In this blog post, I hope to share a glimpse into my journey as an international student traveling back home for winter break. For many of us at Amherst College, one of the most pressing concerns isn’t just the excitement of the holidays but also the logistics of transit.
When I first arrived in the U.S., I quickly realized how car-centric the nation is—a sharp contrast to the public transportation systems I was used to back home. Like many international students, I don’t have a driver’s license here, which adds another layer of complexity to planning my trip. With that in mind, I’ll walk you through the steps I take to navigate this challenge and make it back home in time to celebrate the season. Whether you’re an international student or just curious, I hope this provides insight into a unique aspect of campus life at Amherst!
Making Travel Easier: Transportation Options for Amherst Students
When visiting Amherst or planning your journey home, don’t worry—the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) Transportation Committee has your back. For most major holidays, the Transportation Committee organizes shuttle buses to get students to key destinations at prices designed to be more affordable than competing options.
Keep an eye on your inbox because the AAS Senate typically sends out an email with instructions on how to sign up for these shuttles. Popular destinations include New York City ($35), Boston ($20), and Hartford ($15)—providing convenient and cost-effective ways to travel to these major hubs.
But that’s not all—shuttle buses aren’t the only option! Many students also use Peter Pan Bus, an intercity bus service, or even organize carpools with friends. Whatever your travel plans, Amherst provides plenty of options to make getting home as smooth as possible.
My Winter Break Travel Timeline
Departure from Amherst College 😭
My morning started earlier than usual for this trip. With the bus to Boston scheduled for 7:30 a.m., I woke up at 7:00 a.m., quickly gathered my belongings, and made my way to Converse Hall, the designated departure point. The crisp morning air and quiet campus added a sense of calm to the excitement of heading home for winter break.
At Converse, I noticed many familiar faces—friends and classmates also heading to various destinations for the holidays. It was comforting to share this early start with others, exchanging sleepy smiles and casual chats as we waited for the bus to arrive.
The journey to Boston took about two hours, offering a mix of scenic New England views and the soft hum of conversations and naps on the bus. We arrived at our drop-off location near the Federal Reserve, conveniently located right across from Boston South Station. From there, everyone dispersed to catch their trains, buses, or flights, marking the start of their individual adventures home.
Arriving at the Airport and ready to take off for Japan
As I arrived at the airport, I was immediately comforted by the sound of familiar Japanese spoken by passengers waiting to board the same flight to Japan. Hearing snippets of conversation about holiday plans and family reunions brought a sense of home even before stepping onto the plane.
As I settled into my airplane seat, I met a high school student sitting next to me, and our conversation began almost naturally. They were also studying abroad and heading home for the holidays, and we quickly found common ground in our shared experiences.
By the time we landed, we had exchanged contact information, promising to stay in touch. It’s moments like these that remind me how travel can unexpectedly bring people together, turning what might have been just another flight into a memorable and heartwarming experience.
Touchdown in Japan!!!!
After a long 13-hour flight, I finally arrived at Narita Airport in Japan. The moment I stepped off the plane, I was greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of home—the announcements in Japanese, and the bustling atmosphere of travelers. Narita, as always, was a seamless gateway back to Japan, and I couldn’t wait to continue the journey to my hometown and reunite with family and friends.
Closing Thoughts
I hope this blog post offered you a glimpse into what international travel is like as a student at Amherst. Whether you’re an international student planning your own trip home or just curious about the experience, I hope my journey resonated with you in some way.
As always, feel free to reach out to me at ttanaka28@amherst.edu with any questions or thoughts—there’s no such thing as a bad question! Wishing everyone safe travels and a joyful holiday season ahead!