Stephanie Lu

Hello! My name is Stephanie Lu, and I was able to spend my junior year studying in Tokyo and Kaohsiung. My study abroad experience was nothing short of extraordinary. On the academic side, I was able to improve my Japanese and Mandarin language skills by leaps and bounds while taking classes that expanded my knowledge base within and outside my major. Simultaneously, I became more culturally aware, spending time building lifelong friendships with peers and teachers, but also spending a substantial amount of time exploring the city alone and learning more about myself. From navigating Shinjuku Station to tiptoeing around monkeys each morning, my year abroad was filled with diverse lessons and experiences. I felt what it was like to be a tourist and a local at the same time. I snorkeled with sea turtles and toured Meiji Jingu, but I also commuted to my internship and bought groceries in the afternoon. Most notable, I also worked towards two silly goals. In Tokyo, I tried every flavor of Mintia I could find. In Kaohsiung, I dedicated myself to drinking 100 different bubble teas. To me, that balance and duality was the most valuable part of my time abroad.