Written by Lin Han Lu (Brandeis University), Student Correspondent for CET Japan, Summer 2026
First Eats in Osaka
Upon my first day at CET Japan, I got to experience the local restaurants near Osaka Gakuin University with other fellow classmates! Since we were placed in the suburbs of Osaka, Japan, we were surrounded by many houses and local stores and restaurants. It felt like a great introduction to the CET program to meet other interested students at my program and have a chill lunch around the area.
Touring Osaka Gakuin University
During our orientation, we were given a campus tour around Osaka Gakuin University. Walking around campus helped us become familiar with the classrooms, facilities, and daily environment before classes began.
My New Home for the Summer
After a long day of orientation and activities, CET students walk back through the quiet suburban streets toward their homestays. The narrow roads, tiled rooftops, and overhead power lines show a slower, everyday side of Japan beyond the busy city centers. When I looked back to take the photo, I took in the feeling that this would be part of our daily routines, connecting the classroom learning while living a life in a local Osaka neighborhood.
Exploring More of Osaka
On the way to one of our first CET group dinners, we passed this bright red Ferris wheel rising above Umeda’s city streets. Passing by something eye catching and new like this, the outing became an early chance to explore, connect with classmates, and begin making Osaka feel like home!
After, all the CET students gathered for an all you can eat shabu shabu dinner. Sharing a meal together made the city outing feel more welcoming, giving everyone time to talk, laugh, and get to know each other outside of class. It was one of the first moments when our group began to feel more connected.
Safety Simulation Activity
Once we settled in Osaka for a few days, we went to a safety training/simulation where we learned how to respond to emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, and tsunamis. We practiced using a simulated fire extinguisher, walked through exhibits showing what disasters can look like in Japan, and learned what to do in various scenarios. The experience was both interactive and practical, helping us better understand the safety knowledge needed while living and studying abroad in Osaka!
Even More Exploring
After our safety training, a few of us explored Shinsekai, one of Osaka’s older and more nostalgic neighborhoods. The covered shopping streets were crowded with signs, restaurants, and Expo 2025 flags, giving the area a lively local atmosphere. We also stopped inside an old arcade, where rows of games and bright machines showed a different side of Osaka’s entertainment culture. It was a fun way to spend time with friends and experience the city beyond our usual classroom routine!
