By Shaw Chiba, University of California, Los Angeles, USA

How to Join

Going to study abroad can feel scary at first, and my first quarter at UCLA was no different. Sign up/ attend your universities’ career fair! By joining the ski and board club, and the Nikkei Student Union I was able to make amazing friends and experiences that will last me a lifetime. This was a great way to settle into university life, and ensure you aren’t getting swept up by the academic side.

First trip to the beach with NSU

Ski Trips!

The Jackson Hole AllCal trip involved colleges from across California, we took the bus up to Jackson, Wyoming from Los Angeles which took approximately 20 hours. Although the bus journey was tough, it was amazing to look at the scenery change outside from the warm climate in SoCal, to the snow covered peaks in Wyoming. It was on this bus that I met some of my best friends on my exchange programme.

Arriving in Jackson Hole

We stayed in small rooms of four people, in a complex with a pool and hot tub. We had great fun at the accommodation playing games, telling stories, and eating out together. Our mornings would consist of waking up at 8am to take the buses up to the mountain. Once on the mountain we enjoyed the amazing skiing the resort had to offer, and of course had hot chocolate at the top of the mountain – probably the highlight of my trip.

First day on the slopes

Although I had the best time skiing and enjoying everything Jackson Hole had to offer, it wouldn’t be the same had I not made great friends during the trip. I believe joining societies is one of the best ways to make friends and put yourself out of your comfort zone, staying with people for a few days on trips brings everyone closer together, and ensures you can make friends that will last a lifetime!