Go Forward

Exchange Students’ Voice / 交換留学生の声

「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

As a French-Japanese student who grew up entirely in France, studying in Japan has always been one of my biggest dreams. I wanted to experience everyday life in Tokyo and truly immerse myself in the culture that has always been part of my identity.

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.

I chose Meiji not only because it is partnered with my home university, but also because I had heard so many great things about it, both from Japanese students and former exchange students. I was especially drawn to its international environment and the diversity of its community, which make studying here such a unique and inspiring experience.

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。

 I actually have two favorite places on the Surugadai campus.

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.

My second favorite spot (especially when the weather is nice and not too cold!) is the terrace on the 2nd floor of the Liberty Tower. There are outdoor tables and benches where I love to study or have lunch with friends while enjoying the sunshine.

(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)
 My favorite class is Intercultural Communication and International Negotiation Seminar taught by Professor Unno. The structure of the course is both interactive and educational, and the classroom atmosphere is amazing!

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.

Professor Unno is also fantastic! He often organizes extracurricular activities outside of class to help us experience Tokyo life, such as going to baseball games or visiting places like Asakusa.

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?

To be honest, since I’m Japanese and have visited Japan every year to see my grandparents, there wasn’t much that really surprised me when I moved here. However, one thing I wasn’t used to at all was the rush hour trains ! At around 8 a.m., the metro is completely packed, and everyone is standing so close together (something quite shocking when you come from Europe). It definitely took me a little time to get used to!

(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?



■Things you particulartly enjoy / 楽しいところ
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 !)

■Things challenging for you / 大変なところ
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?

My dream is to work in the field of human rights, especially in the protection and promotion of women’s rights around the world. I hope to contribute, through my studies and future career, to building a fairer and more inclusive society.
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。

 My home university is located in Lyon, a beautiful French city surrounded by mountains and crossed by two rivers. It’s a wonderful place for student life; lively, full of culture, and with a great atmosphere.
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。

 Meiji students are incredibly welcoming and always curious to interact with exchange students. There’s a real sense of kindness and mutual support on campus, which makes it so easy to feel at home, even when you come from abroad.
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。



 Studying at Meiji University is truly an incredible experience! You’ll get the chance to discover Japan, in a way that goes far beyond what you can learn from books.
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.