政治経済学部のグローバル教育・留学
「You’ll get the chance to discover Japan, in a way that goes far beyond what you can learn from books」(Lyon 2 University、KANO EMAさん)
Profile of the exchange student
Name(氏名): KANO EMA
Home institution(所属大学): Lyon 2 University
Period of exchange program(留学期間): 2025/09~2026/08
What brought you to study abroad in Japan? Why did you choose Meiji University? / 日本への留学を志したきっかけと、明治大学を選んだ理由
At the same time, as a student majoring in Law and Political Science, I wanted to learn more about East Asia, a region that we don’t study much in France. Meiji University was the perfect opportunity to do so.
What do you like about Meiji University? / 明治大学の好きなところについて
(1) What is your favorite place on the campuses of Meiji University? / 明治大学のキャンパスで好きな場所はどこですか。
The first one is the amazing view from the 23rd floor of the Liberty Tower. You can see all of Tokyo from up there. It’s truly breathtaking and always reminds me how special it is to be studying in this city.
(2) What is your favorite subject (course) at Meiji University? / 好きな授業を教えてください。
Course title: Intercultural Communication and International Negotiation Seminar (Lecturer: Professor Unno)
Beyond helping us meet new people (both Japanese and international students) and discover different cultures, this class is truly one of the highlights of my week. Everyone always wishes the sessions could last longer because they’re so enjoyable.
How is your life in Japan? / 日本で過ごした感想について
(1) What made you surprised during the study abroad in Japan? / 日本に留学して驚いたところは?
(2) Comparing with your student life in/at your home country/institution, do you find anything that you particularly enjoy as well as anything challenging for you in your student life here in Japan? / 自分の国の学生生活と比べて、日本の学生生活で楽しいところ・大変だと感じるところはありますか?
There are several things I really enjoy about being a student in Japan. First, university life here feels much more flexible than in France. Back home, my Political Science degree is quite intense and demanding, so we don’t have much free time. At Meiji, the schedule and workload are lighter, which allows me to enjoy student life more fully and take the time to explore Japan.
Another thing I love is how easy it is to eat out! In France, eating at restaurants is quite expensive for students, so we usually stick to the university cafeteria. But in Japan, because prices are generally lower compared to Europe, it’s much more affordable to eat out between classes (and the food is always delicious !)
One of the main challenges for me has been adapting to a very different academic system. In France, university courses tend to be quite intensive and theory-oriented, while at Meiji, the learning approach is more flexible and discussion-based.
As a result, I sometimes feel that the academic expectations and pace are not the same as what I’m used to back home. Many exchange students from my university follow additional courses from our home programs to stay aligned with our degree requirements. Still, I think this experience is valuable in a different way. It encourages us to step back, reflect, and experience learning from a new cultural perspective.
About yourself and messages / ご自身について&メッセージ
(1) What is your dream? / 将来の夢は何ですか?
I also have another, more personal dream that one day, Japan’s legislation on dual nationality will change, so that I can keep both of my nationalities for life. It would mean a lot to me, as someone who feels deeply connected to both France and Japan.
(2) Please introduce something about your home country./ 故郷の国の紹介や自慢をしてください。
(3) Please introduce something about your home institution. / ご自身の所属大学の紹介や自慢をしてください。
Compared to Japan, studying in France can be quite intense and demanding, but it’s also very rewarding and academically enriching. For Japanese students who have never been abroad, France might feel a bit surprising at first, as French people tend to be very direct and expressive. But once you get used to it, you’ll find that we are also very warm, welcoming, and affectionate!
(4) Please give some messages for Meiji University students / 明大生へのメッセージをお願いします。
The student associations are also very active and do an amazing job helping us settle in and make new friends. I’m really grateful for how open-minded and supportive the Meiji community is !
(5) Please give some messages for international students who wish to come and study at Meiji University as an exchange student. / これから明治大学に留学することを志している方へのメッセージをお願いします。
The university itself is amazing, with supportive professors, friendly students, and a vibrant international community. If you have the opportunity to come to Meiji, don’t hesitate, it’s an experience that will stay with you for life.







