Impact that tells a story

Wonder how Canvas Gate can make a different? Let our students tell you about our programs and the impacts we bring!

"

I was really glad to participate in the Kyoto Program where my expectations were met and exceeded. The main key point to make this program stands out is that the matching between students and host families were perfect. Other students raved about their families and I immediately felt comfortable with my family. It was a really great match for me.

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Marisa Barreda

Marketing Major
Kyoto Program 2018

"

I started learning Japanese in High School and also went to Japan during that time, but I felt that my previous experience wasn’t enough so I decided to participate in Kyoto Program to improve my Japan experiences. The best experiences that I got from this program is all my previous expectations were met and host family matching was great!

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Ryan Biesty

Computer Engineering Major
Kyoto Program 2018

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The Kyoto Program exceeded all my expectations! Honestly, it was my first time joining a study abroad program which I stayed with a host family. It was amazing that the host family matching was perfect. I did not feel uncomfortable at all. The perfect match overall added to my amazing experiences during my stay in Japan. They accommodated for me perfectly with no problems. Even with kids in the household, it was perfect.

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Francis Ramos

Advertising Major
Kyoto Program 2018

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Due in part to my older cousin’s interest in Japanese anime and video games, I have been immersed in Japanese entertainment, most specifically Nintendo, since a very young age. As I got older, my gaming hobbies extended towards Japanese cuisine and anime, up until my college years where I turned to the language for both the sake of my major (I was an international business major) and my interest in Japanese culture.

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Emilee Gibbons

English Major
Kyoto Program 2015

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The Kyoto program, in a short and clichéd statement, was a life changing experience. Despite everyone’s fears, all the host families were very kind and understanding to our many pitfalls. Instead of only having to force Japanese out of my mouth for a couple of hours at the house (carrying around a dictionary, even within the house is recommended as well) it was an all-day affair. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience Japan from a cultural perspective. Every day is jam packed full of adventures with an educational and enjoyable atmosphere. The entire trip seemed like a dream, but a dream that will be forever remembered.

Emily Bittner

Geology Major
Kyoto Program 2011

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The trip's schedule was structured so that pretty much every day was packed with activities. Yet, there was also enough free time for us to explore and have fun on our own. Canvas Gate, along with their leaders did an excellent job arranging the schedule and letting us know if there was ever a change. If someone is interested in Japan, I would definitely recommend this program to them. We had so much fun every day, and got to see things we had never seen before and may never see again. We all became good friends and even now still talk to each other. For me, this trip was a life-changing experience, and I will undoubtedly remember it for the rest of my life.

Will Ferguson

Linguistics Major
Kyoto Program 2011

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Where to begin about the Kyoto program? I have never been across the seas before and this was my first time to a foreign country. I could not be any happier that I chose Japan to be my first foreign country that I visit. My interests in Japan are the traditions and temples. The Kyoto program met my expectations!

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Hieu Nguyen

International Business Major
Kyoto Program 2011

"

I am so thankful and happy that I participated in the Kyoto Program this summer.  It was one of the greatest experiences of my entire life and I will cherish the memories I made for the rest of my life. I was the lone ranger from Cal State Fullerton and I literally had about 2 days to decide to participate in this program; I’m so glad I just went for it at the spur of the moment.

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Alicia Hanson

Japanese Major
Kyoto Program 2008

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Before being a part of the 2008 Kyoto Program, I had studied Japanese for approximately 4 years and had always planned to visit Japan. However, considering my busy schedule, I knew I only had one chance to take an extended trip to Japan, so I had to make that one trip to Japan count. With that being said, the program created by Canvas Gate and led by Mr. Kaz Aoki, President of Canvas Gate, Inc. and Dr. Seiichiro Inaba, Professor of San Jose State University could not have been a more ideal, rewarding, eye-opening, satisfying experience of Japan.

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Javier Arboleda

Computer Science Major
Kyoto Program 2008

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When I first heard about the Study Abroad Program, I was very excited, because visiting and studying in Japan has always been my dream. Japanese culture has preserved many ancient traditions from China and Korea that were lost in those countries themselves.  Building on continental cultural influence mixed with native tradition, Japan has developed its own tradition that shines on the other side of the Pacific. That is the cultural value I see in Japan!

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Michelle Pey Chun

Physics Major
Kyoto Program 2007

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Upon arriving at Kyoto, I really did not know what to expect. I have been studying Japanese for a total of 4.5 years, 2.5 years of which I took Japanese in school. I’ve always had an interest in Japan starting with the Anime which lead me to start learning the language; to where I am now, enjoying the food, culture and practicing the language.

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Jonathan Biddle

Japanese Major
Kyoto Program 2006