Having studied Japanese in the United States for 7 years, I seem to have always had an interest in both Japanese language and culture. Currently I am on a one year exchange from Pittsburgh University and taking part in the Study in Kyoto Program (SKP). As my major is the Japanese language, I am really enjoying my Japanese classes here at Ritsumeikan University.

Also, outside of class I have joined one of the dance circles (Kyoto Team Sarara) and find this to be a great spot to further improve my Japanese while making friends and enjoying Japanese culture at the same time. Circle activities are run entirely in Japanese so I must concentrate hard on what is being taught. If I don’t understand something that is said in Japanese I might miss out on an important meeting or practice, and because we are going to Hokkaido for the Soran Matsuri soon I really want to get as much practice in as I can.