During the fall 2024 12-week term, Meredith Farmer ’25 departed the U.S. to spend nearly two months in Kyoto, Japan, totally immersing herself in a new place, culture, and way of life.

As a part of Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts’ Japanese Studies Program, Meredith explored Japanese language, culture, and history from Sept. 25 – Dec. 19, 2024. In the classroom, she and her classmates learned about many facets of Japanese culture and language alongside their local counterparts.

“Doshisha Women’s College in many ways felt like an urban Sweet Briar; there was a close and vibrant community of young women, all curious and excited to learn. I really felt at home there, and I hope future Sweet Briar students will continue doing this amazing program,” noted Meredith.

Girls wearing kimonos

Meredith Farmer ’25 and her study abroad classmates try on traditional kimonos.The group covered a range of topics in and out of the classroom, such as the role of gardens and Zen in Kyoto, examining how civilizations and their perspective on nature could be inferred from their gardens. Meredith’s favorite of the many supplemental field trips was set in a breathtaking garden in which a local Buddhist monk treated the students to tea and a discussion on meditation. Additional adventures included visiting temples, experiencing local nightlife, and engaging with various clubs, opening the door to activities such as tea ceremonies and donning traditional kimonos.

“There was a sense of warmth in Kyoto; everyone was so kind and genuine in their interactions. The program’s curriculum had a good balance of field trips and in-classroom learning,” she said. “I got to connect with Japanese culture in such an authentic way, which I think is something that few tourists really get to do.”

During her travels, Meredith also discovered what many who study abroad face: the real-life challenges of living in a foreign country. Whether it was tracking down locations, navigating local etiquette and customs, or determining when to speak the language in a more casual manner, there were myriad moments for Meredith to grow, challenge herself, and be bold. But through all the opportunities for personal and academic growth, she was able to make a temporary home for herself grounded in her Sweet Briar education.

“While I majored in biology at Sweet Briar, I really enjoyed the language, history, and economics classes that I was able to take. They helped to expand my scope of knowledge and become more considerate in my understanding of the relationship between humans and the natural world. While in Japan, I was able to see this further through a more international lens,” she said. “Studying abroad opened my eyes to so many possibilities and really ignited my desire to continue traveling and learning about the world around me. I love speaking with people, especially strangers, about their cultures and I’ve developed a confidence that I never had before. I’m excited to see where life takes me next.”

AloJapan.com