Cristian Spariosa '23 had every intention of studying abroad in Europe this spring. On a whim, he pivoted to Japan, and he may have found his forever home.
Just before Cristian took his first bite, he remembers having this thought:
"Maybe I should try this experience at a Michelin star-rated restaurant? Oh well, screw it."
Cristian had just ordered fugu (pufferfish) at a fish market. The chef skinned the fish, alive, right in front of Cristian, then carefully described each step of the preparation. The process is important because it's, quite literally, the difference between life and death.
A single pufferfish is filled with enough tetrodotoxin (a toxic chemical defense) to paralyze and kill dozens of predators, or a New Yorker looking for lunch. Chefs must be licensed by the Japanese government just to serve pufferfish. Cristian watched others chew the delicate flesh of the fugu and walk away, seemingly unscathed. So, he closed his eyes and took a bite. The verdict:
"It was okay."
At least he lived to give the lukewarm review. Cristian has also eaten shrimp half the size of his arm, but drew a line while on a date. His Japanese dinner companion was excited to introduce Cristian to a specialty on the menu, but Cristian told her Americans don't eat raw chicken. That may have been the line he wouldn't cross, but he's been captivated by hundreds of unique, Japanese-specific adventures.
"This biggest lesson I learned, just always take advantage of every opportunity and possibility. I knew I would enjoy my time, but I didn't think it would be the best time of my life. It's going to be weird going back to New York. I love it, but it's so chaotic. Tokyo is so orderly."
If that's his biggest lesson, his top recommendation when studying abroad is this:
"Get involved with the local community and the local students. Go to the local bars. Meet people and talk to people.
It was at a local bar where Cristian befriended the bartender and his fiancee. Cristian mentioned in conversation that he hoped to see a Geisha show. Weeks later, the bartender escorted him to an invitation-only Geisha performance.
Cristian needed only a couple of credits to finish his degree, and then he'll officially graduate in August. Last year, he called his choice to study in Japan (over front-running destinations like Poland, Czech Republic, and France) the most spontaneous decision of his life. Perhaps, the most life-changing as well.
Cristian feels so at home with the people and the culture that he'd like to relocate to Japan, at least for a while. He may start looking at teaching opportunities, or he could look for work with a Japanese company with offices in New York. In that scenario, he could learn the business and improve his Japanese and then transfer abroad on a work visa.
"I was saying to my friends, I feel like a character in a simulator video game. I can't believe this has been my life. I'm in Tokyo then Mt. Fuji. It's all been such a blessing being able to see these places. These past four months have been the best four months of my life."
