Tragic events in Japan in the first week of the new year

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Tragic events in Japan in the first week of the new year

Jan 2, 2024 6:59:19 PM

Earthquake in Ishikawa, Japan

A major earthquake hit Japan in the early hours of the New Year causing widespread damage. The quake caused several tsunamis to hit the region shortly after. Our thoughts are with the victims who lost their homes, their lives, or ones they loved. Responders are rushing to the area to rescue those who are trapped in homes or in buildings that collapsed from the original earthquake and the aftershocks.

The quake happened in Western, Ishikawa, Japan (North and West of Tokyo) in a region that CIS Abroad students do not visit regularly. Though Japan is very prepared for earthquakes, the devastation from this quake has been very bad, with many homes collapsing. Relief efforts will continue for the next several days as there are some people trapped in their homes. This story is receiving a lot of international media attention. Here is more information on the earthquake. There is no indication that any CIS Abroad student was traveling in the region of the quake at the time it struck. CIS Abroad’s Japan based staff are reaching out to all of our Fall 2023 students, who remain on-site through February, to ensure that they are supported.

Hadeda Airport Plane Collision

Another tragedy struck Japan very late in the day on the 2nd of January, 2024. There was a collision of two airplanes at the very busy and centrally located Haneda airport in Tokyo. A Japan Coast Guard plane was going to assist earthquake victims in Ishikawa when it collided with a JAL domestic passenger plane at Haneda airport. The domestic flight was inbound from Hokkaido. Luckily there were no fatalities on the domestic flight with over 350 passengers on board, and there were only a few casualties. The JAL plane burst into flames after all passengers had been successfully evacuated. Tragically, there were fatalities on the Coast Guard’s plane. Our sympathies go out to all who were involved in or connected to the victims of this catastrophe, especially the families of those who lost their loved ones on the Coast Guard plane.

Hokkaido is a popular spot for CIS Abroad students to visit, but no students are reported to have been traveling to the northern island at this time. Here is more information about the airplane collision in Tokyo.

CIS Abroad Japan based are reaching out to all students who remain in Japan to ensure that all are safe and supported.

Hear what students, interns, and alumni have to say

BOLDLY COMMITTED to providing the best experiences abroad

While studying in Tokyo for a semester, I aimed to live by the quote: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Because of that, I have gotten to experience incredibly fascinating things and meet amazing people. Tokyo almost feels like a second home to me now. I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to have experienced the beauty of Japan and its rich culture.

Kenae Turner

Elizabeth City State University

Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University

Based on personal experience from my home university, Australia does not tend to be a popular destination for study abroad, likely due to its distance. However, I am extremely grateful I made the decision to come here. The geographical diversity, numerous cultural representations, and major cities so close to nature make Australia a truly unique and unforgettable country. Spending three and a half months here will be an experience I treasure for the rest of my life.

Joshua Grossman

Coastal Carolina University

Semester on the Gold Coast - Bond University

CIS provided a brilliant network of people so I never felt alone, and everyday was a new adventure. I got to explore a place completely different from anything I could have imagined. It was challenging navigating a new culture, a language I didn't know completely, and a new environment, but that was the beauty of it all. No one goes abroad searching for comfort, but you learn that comfort can be found anywhere, if you know how to look.

Alisa Geise

Virginia Commonwealth University

Semester in Costa Rica - Universidad Veritas

Studying abroad has allowed me to grow as a person. I have conquered fears, experienced new things, tried new foods, and met wonderful people who helped make my experience unforgettable. I am more confident in myself and the person that I want to be in the future.

Ashlyn Holmes

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Semester on the Gold Coast - Bond University

Studying abroad in London has been an experience I will never forget. Living in a new country is something I think everyone should experience in their life. I've made so many new life long friendships I never would have unless I came here. I've also grown so much as a person and become more independent. The CIS team has been so supportive during the whole process. From applying to my program to arriving on campus in London. My site directors have been so helpful and supportive answering any questions I have. The social program activities were amazing and helped me see a different side of London than I would have without it. I will never forget this experience; it really has changed me for the better.

Katlynn Orloski

Michigan State University

Semester in London - University of Roehampton

Studying abroad changed my life in all of the best ways and CIS Abroad made it all happen!! Through CIS, I was able to make my first friends and integrate into the culture way easier than I would have on my own.

Amy Zochalski

Valparaiso University

Semester in Newcastle - University of Newcastle

My time abroad has been the most eye opening journey and I’m a more independent person because of it. I’m so grateful for all the experiences, friends, and memories I’ve made along the way!

Casey Ferguson

Kean University

Semester in Scotland - Edinburgh Napier University

Unlike many people on this trip who come with the intention of being a tourist, I feel like I had a different goal. I wanted to rediscover my culture and where I belonged. Being a hafu living in America and not fluent in Japanese, I was never really able to get in touch with my Japanese heritage. This trip completely changed that and I now have a goal of one day living in Japan for the rest of my life.

Dean Handler

University of Central Florida

Summer in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University

The CIS program was truly a one of a kind experience. I was able to meet many students from all across America, attend several events (such as food tours or a trip to Kyoto), and make many friends. I would not trade it for anything. I am thankful I decided to study with CIS Abroad. Before this, I was thinking about just plowing through my degree, getting my master's and PhD, and immediately entering society. However, this experience changed my life. Through meeting many people from many places, and living in a new area for an extended period of time, my view of my own philosophies, culture and place of living, changed. This would not have happened if I stayed in the States. I would say if you are able to go, you should go. There is no time like the present.

Lexington Whalen

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University

Studying abroad in Japan was lifechanging! Embracing a rich culture, forging international friendships, and gaining valuable insights broadened my perspective, fostering personal growth and unforgettable memories.

Bricen Williams

West Texas A&M University

Semester in Tokyo - Toyo University

I knew I wanted to study abroad, particularly in Japan, because it was on my bucket list. Thanks to CIS, I was able to go to Tokyo! Even now, it is surreal to me that I got to go! I can't put it into words how much fun I had in Tokyo. I enjoyed every second of my time there, from walking around the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to going to class, eating delicious Japanese cuisine, and even going to the convenience store. Even the simplest things were incredibly fun to me. I was initially anxious about being homesick, my Japanese skills and traveling alone, but I'm happy to say that I very quickly made lovely, lifelong friends and was met with nothing but kindness from the locals. I learned not to let my worries get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CIS Abroad. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Tokyo.

Sada Chaudhury

Hunter College

Summer in Tokyo - J.F. Oberlin University

During my time in Costa Rica, I took Intermediate Conversation and Cultural Photography at Veritas University. I really enjoyed how relaxed the classes were and how the teachers taught us not only Spanish, but also culture and day-to-day life. I was also involved in the biology lab here (BIOMOL) and had fun doing some lab work every week. I got to explore multiple places with my program, such as Manuel Antonio, Curubandé, and Jaco. I went surfing for the first time and got to hike some amazing trails. I highly recommend traveling to Costa Rica for study abroad; it is a beautiful country with beautiful people and memories to make!

Lauren Adams

William Woods University

Summer in Costa Rica

I took Spanish for Healthcare Professionals and Conflict Resolution & Healthcare at Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica. I really enjoyed how interactive my elective class was; the students often led the class by doing presentations on various topics. We also had a field trip to the local school. My favorite part of the study abroad experience was all the weekend trips. It was awesome to see so many different places in the country. My favorite trip was to Tamarindo and Curubande where I got to take a surf lesson and hike to waterfalls.

Faith Johnson

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Summer in Costa Rica

This past month I spent my time studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy with CIS Abroad. The opportunity of being able to study in Italy was a dream come true! From my peers in the program to Frankie and Kayla, everyone has been so open and welcoming. CIS has done any amazing job making sure I felt prepared for my travels and was available to answer my many questions. Without CIS, this opportunity would have seemed like a dream, but they helped me turn it into a reality. I have met some amazing friends and grown into a better person during my time in Sorrento!

Alana Bergin

University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa

Summer on the Italian Coast

I’ve always wanted to study abroad, even though I was initially very nervous since I had never been over seas before. But even my imagination could never have dreamed of the amazing things I got to see and experience while abroad. I didn’t get to just see all these new places but studying abroad allowed me to have the time to fully submerge myself into so many different cultures. I’ll never forget my time over here and I will forever be grateful I was able to experience studying abroad!