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Andrew Michael Zamora, Exchange Student from United States

Wearing Gakuran
Wearing Gakuran
Keio Kendo Practice
Keio Kendo Practice
Eating out with friends
Eating out with friends
Trip to Hakone
Trip to Hakone

-Which university are you from and what was your major?
I’m from the University of California, San Diego and my major is history with an emphasis on American history.

-What made you decide to study abroad?
Since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a history teacher and give back to my community. I think part of being a teacher is showing students a glimpse of the world. In order for me to expose students to the world, I need to see as much of the world as possible. However, in the community that I’m from, it is very rare for someone like me, who is a first generation and low income student, to go college or to travel overseas. Because of my circumstances, I grew up being told and thinking that opportunities like studying abroad were out of my reach. Fortunately, outside of my university I received help and support from friends, family, and government programs. With their help I was able to realize the opportunity of studying abroad and I made the decision to study abroad because it would help me accomplish my future goals.

-Why did you decide to study in Japan or at Keio?
My first interaction with Japanese culture was when I started Kendo in high school. Kendo training is very hard and can be very stressful. But through Kendo I was exposed to all sorts of people from around the world with many different backgrounds. Many of these people took an interest in me and over the course of several years I developed many strong relationships. As I grew up, my Kendo club became one of the few positive influences in my life. They not only encouraged me to go to college but also to travel the world. Because of their influence I decided to study in Japan.

-Please tell us about some of the aspects of your life in Japan or at Keio.
I have just completed my first semester at Keio and I’m really enjoying my time here. I joined the Keio Kendo club the summer before I entered Keio. This club has helped me make the most of my time in Japan. The training and learning to adjust to an athletic club in Japan has been a very challenging experience. But all my teammates have been very supportive and patient with me. Because we train almost every day, I have built a close relationship with my teammates and I feel I have developed my own community here at Keio.

-What are differences you have noticed between Keio and your home university?
Surprisingly, because Keio and UCSD are both academic spaces they are very similar. But one thing I have noticed is that the general atmosphere outside of the classroom is very different. At UCSD the atmosphere among students is very relaxed. For example, whenever I walk around the campus there is always a student sleeping on a couch and many of the students are wearing sweatpants. This is one difference I miss about my university.

-Please tell us about what you feel you have gained by studying at Keio.
Studying at Keio has helped me grow as a person. When I first arrived in Japan, I felt pretty lost because I could barely speak the language, I did not know how I was going to financially support myself, and I did not even know how to get around the city. Living in Japan was a huge challenge but after a few months my situation began to improve. I found a part time job at a restaurant where I had to constantly use my Japanese with customers. I used to get lost on my way home almost every night in Japan, but eventually I grew accustomed to getting around in the city and along the way I met many interesting people. I have made a lot of mistakes out here in Japan, but those mistakes have made me question myself and my goals in life. What I have come to discover during my time here is that I can make positive changes in my life and hopefully when I get the chance I can help someone do the same.

-What is your plan after you go back?
When I go back to the United States I plan on finishing my bachelor’s degree. After I graduate I want to spend a few more years abroad before I begin my path to becoming a teacher in graduate school.

-Do you have any advice for students who are considering studying abroad?
My advice would be to take the opportunity to study abroad. Do not be afraid to demand this opportunity from your university or to look for resources outside of your university. Studying abroad has made a large impact in my life and I think it can do the same for anyone else.

Information about University of California, San Diego
University of California, San Diego’s motto is "Fiat lux" which in English is "Let there be light". The campus is huge and in fact some students need to take shuttles to get to class. The campus is located close to the ocean and scenery is very beautiful. Academically, UCSD is known for its strong medical and engineering programs.

About the writer
Andrew Michael Zamora
Keio International Program Student

* Keio International Program Student (September 2011-July 2012) from United States. 
* The facts are those at the time of the interview.