On a group day trip chilling with the Nara deer
NAME: Andrew Rivas
MAJOR: Business Admin/Mgmt Information Systems
PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange –Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan – Spring 2025
EMAIL: andrew.rivas01@sjsu.edu
BIO:
I’m Andrew, a 4th year Management Information Systems major and Im from San Jose. I chose to study abroad because the idea of it fascinated me, I wanted to learn about a new culture, make new friends, and overall have amazing stories to remember/tell about later on in life. Ive been to Japan 2 times before studying abroad here, first time with my family, and second time alone. I was intrigued by this country from the moment I stepped foot outside of the airport, as many others have been as well. Having the opportunity to study abroad here was something I didn’t know existed but as soon as I learned about it I instantly jumped on the idea and did everything I could to study abroad here in Japan. I whole heartedly believe this was a great decision and I would encourage anyone who is on the fence still to go ahead and do the exchange.
GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?
Before studying abroad my goals were quite clear for myself. Personally, I wanted to experience everyday life in Japan, learn about their customs and culture, make new friends, and improve my language skills. For my academic goals, I wanted to take courses that would help me understand the culture and language better, and I also wanted to see what university life in Japan was like to help me decide if I might want to pursue higher education there in the future. Professionally, I hoped to build skills that would be useful for my career, like being able to adapt to new environments, communicate across cultures, and gain experience that would help me in working with people from different backgrounds.
PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you?
The biggest impact that my study abroad experience had on me was how much I grew as a person. Living in Japan pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me that I can handle challenges on my own in a completely new environment. I became more independent and confident in myself, especially when it came to navigating daily life, communicating in another language, and adapting to unfamiliar situations. Meeting new friends from both Japan and around the world also opened my mind to different perspectives and helped me appreciate how diverse and connected the world really is. Overall, studying abroad gave me a stronger sense of who I am, made me more open minded, and motivated me to keep exploring and learning from the world around me.
ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?
During my time studying abroad, I took a variety of courses including Cultures in the USA, Climate Justice, Japanese Regular (Level 2), Environmental Issues in Modern Japan, Japanese Pop Culture B, an SDGs course, and Manga: A Cultural History. Taking this wide range of courses gave me the chance to explore both cultural and social topics while also continuing to build my Japanese language skills. To make sure I achieved academic success, the main strategy I used was time management. I wrote down everything that was due and kept track of assignments and deadlines, which helped me stay organized even with a busy schedule. I also did my best to participate in class, ask questions, and connect with classmates, which helped me better understand the material. This experience has impacted me by improving how I manage my time and approach my studies. I feel more confident in handling a heavier workload, and I’ve also gained a broader perspective that I can apply to my courses here at home.
CAREER: What skills did you learn / sharpen during your study abroad experience?
During my study abroad experience, I was able to improve a lot of important skills that I know will help me moving forward. One of the biggest skills I developed was adaptability. Living in a new country meant I had to adjust to a different culture, language, and way of doing things, which taught me how to stay flexible and open minded. I also improved my communication skills, both in Japanese as I practiced using the language every day, and in general by working with people from many different cultural backgrounds. On top of that, I got better at time management and organization since I had to balance my coursework, exploring Japan, and spending time with friends. I now feel more confident managing a busy schedule and working with others. Overall, my time abroad gave me valuable experience that has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world? Being able to spend a semester in Japan really opened my eyes and took me out of a tourist mindset. I was able to enjoy the country in a deeper way and learn so much about it through the amazing people I met and the experiences I had. I also got the chance to meet people from many different countries who were doing the exchange program with us. Hearing their stories and seeing how they shared their own cultures was eye opening and allowed me to learn so much more about the world than I would have if I hadn’t studied abroad. This experience showed me that there are many different perspectives and ways of life, and it made me appreciate the importance of being open-minded and understanding towards others. It helped me see the world as more connected, and it made me want to keep learning from people with different backgrounds wherever I go.
FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future?
Studying abroad has prepared me for my future in many ways. It taught me how to adapt to new environments, communicate with people from different cultures, and stay open minded when facing challenges. Living in Japan gave me the chance to build independence and confidence in myself, which I know will help me in both my personal and professional life. I also gained experience working with people from many different backgrounds, which is valuable for any career in today’s global world. On top of that, I strengthened important skills like time management, organization, and problem solving. Overall, studying abroad gave me a broader perspective that I will carry with me into my future goals, whether that’s in higher education, my career, or my personal growth.
TIPS: What advice would you give to future Global Spartans?
The advice I would give to a future Global Spartan is to really keep an open mind and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Studying abroad goes by quickly, so make the most of your time by trying new things, meeting new people, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, especially when it comes to language or cultural differences, those moments are where you’ll learn the most. I would also recommend staying organized with your academics so you can balance your studies while still having time to explore and enjoy your host country. Most importantly, take the time to connect with both local students and other international students, because those friendships and shared experiences will end up being some of the best parts of your time abroad.