Exchange Students’ Voice / 交換留学生の声

Japan was a country that I didn’t have in my radar for much time. It was around the time when I had to decide which country I wanted to go to while studying abroad. There were many countries stuck rotating in my mind, but one stood apart from them, Japan. I had a bit of knowledge from Japan, most of it came from football, such as footballers as Keisuke Honda, Maya Yoshida, and Eiji Kawashima. While I had a bit of knowledge regarding Japan, I found the Japanese culture fascinating as it was something I hadn’t seen before, including the dedication and discipline they had to goals they wanted to complete. I wanted to learn more about Japanese culture and have the opportunity to meet new people, hopefully to make friends, visit many locations around Japan, and try Japanese food. 

The reason why I decided to choose Meiji University was due to the acceptance from one of my majors, and the location it had in Japan, as it was located in the capital. I’ve been told the Meiji University was a top University in Japan. When I met new people and asked them, “what are you doing here?” I respond saying I was an international student studying at Meiji University, they would be surprised, knowing the level of education provided at Meiji University. Including the huge number of clubs that Meiji University offers with them list providing many sports, music, and many more clubs. With many of them grabbing my attention.

My favorite place on campus would be the first floor of Liberty Tower. The reason why I enjoyed that place is because of the incredible atmosphere, especially when Meiji cheerleaders, band, and supporters would arrive to promote the University matches. The energy they would transmit to everyone was great, demonstrating the University spirit and support they had for each other. It was also a great place where I could meet new people and speak with friends before and after class, as it was a good location to meet and to speak about our daily occurrences.

The impressions that I have had while my time in Japan are great and surprising. Everyday there is something new to see and do. Many locations that I have visited have left me astonished, many of them I had no idea about, such as Enoshima and Kamakura, where I have recommended many people to visit. While other places I had a bit of knowledge, but once you arrive to the location you are still surprised by the magnitude of the location. While meeting people in Japan, I am thankful for meeting them because they have been great with teaching me many stuff of Japan, and patient when explaining it to me. They have explained much about their culture and taught how the act in certain situations to be respectful in Japanese culture.

■Things you particulartly enjoy / 楽しいところ
The aspect the I enjoy the most of my student life in Japan is that every day I meet new people from around the world. It would occur during routines going to class or at the events hosted by the University, for any simple reason I would begin to talk with someone and discover where they are from. Being a university student here in Japan I was surprised to discover all the new people that I was going to meet while my time here. While becoming friends with many of the people here I was surprised to find out that even though we came from many different countries we shared many similar hobbies.

■Things challenging for you / 大変なところ
The biggest challenge in my student life here in Japan is learning the language. When I first arrived, I had zero to little knowledge of the language, compared to many of my friends which they had taken Japanese language courses before coming to Japan while I had only studied with apps. Before the classes, I would be helped by my friends and use google translate everywhere just to know what is around me. Once the classes began, it was great because it would provide me a step closer to learn the language and along the struggle to memorize it. I discovered that the Japanese language has three processes hiragana, katakana, and kanji with each step more difficult than the one before. While learning the language was difficult, I was glad I chose it because everything that I learned I would apply it to my daily life.

The dream that I have set for the future is, first, to complete my Bachelor’s degree and the Master’s degree. Once completing these goals, I wish to apply for a program that gives me to opportunity to teach at a country abroad, to gain experience as teacher and help plan one of my goals to become a professor in the future. This would allow me to have the experience necessary needed to apply at a University as a professor and be able to support my family, similar to how they supported my while I grew.

I'm from the United States, specifically from California. I would describe the United States as a country that has had a history of being created by immigrants from around the world. These people have left their home country in search of an opportunity for a better life and for their families. This would allow them to bring their own culture and traditions to celebrate them in the United States.

Do it. The experience of studying abroad is incredible Since the first day you arrive, you immerse yourself in a different culture and you meet many people from around the world that are in similar situation allowing you to speak and friends much simpler. Meiji University is a great university to study abroad as it is recognized as a top university in Japan. Having access to many educational opportunities such as professors and personnel in Meiji that are happy and patient to help you, along with the students who want to meet you and become your friend, including many clubs that university provides to try something new such from sports, music, and etc, along an opportunity to meet people. Including the support that they offer to international students with any question you have, and events they host to allow international students to meet people and get to know the Japanese culture.

Thank you for everything. Thank you to everyone whom I have met and who have become my friends. The many times I asked everyone for help with my homework, concerns about the language and everyday life situations. Thank you very much for your help and patience. I don't have enough words to express my gratitude and appreciation with everyone to I have met and with the help you provided me with. I wish the best for your future, and I hope you accomplish your goals. Remember the greatest of accomplishments involve the greatest of struggles, but once you accomplish your goal, all the struggles will stay in the past so you can enjoy your success.