"My day-to-day experience was vibrant. I would share each breakfast and dinner chatting with my host mom about politics, the city, and new art installations at museums—she was my biggest resource in terms of connecting to the culture."

In selecting a study abroad program, I was most intrigued by the possibility of immersion in a foreign culture. I was looking for a deeper exposure to culture and more personal responsibility, which is why I chose the BCGS.

"My courses allowed me to explore a 1,000 year old city, steeped with historical locales, religious sites, and traditions. After school, my friends and I were able to enjoy modern aspects of Kyoto, like wandering through the shopping district or singing karaoke."

What I study at Columbia is completely different than most of what I was studying in Kenya, but it didn’t matter.