[Study in Japan Report] By Toose from UNZA (Zambia)

Toose MUZUNGAILE ?our former exchange student from University of Zambia, who studied in Japan from Sept. 2023 to July 2024 wrote an essay of her stay in Japan.

Report on My 10-Month Student Exchange Program at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Introduction

My 10-month student exchange program at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) was a transformative experience that broadened my academic knowledge, deepened my cultural understanding, and fostered personal growth. I got an opportunity to meet new friends and learn various aspects about life in Japan. As a student with a keen interest in Japanese culture, the opportunity to live and study in Japan was a dream come true. This report provides an overview of my experiences, challenges, and reflections during my time at TUFS.

Academic Experience

Studying at TUFS was academically enriching and intellectually stimulating. The courses I studied aligned perfectly with my academic interests. I was enrolled in a variety of courses, most of them related to research as I did the program during my research stage of my masters program at my home university.

During my studies, in the fall semester, I had attended many graduate courses which helped me improve on my research and thesis writing as I was in the second stage of my studies in my home country, working on my dissertation. Among the courses I learnt, some of my favourite ones where the English for academic purposes courses. One of them was taught my professor Cherry Yap. In her course, I learnt about research. During the course, she taught about various research approaches and how to communicate academically. I learnt a lot about how to write academic articles and how to communicate academic findings. We had many in-class presentations of our research as masters students and she gave positive feedback. This helped me so much to improve on my research which I was working on from my home university. The many presentations prepared me for my defense. Another interesting course I attended was the international organizations course by professor Obi Nakao. In this course, I learnt about international protection of refugees and about humanitarian organizations and what they do to protect refugees. This course enriched my knowledge and substantiated my interests to work for an international humanitarian organization someday. In addition to all my other courses, I took the Japanese oral language course by Lee Kyutae. This helped me improve my communication in the Japanese language. It was nice to learn a new language, and I learnt interesting and important phrases that I need to go by in my day to day life in Japan. In the spring Semester, my favorite courses were on gender studies, global Agri-food systems, sustainable development and climate change.

The Japanese language classes were challenging but rewarding. The classes were conducted entirely in Japanese, which was initially challenging but greatly improved my proficiency. The instructors were highly skilled, employing a variety of teaching methods such as group discussions, presentations, and oral interviews. Over the months, my speaking, listening, and writing skills improved, enabling me to communicate more effectively and eased my interactions in daily life.

Cultural Immersion

Living in Japan provided countless opportunities for cultural immersion. From everyday interactions to participating in traditional festivals, I was constantly surrounded by the rich and vibrant culture of Japan.

TUFS has a vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs and organizations catering to a wide range of interests. I participated in the sakura festival, where I learned the intricate art of the traditional Japanese dance ceremony. This experience taught me about the importance of respect, and the beauty of simplicity, which are central to Japanese culture. I also participated in the international student exchange activities to interact with high school students, allowing me to interact with both Japanese students and other international students.

During weekends and holidays, I took the opportunity to travel and explore different parts of Japan. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples, the beauty of the parks, and some historical sites. Each place had its own unique fascination. These travels allowed me to witness the diversity within Japan, from its modern urban centres to its traditional rural landscapes. Visiting these places deepened my understanding of Japan’s history, culture, and regional differences. Travelling on the busy trains was always interesting, and the efficiency of the public transportation system is amazing.

I had an opportunity to try out some traditional Japanese food, some of which include sushi, sashimi, and ramen. I drunk and enjoyed various traditional Japanese teas and my favourite was the green tea and the Jasmin tea.

Personal Growth and Challenges

Living in a foreign country for an extended period was both exciting and challenging. I encountered several challenges, particularly during the initial months, but these experiences contributed significantly to my personal growth.

Language Barrier: Despite having studied Japanese language at the university of Zambia (UNZA) before going to Japan, the language barrier was one of the first challenges I faced. Simple tasks like grocery shopping, reading ingredients on food or asking for directions were initially overwhelming. However, with time and practice, my confidence grew. I made a conscious effort to speak Japanese as much as possible, even in situations where I could have resorted to English. This not only improved my language skills but also helped me integrate more seamlessly into the local community.

Cultural Differences: Adjusting to cultural differences was another challenge. Japan’s social norms, such as the emphasis on group harmony, indirect communication, and the hierarchical nature of society, were different from what I was used to. There were moments of cultural misunderstanding, but each of these situations provided learning opportunities. By observing and asking questions, I gradually adapted to these cultural nuances and gained a deeper appreciation for Japanese social etiquette.

Homesickness and Independence: Being away from home for an extended period was challenging, especially during holidays and special occasions. However, this experience taught me independence and resilience. I learned to manage my time, finances, and responsibilities effectively. The support from my friends, and university staff (IAFP office) also played a crucial role in helping me overcome these challenges. The friendships I formed with both Japanese and international students became a source of comfort and support, making my stay in Japan more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Looking back on my 10 months at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, knowledge, and relationships I gained. The program not only enhanced my academic skills but also allowed me to grow personally and culturally. I returned home with a deeper understanding of Japan, a higher level of Japanese language proficiency, and a broader perspective on global issues.

I am more confident in navigating cross-cultural environments and look forward to applying the skills and insights I gained in my future endeavours. The time I spent in Japan was undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am grateful Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and IAFP for providing me with this incredible opportunity.

?