Apologies for a second post this week, hopefully that's okay. I'm a freshman university student looking to study abroad in a few years, and am currently researching the programs that my university offers. Do any of you have any experience with/know anything about the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies at Doshisha University?
I'm torn between this and Waseda in Tokyo, so am looking for some thoughts about them to see which might fit what I'm looking for. Here are a few questions, feel free to answer as few or many as you'd like!
How's the location? I would probably be at a home stay so obviously could be living anywhere in the vicinity, but are there a good amount of things to do around campus and in general? I'm particularly into exploring new neighborhoods and walking in scenic places, trying ramen and coffee shops, and hiking.
Will socializing be easy for a foreign student? I'm not too sure how the KCJS program works yet, but are Doshisha students generally open to making friends with and hanging out with international students? Would I even get the opportunity to interact much with them?
Are there student clubs that I can join? I'm particularly interested in stuff like outdoors and K-on clubs
KCJS only offers study abroad from late August to December or January to Late April. Obviously this is outside of the typical Japanese school year – do you think this would be a problem in terms of meeting people? The Waseda program follows the Japanese school year, so is tempting in that regard.
If I was to choose between late Aug-Dec and Jan-late April, which would you recommend? It seems like the first semester would have more festivals, fall foliage, and overall nicer weather, whereas the second would have hanami?
Is it relatively easy to travel to nearby places and prefectures from Kyoto? I love exploring new places so want to see as much of Japan as possible when time permits.
I realize this is a long shot, but would love to get an opinion if you guys know anything. Thank you!
by Bleuowl12