For six weeks this summer, James Calleja 2028 experienced life on the other side of the world after being selected for a study abroad scholarship program in Japan.

Calleja lived with a host family in Akashi, a city in Japan's Hyogo Prefecture, where he was immersed in Japanese culture, language, and daily life. He also attended classes at the National Institute of Technology Akashi College, allowing him to learn alongside Japanese students and experience a different educational environment.

Outside the classroom, Calleja explored much of Hyogo Prefecture while visiting Kobe, Osaka, and Himeji. His travels also took him through rural areas, where he experienced Japan's mountain landscapes and traditional terraced rice fields.

More than anything, Calleja says the people he met made the experience unforgettable.

"This program allowed me to build meaningful connections with students, my host family, and other people from around the world," he said. "This experience led to lifelong friendships and provided memories and experiences that I will never forget."

Reflecting on his six weeks abroad, Calleja says that living with a host family gave him a firsthand look at everyday life in Japan, broadened his understanding of another culture, and created friendships that will last a lifetime.