CofC International Students

Two years ago, I arrived in Charleston without knowing anyone and with no clue how my life would be. I was a transfer exchange student from Japan and I finished my degree at the College of Charleston. These last two years in Charleston turned out to be the best two years of my life! I won’t change this experience for anything. If you ask me what I like about Charleston, I would say everything! I love the place, the weather, and especially the people I met during my study abroad.
The first time I heard about Charleston, I had no clue what it looked like. Charleston is a really charming city with a lot of history. By walking around downtown, you will feel like you are back in time. My favorite thing in Charleston was walking around downtown. I did this for two years and I never got bored. I used to take a walk through the Battery, Water Front, and Harbor Walk after classes with my friends. One thing that I love was seeing the sunset from the Battery. In my opinion, it’s a must thing to do if you are in Charleston! (People who know me are actually tired of seeing my sunset pictures of Charleston..haha)
Another thing that I enjoyed in Charleston was going to eat out with friends. Charleston has plenty of places to eat out. From real Southern food to Sushi! And many ice cream places! (I think I have been to all the ice cream places.) My favorite place was the Sushi place (of course). They had a special offer every Tuesday, so we called it “sushi Tuesday” and I went with the international students almost every Tuesday. I will also recommend international students to try the real Southern food. Charleston has many restaurants that serve typical Southern food!

Finally, I want to write about the people I met in Charleston. Been in a foreign country, away from family and friends from home is tough. People who studied abroad or had the same experience know the feeling of being home sick. I cannot imagine my two years study abroad without the friends that I made in Charleston. Each semester I met people from everywhere! I had never experience the feeling of being surrounded by people from different countries and culture. It’s amazing! Having lunch and dinner together, going for a walk, going to events, and even studying together was a fun experience for me. I feel like I was learning something new each day of my study abroad. Also, it made me realize how unique and different my own culture is. “People are the best part of study abroad”, this is the words that one of my friends in Charleston said and I totally agree. I am so thankful that I met each them and for me, those people are my second family. If I could, I would do my study abroad in Charleston all over again! Thank you for the amazing two years, College of Charleston!