I had available. I made it a goal of mine to visit at least one new shrine or temple every day, either going after classes or just taking a train on the weekend to somewhere new. Each day was an experience, and in my time abroad I was able to see so much of Japan and its rich cultural history, visiting over 100 temples/shrines from Osaka to Kyoto to Tokyo - and I have the goshuin stamp books to prove it.
What was the most memorable experience you had while you were in Kyoto?
After visiting Byodo-in temple in Uji - which famously appears on the 10-yen coin - I found myself just wandering along the Uji River as the sun began to set. In the distance, I heard a beautiful clarinet-like sound from the other side of the river. I eventually found the man playing the instrument, sat nearby and just listened. The gentle running water of the river, the sound of the instrument and the pale orange sky of the sunset came together to form a feeling of true peace, as if everything up to that point had led me to this moment.
What 5 words would you use to describe your experience?
Transformative, Immersive, Adventurous, Beautiful, Fulfilling.
What was your favorite food or music?
Any dish that had pork katsu in it was an instant hit for me. More specifically, a nice bowl of katsudon was the perfect way to wrap up a long day of travel. Every time I ordered it I felt bad since it was always presented so beautifully. I probably ate some form of katsu at least once a week and every restaurant that had it made it absolutely perfectly. Even the convenience store tonkatsu was a tasty option and definitely came in handy on my busier days.
What was the most valuable item you took with you on the program?
Definitely my cross-body bag. I don’t think I ever left my apartment without it, and I’m pretty sure I’m wearing it in every picture I have of myself. With all the traveling I did, I always had something in there whether it was a coin purse, random temple brochures or a bottle of Pocari Sweat from the nearest vending machine.