GLOBAL STUDY PROGRAMS International Exchange/Overseas Program

What particularly impressed you and what you did there (Action)

Results and changes from studying abroad (After）

Through studying abroad, my ability to communicate in Chinese and English improved. In classes and in everyday life, I not only gained the ability to express my own thoughts, but also the flexibility to understand the thoughts of others. The experience of adapting to differences in lifestyle and culture helped me develop confidence and the ability to take action. Although I was very anxious before studying abroad, through interacting with and learning from local people, I developed a proactive attitude to take on challenges and broadened my perspective on cross-cultural understanding.

Message to students considering studying abroad

You may feel anxious and confused at first, but once you experience the warmth of the local people and their culture, you'll definitely feel glad that you went. Even if you're not confident in your preparation or language skills, you'll learn and grow a lot by taking on the challenge. If you're unsure, we encourage you to take the first step and give studying abroad a try.

MI, 2nd year student, Department of Global Communication, Faculty of International Communication

What particularly impressed you and what you did there (Action)

Results and changes from studying abroad (After）

My attitude towards languages ​​changed through studying abroad. At first, I was anxious because both English and Chinese were difficult, but the more I actively increased the opportunities to speak, the more positive I became, thinking, "Let's try communicating first." I also feel that spending time in a very international environment has given me the flexibility to accept cultural differences and the ability to adapt to new environments. There are many people in Taiwan who are pro-Japanese, and I met many people who were willing to help me when I was in trouble. Experiencing this warmth taught me the importance of being proactive and communicating. I feel I have become more proactive and confident than before I studied abroad, and I think I have grown a lot.

Message to students considering studying abroad

The first month in Taiwan will be difficult as you will be in an unfamiliar environment, but once you get used to life there will be a very easy life and many kind people, so you can study abroad with peace of mind. Learning a little Chinese will make life even smoother, but if you can speak English you won't have any major problems. If you muster up the courage to take on the challenge, you will surely find experiences that will help you grow.

NS, second-year student in the Department of Global Communication, Faculty of International Communication

What particularly impressed you and what you did there (Action)

Results and changes from studying abroad (After）

Having experienced a classroom environment where English and Chinese were mixed, I was able to tackle unknown languages ​​without hesitation. Even in classes that I found difficult at first, by continuing to challenge myself, I developed a sense of "grasping for clues to understanding," and I realized that my language skills and adaptability were definitely improving. In terms of behavior, I became more proactive, asking questions on my own when I didn't understand something and asking friends for help. As I lived my life accepting differences in culture and customs, I was supported by the idea that "even if I don't understand everything perfectly, if I just take a step forward, a path will open up." I feel that I have become more flexible and proactive than before I studied abroad.

Message to students considering studying abroad

Studying abroad is not just about learning a language; it's a profound experience that can change the way you think and act. Some people may feel anxious about living in a new country, but the local people are surprisingly kind and will often lend a hand when you're in trouble. You may encounter language barriers in class, but the important thing is to keep trying. What you do outside of class is also an important element in enriching your study abroad experience. By participating in events, experiencing the local food culture, and enjoying casual conversation, you can deeply experience the charm of the country. Don't be shy and ask those around you if you don't understand something. Small steps can lead to big experiences.

SK, 2nd year student, Department of Global Communication, Faculty of Global Communication

What particularly impressed you and what you did there (Action)

Results and changes from studying abroad (After）

Through my time in Indonesia, I gained the flexibility to act while accepting differences in culture and values. By actively interacting with local students, I became more willing to express my opinions and I feel that my language skills have also improved. Also, living in a living environment and lifestyle that is very different from Japan has allowed me to see things from different angles. There were times when I needed to be careful about hygiene and security, but this experience has helped me develop the ability to make my own decisions and take action, and it has become a study abroad experience that has given me new values.

Message to students considering studying abroad

At first, you may feel confused and overwhelmed by the difference in environment. However, if you give it a try, you will see new sights and make many unexpected discoveries. As you live and enjoy the differences in culture, you will surely feel that you have grown as a person. By taking the courageous step forward, you will surely gain experiences that will be useful in the future.

TN, second-year student in the Department of English and American Studies

What particularly impressed you and what you did there (Action)

Results and changes from studying abroad (After）

Through my time studying abroad, I feel I have acquired not only language skills but also flexibility. The lecture style and living environment are different from those in Japan, and I strongly felt the importance of adapting to the culture. At first, I was hesitant to speak up in English, but the more courage I mustered up and took action, the more connections I made with those around me expanded, and my resistance to using English naturally disappeared.

I also realized that before studying abroad, I had somehow assumed that Japanese culture was superior and underestimated Malaysians. However, many of them are very kind and considerate to others, and I learned a lot from their humanity. Seeing up close how people coexist while respecting each other in a multi-ethnic society was an experience that brought about a major change in my values.

Message to students considering studying abroad

When you first start studying abroad, you may struggle with the differences in the environment and feel like returning to Japan. However, it is important to gradually adapt to the culture with the mindset of "I want to try living not as a Japanese person, but as a member of this country." I believe that cross-cultural understanding can only be truly realized by actually living in the local area and going through trial and error. Even the tough times will definitely lead to growth, so please be brave and give it a try.

Major/Year: YM, 3rd year, Department of English Communication, Faculty of International Communication

Local observations

Through my interactions with the local people, I realized how little I knew about Japanese subculture in particular, and that when I become a Japanese language instructor, it's important for me to know more about Japanese culture myself, and to be aware of core cultures that are not so mainstream even in Japan.
On the last day of the work experience, I had the opportunity to teach the Vietnamese teachers about the important points of Japanese pronunciation and natural Japanese expressions. The teachers seemed to find it very difficult, but they were very interested and said, "It's interesting!"

How to spend the weekend

Over the weekend, we visited the Golden Bridge (also known as the Hand of God) together with the teachers from Dongdu Japanese Language School, and were able to spend a fulfilling holiday.
I also went for walks to the beach by myself, went to cafes, went to Japanese restaurants, etc. When I felt lonely, I would video call my friends in Japan to relieve stress!

For those who are considering work experience at Dong Du Japanese Language School

Not only will you be able to teach Japanese, but you will also have the chance to learn about Japanese culture that you may not be familiar with. In particular, many people know about the world of virtual anime, so if you are an anime fan or want to know more about the world of virtual anime, please join us! Also, be sure to try the "durian," known as the king of fruits and known for its unique smell!

AK, 3rd year, Department of English Communication

The reason I decided to study abroad was because I needed to complete a school credit and because I had never been abroad before and wanted to try it.
In preparation for studying abroad, I decided to study some English that I could use overseas and to have fun while I was there.

The local atmosphere and the university culture were very good, the local people were kind and easy to interact with, shopping was convenient, and it was a lively and easy place to live in. At university, my teachers listened to me, and my classmates were also considerate of me.
The classes were scheduled beforehand. It was difficult because we had to go to the front and make a presentation, we had an interview test, we had group work, etc. However, I think I was able to enjoy it thanks to the help from those around me.
I used the school's Wi-Fi for the internet connection. There were times when the connection was poor, but other than that it was fine.

Regarding hygiene, there is no toilet paper in the bathroom, so you will need to purchase it on-site.
In terms of diet, if you can't cook at home, prices are low, so you can eat out at local restaurants for around 300 yen. Also, it's spicier than in Japan, so it's better to choose less spicy food.
Living expenses cost between 30,000 and 50,000 yen per month, but you can get by with just the bare necessities: a smartphone, PC, cash, cards, necessary documents, a charger, and a converter.
I was able to make friends with local students through my classes, join a local club, make friends with them, and take action.

As for advice to those who are planning to study abroad, I think it is important to prepare yourself so that you can communicate in English, so that you can have a comfortable stay, take action, and have a good attitude.
There are many things to worry about when studying abroad, but more than that, I would like you to think of it as an opportunity to have new and extraordinary experiences, and to approach the study abroad program with the intention of having a fun time.

English Communication Department 3rd Year RH

The reason I decided to study abroad was because I wanted to actually go to a foreign country and learn a foreign language, and I wanted to learn not only English but also Chinese.
Taiwan is a friendly country to Japan, so I felt at ease even though it was my first time abroad.

In preparation for studying abroad, I did some research on the area, studied basic Chinese, and researched Taiwanese culture to a certain extent.

The atmosphere in Kaohsiung is friendly, but it is also relatively rural, and there are few restaurants near Kaohsiung University, so you have to use the university's bicycles to go out to eat. However, the campus is very spacious, and the facilities, such as the gym and pool, are excellent.

At university, I belonged to the Department of Western Language and Literature and took Chinese language, English composition, SDGs super introductory English, English listening, and TOEIC. I was basically free to choose and take classes, but I had to get permission from my teacher to take classes in other departments.
As for classes, the English classes were basically in English, but there were also classes where Chinese was used. The classes with group work were easy because the locals spoke English, and the Chinese classes were taught carefully from the basics, so it was easy to understand and fun. We ate meals together as a group during breaks and deepened our friendships.

My impressions and advice after studying abroad are that Taiwan is an easy place to live, and all the students and teachers are kind and gentle. There are many students at school who can speak English, so it's reassuring.
You can prepare in advance by studying basic greetings, self-introductions, and conversations when eating out, and then take classes when you get there and speak on a daily basis, which will allow you to acquire a certain level of skill.

English Communication Department 3rd year FN

The reason I decided to study abroad was because I wanted to learn a language I had never learned before,
Within Taiwan, Taipei is a big city and a place I wanted to visit, so I chose Shih Hsin University in Taipei.

In preparation for studying abroad, I first started studying Chinese.
Next, I got a credit card and a debit card. I prepared both because I needed money wherever I went. Insect repellent and medicine are essential things to bring from Japan. You will also need winter clothes, but it wasn't that cold when I went.

The courses I took were British and American Literary, Language and Popular Culture, Film and Culture, Audio-Video Editing, Popular Culture, and English Short Story Narrative. and Drama・Beginner level Chinese and intermediate level Chinese.
As for the internet environment, the Wi-Fi in the dormitory was broken so I couldn't connect, and as for my cell phone, I held off until I got my student ID because SIM cards are cheaper if you have one.

My impression of the class was that although I only took all-English classes, there were some parts where the explanations were given in Chinese, and if I understood Chinese better, I would have been able to perfectly understand what the teacher wanted to say. I often made friends through group work, and they explained things I couldn't hear, such as practicing the play. I was paired with a Taiwanese person through the buddy system, and we improved each other's language skills and went out to eat.

As for food, the food at the night market is overwhelmingly cheap. Supermarkets and convenience stores are expensive, so if you want to save money, I recommend going to Jingmei Night Market, which is nearby.
The dormitory was next to the basketball club dormitory, so I had some interaction with the basketball club.
My living expenses were about 5 yen, so I applied for a credit card.

My impression after studying abroad is that at first I didn't have many friends and I was nervous about going out in the city, but after a month I started going out by myself. The people were kind and there was a lot of delicious food, and before I knew it, four months were over. If you want to study abroad in Taiwan, I recommend my Shih Hsin University in Taipei. Transportation in Taichung and Tainan is inconvenient, and there are more places where English is not spoken than in Taipei. I recommend Shih Hsin University, where you can enjoy studying abroad and traveling at the same time.

English Communication Department 3rd year MF

The reason I decided to study abroad was because I wanted to live in a place with a completely different culture and improve my English skills. I chose Vietnam, which was recommended by my teacher. In preparation for the trip, I brought along daily necessities and long-lasting emergency food. The atmosphere at the local university was that there was a lot more traffic than in Japan, so I had to be careful, but the students were kind and it was a very easy place to live.

As for classes, I took 1. Design Thinking, 3. Introduction to Economics, 2. English for Academic Purpose 4-4, and 4. Global Culture. The classes were mainly for cultivating a managerial mindset, and there was a lot of group work, which I was able to do many things that I would not have been able to experience in Japanese classes. The teachers were very helpful, so I was able to deepen my interactions with local students while eating and sightseeing. In terms of daily life, I lived in an apartment, the cost was about XNUMX yen per month, and the internet environment was good. The only thing I was careful about was to only drink water purchased from the supermarket. I also thought it was better to eat out because you can eat a lot of different Vietnamese food.

My thoughts after completing my study abroad were that it was a very good experience as I was able to experience many cultural differences. My message to students currently considering studying abroad is that you will definitely grow if you go abroad. Please be brave and go. It will be a very good experience. And it is important to have the courage to talk to people there.

Global Communication Department 3rd year KN

It has always been my dream to study abroad, and when I saw that the Department of English Communication at Kansai University of International Studies offered an exchange program called Global Research, I thought it would be a good opportunity to participate.
The reason I decided to study abroad in Taiwan is because it has a safer environment than other countries, and I wanted to be exposed to languages ​​other than English.
Before going to Taiwan, I prepared by taking Chinese language classes and studying Chinese using an app called Duolingo.

The atmosphere at the university was very peaceful as the university and the dormitory were located in a residential area.
There was no Wi-Fi in the dorms or on campus, and although I could use my PC by connecting it to my smartphone, it was a bit inconvenient, so my roommate and I bought a router and shared it. I brought my cell phone from Japan and used a SIM card I bought locally.

The courses I took while I was there were English Reading and Composition, Oral Training in English, Fiction, Cross-cultural Communication, and A Historic Spot and Taiwanese Culture.
The content of the classes was mostly presentations and group work. In order to deepen interactions with local students, my homeroom teacher introduced me to a buddy. My buddy from the same class helped me register for classes, and we went to the night market and on day trips. Most of the other international students were from China, Macau, and other Chinese-speaking countries, and everyone was kind and friendly when talking to each other.

Regarding food, there was a cafeteria on the first floor of the dormitory. For about 350 yen, you can buy Japanese food such as oyakodon and various other rice dishes. There are many Japanese chain stores in the city, and Uber Eats is cheaper than in Japan, so I didn't have much trouble. As for shopping, there are Japanese pharmacies, so it's easy to get Japanese products.

What advice would you give to your juniors after completing your study abroad experience? Although communal living and living in a foreign country was very difficult, looking back now I feel it was a valuable experience. I think my English skills and communication skills have improved.
Studying abroad gives you a valuable experience that you can only have now. There are many difficulties, but I think that what you gain there will be something you will never forget for the rest of your life. I hope that you will have this valuable experience too.

English Communication Department 3rd Year ET

The reason I decided to study abroad was because I wanted to be able to speak both English and Chinese, and because I wanted to confirm that Taiwan is known as a pro-Japanese country. In preparation for studying abroad, I started learning Chinese for the first time. I took Chinese classes at university and participated actively, learning about Taiwanese culture, history, and basic manners.
The atmosphere of the university was international and lively. There are cafeterias, convenience stores, cafes, tapioca shops, daily necessities stores, etc. on campus, so you can rest assured that you have everything you need for daily life. In addition, there is a gym, pool, and playground on campus, so you can exercise a lot.

Chinese was compulsory and taught for two hours every day. Other than that, I was free to choose classes, but there were only a few classes I could take due to restrictions on the number of students.
As for my impressions of the classes, I was able to communicate well with my classmates in the compulsory Chinese class. In other classes, we basically used English, and students with low levels of understanding went to the teacher individually to ask questions. During group work, local students also helped me, which was fun.
My university had a Japanese language department, so I took classes there and deepened my interactions with local students. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to make local friends because I couldn't speak Chinese, but there were many students who were good at Japanese, and they taught me a lot of Chinese, and I also taught them Japanese. It was like an exchange language, and we were able to learn each other's languages ​​and cultures.

After returning to Japan after completing my studies abroad, I continued taking Chinese language classes at a slightly higher level, and I was able to serve customers in Chinese while working part-time, so I really felt like I had grown. The university also hosts many field trips and events for exchange students, so I became more familiar with Taiwanese history and culture. My advice on studying is to take Chinese language classes in the spring semester of your second year. You'll also need English as well as Chinese when you're there, so I recommend continuing your studies.

To students who are thinking about studying abroad, I know you may have many worries about living in a foreign country that is completely different from the environment in Japan, but I hope you will do your best as there are many more fun things and things that make you glad you went.

English Communication Department 3rd Year AI

What prompted me to study abroad was that my department, the English Communication Department, had an opportunity to study abroad through Global Research, and as I was interested in Southeast Asian culture, I wanted to go to Vietnam.
In preparation for studying abroad, I first went to the Vietnamese consulate to obtain a student visa. I also checked whether my basic daily necessities and communication devices were SIM-free, and gathered the items I thought I would need for life abroad. I also studied the local language a little in advance.

The local university is small, but the atmosphere is lively and it was a very comfortable place to be.
I took the following classes: Communication Skills, Personal Development Plans, and English for Academic Purpose. I was able to take classes that suited my level. In particular, the Communication Skills and PDP classes taught me what is most important in communication and how to make a presentation in public.
The difference from Japan was that there were two shifts, morning and afternoon, and all lessons were taught in English.
I became very close with the local students through group work. Both the Communication Skills and PDP classes had final presentations, so we practiced a lot at my friends' houses and at my house about what kind of presentations we would give as a group, which helped us deepen our friendships.

As for housing, my apartment was in the city center, so transportation was relatively convenient. However, the infrastructure is less developed than in Japan, so there is a risk of falling on the roads. Also, the rainy season begins in September, so roads often flood, schools are closed, and people are unable to go outside, so it is very convenient to stock up on food regularly.

My message to students who are currently considering studying abroad is that it is important to "try it" first. Don't think negatively, such as "I can't speak English" or "I don't have confidence in myself," but just take action. I think that this will lead to personal growth and a wider world. You will face many obstacles and struggle, but it will be a valuable experience that you can only get by going abroad, so I strongly encourage you to study abroad.

English Communication Department 3rd year KA

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to study at Oxford Brookes University for four months.
First of all, regarding student life, I think it is a wonderful environment with students from various countries and diverse cultures. I lived in the same apartment as my British, Italian and Chinese friends, which was really great because I could interact with them outside of school and talk about new things and learn more from such conversations. There are student benefits at all facilities such as convenience stores, supermarkets and public transportation, which are convenient and a priority for students. Oxford is also one of the cities famous for its good security, and the scenery is very beautiful, so there are many outdoor activities.

Classes are different from those in Japan, with each class lasting three hours but divided into different periods.
The first class is a seminar class, where everyone gathers together and listens to a lecture on new knowledge with more than 100 students in each class. In the second class, all students are divided into about 10 smaller classes of more than 10 students, where the instructor explains the concepts and knowledge they have just heard more thoroughly. I am very impressed with this learning method, as after each lesson we have the opportunity to dig deeper and understand each piece of knowledge more thoroughly.

I took four classes.
In Creating and Delivering Retail Brand, individuals are assessed based on assigned tasks, such as physically visiting stores of their choice and writing reports. Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage involves a large report and quiz, the latter of which is very challenging. Digital and Social Media Marketing Strategy and Global Business Communications assess achievement through group work tasks.

The teacher's teaching is very easy to understand and is fully posted on the student website. All lessons are recorded and posted on the website, so participation in classes is entirely on a voluntary basis. The assessment of actual ability is done through practical assignments, not midterm or final exams. The learning and interaction environment here is also very dynamic, and in most of the class time we work in groups and express our opinions.

Reason for studying abroad

I have always been interested in Korea, and since I came to IU, I thought it would be a good idea to study abroad as a new stimulus for me, so I applied.

About the local atmosphere and university culture

Since it was a big city and a place where tourists came, the town was bright and lively every day. The university building was clean and well-equipped. There is an affiliated junior high school and high school on the university grounds, so I often saw not only university students but also junior high and high school students.

About interacting with local students while studying abroad

I participated in a program called the "Buddy Program" run by my host university that allows international students to interact with local students. I also joined a club called "SISO," which is a group of local students who want to interact with international students.

Subjects taken locally

Basic Korean, leisure content, modern Japanese culture, education and personality, introduction to Korean culture, etc.

Thoughts after studying abroad

It was my first time to go to Korea and I was full of anxiety, but I was able to spend a fun and fulfilling four months there because I had Japanese ladies living in the same dormitory. They helped me a lot with things I didn't understand, and although I was very worried about the language and couldn't pronounce it well and couldn't communicate, I was able to grow a lot by learning basic Korean there. Listening to a language spoken by a native speaker will greatly improve your listening skills. It was good because I was able to improve my speaking by learning how to respond to them.

Message to students considering studying abroad

You can't understand the local situation unless you actually go there, and even people who already have language skills were often confused if they had never spoken to a native speaker. Image training is important, but no matter how much image training you do, you often end up failing. I think it would be good if you could experience various things in other countries without trying to do well from the beginning.

Department of Education and Welfare, 3rd year HO

Reason for studying abroad

At Kansai International University, he met an exchange student from South Korea and became interested in South Korea, and realized that broadcasting media technology had developed due to the strong influence of K-POP culture, and that it was very different from Japan. I was concerned about this, and felt that there was a limit to what I could research on the internet or in literature, so I applied to actually learn about it locally.

Why I decided to study abroad

At Kansai International University, I met an exchange student who came from this university and told me, ``My university has a department that specializes in broadcasting,'' and when I was comparing study abroad destinations, I was impressed by the university there. I decided to go because I was most attracted to the curriculum.

About the local atmosphere and university culture

The university is located in the northern part of Seoul, and there are restaurants, convenience stores, and supermarkets around the university, making it a calm and comfortable atmosphere. I had the impression that the university had a lot of old buildings, but all the faculty members and students were very kind and always asked if I was having any trouble or if there was anything difficult, which I was grateful for. .

Subjects taken locally

I learned about Korean people and culture, understanding media communication, tourism service Japanese, Korean basics, Korean speaking skills, etc. Impressions about the class
When I first started studying abroad, my language skills were low and I often had trouble keeping up with the speed and content of conversations, but luckily I was able to meet students who were interested in Japan, and I was able to teach them the content of the classes. I took the course while being asked to do so. Also, after class, I received class materials from my professor, and by preparing and reviewing before attending class, I was able to understand the content of the class.

About interacting with local students while studying abroad

There was a student in the department who was interested in Japanese anime and manga, and he talked to me and I was able to deepen my friendships with other students. Additionally, the university where I studied abroad had a Japanese language department, so I took Japanese language courses and deepened my friendships with the local students there by teaching them each other's language.

Thoughts after studying abroad

It was a great experience for me to learn about Korean culture, its origins, and current social issues in Korea, as well as hear opinions from Koreans that I couldn't find on the internet or in literature. I was also able to learn languages ​​other than Japanese and English, and although it was a short period of about six months, I felt it was well worth the trip.

Message to students considering studying abroad

No matter which country you go to, making friends and experiencing the culture of that country will always be a great benefit, and there was never a moment when I felt like it was a waste of time. , I recommend going. Even if your language skills are insufficient, there is a good chance that your language skills will improve rapidly depending on your lifestyle, so I don't think you need to worry. Although we live in an era where everything can be found on the Internet, there are many things you won't know unless you go, so I think it's worth giving it a try. Let's have a little courage!

Sociology Department 3rd year SY