Kayla Villegas Gains International Experience at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan

2015 Jan 5

Kayla Villegas, class of 2016 from Wooster, Ohio, had a longer ride home than most college students this winter break. A student at Wittenberg University, where her twin brother Trevor also attends, Villegas reflected on her international experience as she wrapped up a semester of study abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata City, Japan.

"I've had moments of loneliness when I missed my favorite little home in the small town of Wooster, Ohio, where I knew the language, had familiar faces and knew how to be funny," Villegas said. "I certainly had moments where I missed my best friends at my small liberal arts school in the heart of the Midwest. But I suppose those things will be most highly appreciated upon my journey home within the next few days."

Villegas' full reflection letter can be found at http://www.wittenberg.edu/news/2014/12_19-study-abroad-kansai-gaidai.html.

Villegas credits quite a few individuals for helping her get to Kansai Gaidai, including her high school speech and debate coach.

"A few people know that my past involves some dabbling in the world of forensics - The Speech and Debate team to be exact," she said. "Well I could kiss Mrs. Custer for all those afternoons she spent coaching me on how to win over an audience. Because of her, I was able to talk my way out of deportation in immigration. Turns out you actually need to apply for a visa before you get here. And I had to convince customs to waive a $400 cargo fee on my luggage. My suitcase had been classified as an exported good from the Philippines. Go Woo."

A double major in marketing and communication with a minor in journalism, Villegas took rigorous courses and explored Japanese and world cultures at the university, where she lived with students from more than 50 countries; endured Tropical Storm Vongfong; visited relatives in the Philippines; and even joined the Kansai Gaidai Lacrosse Team.

"When I got on the plane bound for Osaka, I had no idea what to expect. Despite the hard work, I wouldn't trade anything for the moments I've had here. Immersing myself in the culture has given me invaluable experience working with others cross-culturally. This experience has helped me shape career goals and solidify my decision to enter the business world post-grad," Villegas said. "Navigating your way through a big city that's not English-friendly is invigorating. Partially figuring out a culture is empowering. Flying to the other side of the world completely alone and finding what adventures await--that's life changing."

Regardless of age or interest, Villegas encourages everyone to try something or travel somewhere new--experiences she says she prepared for at Wittenberg.

"Wittenberg taught me the power of keeping an open mind, and Wittenberg also helped me embrace a spirit of adventure. Since day one, I felt encouraged to try new things like going through sorority recruitment or running for Student Senate. Anything I wanted to do, Wittenberg wanted to see it happen in a positive way. So I suppose that attitude gave me the courage to apply from the start. The faculty genuinely believe in their students, and they give me the hope that whatever I want to do in life, I can do--with excellence. Sometimes all we need is a little encouragement to believe in ourselves, and then greatness can be achieved."

For Villegas, the encouragement she's found at Wittenberg is just an extension of her support system at home.

"If you happen to be out and about in the Wooster area and you run into anyone named Joe or Sheryl Villegas, please give them a hug for me. They are the reason I have always been able to pursue any opportunity in life. I'm so grateful they sent both my brother and I to Wittenberg and continue to be my number one supporters through all my endeavors. They're the real MVPs."