My growth through one semester of global research at Busan University of Foreign Studies
① When did you study global research at which university in which country (country name, university name, period)?
I went to Busan University of Foreign Studies in Busan, South Korea from August 2022st to December 8rd, 31.
② So, what kind of academic subjects did you take?
- English reading comprehension
In this lecture, midterm and final exams (written and multiple choice) were conducted, and some assignments were given.The lecture focused on understanding English sentences, including English grammar. - Grammar in Use
There was a midterm exam and a final exam (multiple choice).In this lecture, I learned how to review and use English grammar. - academic writing
There were no midterm and final exams, but I was required to submit a report.Also, there were frequent challenges.The purpose of the lecture was to learn how to write academic sentences in English. - English conversation
There was no midterm or final exam, but there was a quiz for each unit.In this lecture, we learned how to use English and proceeded while actually having a conversation. - A guide to Korean culture for foreigners
There was a mid-term exam and a final exam (written form).This course is for foreigners only, and there were two Japanese students including myself, as well as students from many nationalities, including Uzbekistan, France, Russia, Brazil, and India.Lectures were conducted in English and were conducted in both lecture and presentation formats.It was an overseas lecture with lively question-and-answer sessions and many student-led discussions.However, I was a little intimidated at first because I was required to understand the unique English pronunciation of each country.However, I was inspired by the positive attitude of other students, and it inspired me to want to be like them.As a result, I was able to communicate with my classmates.
③ Describe your life outside of school.For example, playing sports, eating out, seeing friends, or doing volunteer work.
- Sports
Apart from the badminton club that I joined at school, I used to participate in badminton gatherings about once a week as a hobby.This was a group that a Korean friend introduced me to and a Japanese senior let me join.After playing badminton once a week, we had a meal together.Most of the participants were students of the Busan University of Foreign Studies (and the graduate school), and most of them spoke Korean. gave meThe group had a very homely atmosphere.Also, the leader of the group was a Christian, and I had the opportunity to hear a talk about religion.At that time, a student translated Korean into English simultaneously.It was a difficult topic to understand because it was an unfamiliar topic, but it was a very meaningful experience. - Circle
I was in a circle called "Global Associate Club (GAC)".The members of this circle are mainly Korean, Japanese, Russian, British, etc., and they were engaged in activities to discuss and interact with each other's cultures while sharing meals.The circle activities were well organized, and we deepened exchanges at the orientation, and then went out to eat.In addition, groups were divided in advance so as not to always interact with the same members or people of the same nationality.Through the activities in this circle, I was able to learn about many cultures and broaden the range of exchanges with people, and I had a very fulfilling time. - after school, weekends
After school and on weekends, I used to go out to eat and hang out with my friends.At first, I mostly hung out with my Japanese friends, but gradually I started hanging out with my Korean friends, and I started to invite my British friends over to eat with me.The people I played with were very inquisitive, and every time I was looking forward to going to places I didn't know.The feeling of opening up a new world was very refreshing, and it was an unforgettable memory.
④ What challenges did you face during your global research and how did you solve them?
I had never traveled abroad before, nor had I experienced living alone or being independent from my parents.That's why I thought it was only natural to be surrounded by Korean when I was living abroad, but when I actually put myself in that environment, I felt confused.Embarrassingly, I became homesick, and every time I saw other students working hard, I felt my own powerlessness and felt sad.However, through participating in circles and club activities, I was able to change my self-image of not knowing Korean.It was because students and professors listened to me in English and became interested in Japanese culture.By cherishing these opportunities for communication, I was able to gradually adapt to life in South Korea and lead a fulfilling study abroad life.
⑤ Please describe your growth from your experience in global research.
It deepened my awareness that I should work even harder towards my dream for the future.Through badminton, I interacted with a graduate student, who spoke English fluently and enthusiastically about his research.Also, I have had many opportunities to see foreign students like me speak the local language smoothly.At first, I was simply amazed to see such people.However, through those experiences, I strongly felt that I should do my best, and I was greatly inspired.Therefore, I would like to make further efforts to achieve my goals and dreams for the future so that I myself will not lose out.
XNUMX. What skills and qualities may you have developed as a direct result of your global research abroad?
I feel that I was able to deepen my understanding of diversity, which was one of my goals in studying abroad.This was my first time living abroad, and I experienced the perspective of a "foreigner" for the first time.By considering things from that new perspective, new learning was born.Since I am particularly interested in culture, the experience of having cultural dialogues with faculty members and other students and introducing Japanese culture myself contributed greatly to deepening my understanding of diversity.Through this kind of experience, which is hard to get in Japan, I feel that I have broadened my understanding of diversity and broadened my thinking.
⑦ What advice would you give to students who want to study abroad to help them succeed and enjoy life abroad?
I learned that it is important to make efforts on your own, but it is equally important to ask for help from those around you in order to adapt to an unfamiliar environment.Rather than relying on others for everything, I think it is important to discover new possibilities through the support of those around us, deepen relationships and increase learning.Also, in order to avoid homesickness, it may have been important to convey my gratitude to my family before studying abroad.I had no experience living alone, and for the first time when I became lonely, I was keenly aware of the importance of the presence of my family, who had supported me until now.
As an aside, I recommend that you secure your smartphone's storage.Especially if you have no experience abroad like me, you will want to take lots of pictures because the scenery you see is all new.As a result, the storage capacity of my smartphone became full, and I decided to spend time organizing (laughs).
Finally, I feel that it is very important to challenge anything.When I try new things, I tend to get anxious and think only about negative things.However, I feel that the study abroad period is surprisingly short.Rather than regretting something, I think it's important to take action as soon as you're even slightly interested.
Why don't you try your own wonderful study abroad life?
Interviewer (Department teacher, Takuno Shimizu)
