For 1,000 years it has been part of the Japanese culture to experience the Sakura, or cherry blossoms, as spring is the season for Hanami, or flower viewing. At sunrise, through mid-April to early March, Sakura blooms are admired by all.

This is just one attraction that CSUN study abroad students have the opportunity to experience while in Japan.

Stevie Underwood, 25, a modern and classical languages and cultures major,  is part of the CSUN study abroad program at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan and had the opportunity to go to Kyoto over spring break for a chance to see and experience the Sakura.

“You can look out your window and see the trees spread out in the city. The petals were falling and it was just a beautiful experience,” Underwood said.

Underwood is one of 21 CSU students in the study abroad program at Waseda University and one of five students from CSUN.

Kathleen Lucitt, 21, also a modern and classical languages and cultures major, is at the same university as Underwood and said that one of her best experiences is getting to meet new and interesting people.

“I feel very lucky to have shared a class with people from different countries but common interests,” she said.

Veronica Rodin, 20, a modern and classical languages and cultures major, enjoys going a little further for adventure and explores the nightlife and restaurants in other areas of Tokyo with her classmates. Students studying abroad in Tokyo can ride the subway at an affordable price.

“I definitely enjoy Roppongi because there is a lot of things to do there. There’s a lot of shops and cafes, but there are also places to go drink or club it’s really a place for any type of person and you see a lot of interesting characters there,” Rodin said.

CSUN’s study abroad program offers students the chance to visit 18 different countries and they can stay for up to two semesters with a host family or in a dormitory.

Information session dates on study abroad programs can be found on the CSUN website.