Report on a qualitative study of self-reported personal growth in Japanese university students following a long-term study abroad (SA) program. A series of semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted over several weeks. Subjects were asked to reflect on how they changed during their SA time. They were encouraged to give examples, tell stories, follow tangents, and expand on answers. Common themes included increased tolerance of ambiguity, changed perception of other cultures, and personal self-empowerment.