Looking back at everything that I was able to experience during my time studying in Kyoto, Japan, I can absolutely say with confidence that I feel fulfilled. As a first-generation college student, I feel especially thankful for the donors and the fact that MSU provides such great study abroad opportunities for students so that we can truly get the most out of our time as students.

Not only was this experience amazing, but it also helped to enhance my resume.

On top of everything education related, I was able to meet other MSU law students who I now consider to be some of my closest friends. In fact, my first full weekend in Japan consisted of taking a trip with my new friends to Tokyo Disney! Tokyo Disney Sea was especially impressive. Between the delicious snacks, exhilarating rides, and gorgeous scenery there was never a dull moment.

The next few weeks of the program was spent exploring Kyoto and taking day trips with my classmates. A few places that stuck out to me were Byodin-In, Fushimi Inari, and Nara. Byodin-In is home to some of the greatest green tea world (so of course I had to purchase some for home!) and Fushimi Inari is where you can find the 1,000 Tori gates. I found Fushimi Inari to be so breathtakingly beautiful that I visited it 3 times. Lastly, Nara is unlike anything that I have ever experienced in my life. Imagine for a moment, beautiful historical sites, but with hundreds of adorable tiny deer everywhere. And the best part? These deer love people so much that they will come right up to you and eat deer treats out of your hand. I will never forget walking through Nara with a green tea ice cream in hand and a dozen deer following behind, waiting for me to drop it.

Now fast-forward towards the end of the program, when classes ended, and my adventure really began. Yet another place with adorable animals, Okinushima Island proved to be a once in a lifetime experience as well. There I was able to spend my day surrounded by rabbits that were once used for chemical testing during the war period.

Name: Marina Fuga
Status: Graduate
Major: Law
Hometown: St. Clair Shores, Michigan
Program: MSU Law and the Relationship Between Japan and the USA