As an undergraduate student, I remember a friend asking me where I wanted to travel outside of the country. I naively responded that I was not one for traveling and that going abroad seemed like an unnecessary luxury.

I had no idea how wrong I truly was until I spent time in Japan.

The Kyoto, Japan Summer Program was my first trip abroad beyond a few days in Canada (which is less impactful having lived a few miles from the US-Canada border growing-up). Uncertainty plagued my mind regarding what to expect.

Stepping off the plane with a couple newly made friends also on the program, we instantaneously were thrust into a transit system we had to translate figuratively and literally. Missing our connecting flight due to delay, we were plopped into a bustling Narita Airport, where we proceeded to navigate our way through subways and a bullet train, finally making it to Kyoto. While stressful in the moment, the experience was not in a vacuum. We were aided by the multitude of people willing to help if you asked, usually in fluent or near-fluent English. These small gestures were helpful, and indicative of a majority of the people we encountered on this program.

Once the program began, 21 students visited a multitude of locations, including ancient temples and shrines thousands of years old, while also spending time engaging with the modern culture of Japan. From small convenience stores with a shockingly high-quality of meals to hidden ramen shops that had you finishing the broth, the food was an experience alone.

Additionally, the program built-in time for independent exploration of the country. The transit system was easily navigable once you had your sea-legs, resulting in us, students, traveling far and wide on our own. From the humbling Atomic Dome in Hiroshima to the lighthearted feeding of capybaras Osaka, I was shocked at how much I saw while barely scratching the surface.

The classes, too, were impressive and unforgettable. Kyoto University’s Professor Klaphake provided a very real, sobering perspective of the realities behind the scenes of Japan, and Professor Ravitch was the engaging, endless wealth of knowledge he always is, whose passion for the subjects he teaches is only matched by his passion for his students’ success.

I came to Japan hoping to gain some perspective of a different place’s interactions with the law, and I was more than satisfied. Seeing the inside of Kyoto Prison and viewing presentations from high-level lawyers in the Japanese legal system who had successfully navigated hate speech cases and prison reform were immersive, invaluable experiences.

The Kyoto, Japan Program from Michigan State University College of Law truly provided an unmatched experience. From feeding deer at Nara to being in awe of the Golden Temple, I cannot speak highly of this study abroad enough.

Name: Joseph Greene
Status: 2nd Year Law Student
Major: Law
Hometown: Rochester, Michigan
Program: MSU Law and the Relationship Between Japan and the USA