Sophia Heles ’26

Program: Japan Semester

Major: Strategic Communication Studies

Minors: Music & Japanese

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you decide on this program?

I chose to study abroad because I wanted to expand my worldview and perspectives. I also wanted to utilize my Japanese language skills and explore and entirely new culture. I chose the Japan program because I had been studying Japanese since my freshman year, was entertaining the idea of possibly living there in the future, and wanted to gain an understanding of what life might be like there.

Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your program that made a lasting impression.

One cultural experience that made a lasting impression on me was the carrying of the omikoshi, or portable shrine. We were given the opportunity to participate in that summer festival tradition, and although it was extremely hot, humid, and the shrine was really heavy, I believe that was an unforgettable experience I’ll keep with me for my whole life. Although I didn’t know a lot of the people (and couldn’t speak their language fluently) who were carrying the shrine, there was a great sense of community and camaraderie that we all shared.

Based on your experiences abroad, what are some of the benefits of spending a semester abroad? How has studying abroad contributed to your personal, academic, and professional development?

Studying abroad gave me many opportunities to see the world differently and make friends and connections with people who have grown up in very different cultures. It also allowed me to discover different methods of how to approach academics and studying and see what works best. Finally, it’s allowed me to see different ways of applying Japanese to my career, and perhaps pursuing a professional marketing or advertising career in Japan now that I’ve familiarized myself a bit.

What advice can you offer for CSB+SJU students who are considering or planning to study abroad?

Pack light! Also, thoroughly research the weather at your destination. I thought I had researched enough, but ended up needing to buy a fan, lighter clothes, and sunscreen. Though I had anticipated some of this, I would have definitely brought lighter clothes had I known how hot and humid Japan was in the summer. Additionally, I used a E-sim for my phone data and service (Ubigi), which I believe was a great decision. My friends studying abroad also found great use out of it.