Go Forward

Exchange Students’ Voice / 交換留学生の声

「Do not hesitate to talk with new people or join activities, because these small steps may lead to unforgettable memories.」(Foreign Trade University, Nguyen Thu Traさん)

Profile of the exchange student

Name(氏名):  Nguyen Thu Tra
Home institution(所属大学):  Foreign Trade University
Period of exchange program(留学期間): 2026 Spring 

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

I have always been fascinated by Japanese culture. I really admire the diversity of cultural experiences and the many festivals held throughout the year in Japan. Living in Japan would allow me to experience this culture firsthand while improving my Japanese language skills. That’s why I chose Japan as my destination. I chose Meiji University based on the recommendation of seniors from my university in Vietnam who participated in an exchange program at Meiji University. They shared many positive experiences about the academic environment and student life, which made a strong impression on me. I also learned that Meiji University has an excellent reputation and is one of the top private universities in Japan. Its location in Tokyo, where I have always hoped to study, together with its beautiful campuses and vibrant international community, made Meiji University my first choice

Do you take the Advanced Seminar course? If so, tell us the name of professor, the contents of the class, and what you like about Advanced Seminar. / 専門演習(ゼミナール)に所属していますか。所属している場合は、所属ゼミ名、所属しているゼミで学んでいる内容、ゼミ活動の感想等を教えてください。

Professor’s Name / 担当教員名:Prof. Kobayakawa

Giving a presentation in zemi-class

Yes, I do take an Advanced Seminar taught by Professor Kobayakawa, which focuses on FinTech. One of the main topics we have studied is Japan's cashless payment system and how financial technology is changing our daily lives. We also have group discussions on topics that we choose ourselves, many of which are related to global issues. Before coming to Meiji University, I had never experienced a seminar-style class because my home university does not offer this type of course. I was curious about how seminars worked, and I have really enjoyed the interactive learning environment. We often work in groups to discuss ideas and give presentations, which has helped me become more confident in expressing my opinions. Professor Kobayakawa is also one of the reasons I enjoy this seminar so much. He is very kind and often asks about my life in Japan and whether my Japanese has improved. His encouragement makes me feel comfortable asking questions and sharing my thoughts.One of the most memorable experiences was having the opportunity to meet visiting professors and students from Taiwan who joined our seminar for a lesson. It was interesting to exchange ideas with them and learn not only about Japan's cashless society but also about Taiwan's financial systems and culture. This seminar has given me valuable academic knowledge while allowing me to interact with people from different backgrounds, making it one of the most rewarding classes I have taken at Meiji University.

What do you like about Meiji University? / 明治大学の好きなところについて

First time cheering for Meiji baseball ⚾

(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。

Although I study mainly at Surugadai Campus, I have also visited the Izumi and Nakano Campuses. Among them, Izumi Campus is my favorite since it reminds me of my home university in Vietnam. I like that there are tables and chairs around the campus where students can study and have lunches… It creates a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. What I love most about Izumi Campus is how peaceful and relaxing it feels. Unlike the busy atmosphere of the city, the campus makes me feel calm whenever I walk around. I still remember the first time I visited during the cherry blossom season. The rows of sakura trees were in full bloom, and the petals gently drifted in the spring breeze. It was one of the most beautiful scenes I have experienced in Japan, and it is a memory I will always cherish. I also like the Surugadai and Nakano Campuses because they are both conveniently located with excellent transportation, making it easy to explore different parts of Tokyo after class.

(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: Japanese reading class (Lecturer: Prof. Omasa)
My favorite course at Meiji University is my Japanese reading class. Before coming to Japan, most of the reading passages I studied were from JLPT preparation books. They mainly focused on helping students pass the exam, so I rarely had the opportunity to read texts that encouraged deeper thinking. The reading materials in this class are very different. We read articles about a wide range of social and cultural topics, many of which I had never thought about before. They have helped me understand Japanese society from different perspectives while also improving my reading skills and vocabulary.Another reason I enjoy this class is the learning environment. Since the class is for exchange students, there are classmates from many different countries. Our teacher, Omasa-sensei, often encourages us to share our own experiences and opinions related to the reading topics. Listening to different viewpoints from students with diverse cultural backgrounds makes every class interesting and meaningful. I have learned not only Japanese but also how people from different cultures think about the same issue, which has greatly broadened my perspective.

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?

What surprised me the most about living in Japan was the kindness of Japanese people. Before coming to Japan, I often had the impression from social media that Japanese people were usually quiet and kept to themselves. However, my actual experience has been very different.When I first arrived, many Japanese people started conversations with me after realizing that I was an international student. They were friendly and curious about where I came from, which made me feel very welcome. I also received help from strangers on many occasions. Since I was not familiar with Tokyo's train system, I often took the wrong train or got lost. Whenever I asked for directions, people were always willing to help me, even if it meant taking extra time to explain the route or walking me to the correct platform. Their kindness made my first few weeks in Japan much less stressful. These experiences completely changed my impression of Japanese people. Although they may seem quiet at first, I found them to be warm, considerate, and always ready to help others. This is what has surprised me the most about living in Japan.

(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?

With zemi-class friends

■Things you particulartly enjoy / 楽しいところ
What I enjoy the most about my student life in Japan is the relationship between teachers and students in class. Compared with my experience in Vietnam, I feel that the atmosphere in Japanese classrooms is more comfortable and less stressful. For example, when I make mistakes or give an incorrect answer, my professors do not immediately point out that I am wrong. Instead, they respond in a way that helps me think and improve my answer. Because of this, I feel more comfortable participating in class and sharing my opinions. I also like that professors are approachable and easy to talk to. Even during class, I feel that I can communicate with them more naturally, which makes the learning environment more enjoyable. This experience has helped me become more confident and active in class, and it is one of the things I appreciate most about studying in Japan.

■Things challenging for you / 大変なところ
To be honest, I do not think I have faced any major challenges in my student life in Japan. Before coming here, I was a little worried about adapting to a new environment, communicating in Japanese, and studying in a different academic system. However, my experience has been much smoother than I expected. The biggest difference compared with my university in Vietnam is that classes in Japan often encourage students to actively share their opinions and participate in discussions. At first, this style was unfamiliar to me, but I gradually became more comfortable through my classes and seminars. Overall, rather than being a difficult challenge, studying in Japan has been a valuable opportunity for me to experience a new learning style and become more confident.

About yourself and messages / ご自身について&メッセージ

(1) What is your dream for the future? / 将来の夢は何ですか?

I have not decided on my exact future path yet, but if I have the opportunity, I would like to continue my studies at Meiji University and pursue a master's degree here. After spending time at Meiji University, I realized that I really enjoy the learning environment. I like the way professors interact with students, the opportunity to meet people from different countries, and the atmosphere of studying in Tokyo. I feel that this environment matches my personality and helps me grow both academically and personally.  

(2) Please introduce your home institution and your country./ 母校(所属大学)や母国の紹介をしてください。

My home university during graduation ceremony 🎓

I am from Hanoi, Vietnam. Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and a place where traditional culture and modern development exist together. Growing up there has allowed me to experience the unique combination of historical values and a rapidly changing society. My home institution is Foreign Trade University (FTU), one of the well-known universities in Vietnam, especially in the fields of economics, business, and international studies. The university provides students with a dynamic environment and encourages them to develop foreign language skills and global perspectives. I am grateful to FTU for giving me the opportunity to participate in this exchange program at Meiji University. Through this experience, I have been able to learn in a new academic environment and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds.

(3) 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。

To Meiji University students,
During my time at Meiji, I have experienced many memorable moments, and I truly appreciate having met all of you and having you become a part of my journey. I was especially happy when a Meiji student told me that they were interested in experiencing an exchange program at my home university in Vietnam. It made me happy to know that students from Meiji are also interested in experiencing Vietnam and my university, just as I was interested in experiencing Japan. I know that every student has their own goals, thoughts, and worries about the future. However, I hope you can appreciate the environment you have at Meiji. Studying at such a wonderful university allows you to meet people from different backgrounds, learn from each other, and even experience an international environment at Meiji University. One of my seminar friends told me that they wanted to talk with international students more, but they were sometimes too shy to start a conversation. So I hope you can take the first step and talk with us. You might make unexpected friendships and discover new perspectives. Thank you for being a part of my experience at Meiji. I hope everyone continues to enjoy this special time and make unforgettable memories.

(4) 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。

Before coming to Meiji University, you may feel overwhelmed because there are so many things you want to experience during your limited time here. I remember sometimes having to decide how to spend my time between exploring Japan and joining activities at Meiji. However, I gradually realized that while I can always come back to Japan and visit different places in the future, the time I spend as an exchange student at Meiji University is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The activities organized by Meiji University gave me opportunities to meet people from different countries, learn about Japanese culture, and create memories with other exchange students. Of course, studying is also an important part of your exchange experience, but I hope you can enjoy both your academic life and your time outside the classroom. My advice is to be open-minded and try new things. Do not hesitate to talk with new people or join activities, because these small steps may lead to unforgettable memories. Enjoy every moment at Meiji University, because four months or even a year can pass much faster than you expect.