Timothy Valero
<p>Timothy is a third-year East Asian Studies/Diplomacy and World Affairs double major from Occidental College in Los Angeles. Prior to studying abroad, Timothy’s studies have centered on historical and contemporary East Asian and Asian American experiences. He further focuses on social movements and minority rights, and is Vice President of Asian Pacific Americans for Liberation, a cultural/political student organization at his home college. He will be spending his time in Tokyo learning about Japan’s unique history and culture, visiting cat cafes, working hard to improve his Japanese language skills, petting cats, eating as much curry rice as possible, and purchasing cute cat-related items.</p>
Blogs by Timothy Valero
The Elegy of the "Salaryman"
While studying abroad, it's important to balance work in free time. As someone who was called jokingly called "salaryman" by my friends, I look back at...
Why I'm Thankful I went to KUIS
I felt right at home at Kanda University of International Studies: in this post I discuss how the people I met embodied an open-minded campus culture that is...
I just wanted to get lost together!
If you ever need a reminder of how little time three months actually is, then my little story about a mad dash to buy Ghibli museum tickets might help you. It...
An Okinawa Vacation Under the Shadow of the Osprey
The IES Abroad-sponsored trip to Okinawa prefecture was one of the most memorable experiences of my time abroad in Japan. Although much of that was because of...
Asian in America, American in Asia
As an Asian-American person studying in Japan, I have realized that my experience is much different from those of my white, black, or Latino friends. Although I...
When in Japan, Speak Japanese!
That might sound a bit obvious, but it can be surprisingly difficult. This post discusses how my Japanese has improved, and why it is important to take every...
A Letter to the Girl in the Yellow Hat
The IES Tokyo program allows students to take a Field Placement, which has students act as participant-observers in a Japanese business or organization. On my...
My Tokyo Story, told by the Cherry Blossoms
The greatest reason to study abroad in Japan in the spring semester? Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. As the petals fall from the trees, I look back at my...
California Soul Departs for Tokyo
Before I depart for Japan, I look back on the experiences that have prepared me for a study abroad experience. Although I have a lifetime of engagement with...