Kansai International University has partnerships with universities not only overseas but also within Japan."Domestic Study Abroad" Program We also have a system in place.2024We received messages from students studying abroad at public universities in Okinawa this year about their lives and studies there. Please take a look.
Messages from students studying at public universities in Okinawa
I grew up in Nagasaki, and from an early age I was exposed to a wide variety of cultures and people, which naturally led to my interest in foreign languages and different cultures. When it came time to go to university, I wanted to further deepen my interest, so I enrolled at Kansai International University, which places emphasis on foreign language education.
1When I was talking to my teacher about studying abroad from my second year, he told me about the importance of studying abroad in Asia and also about the system of "studying abroad within Japan". In particular, the option of studying abroad within Japan was fresh to me, so I decided to gather information first and participated in an online information session. I learned that our university has an agreement with Okinawa's public university, Meio University, and was told about the credit transfer system, low dormitory fees, and good security. I thought it would be a good opportunity to experience different cultures while staying in Japan and gain valuable experience that would lead to future global success, so I decided to study abroad.
Through my short-term study abroad in Indonesia, I learned the importance of disaster prevention and the need to prepare for various natural disasters. At the same time, through my interactions with the local people, I learned that gender roles differ depending on the culture in a society where diverse ethnic groups coexist, and my worldview has been greatly broadened. This experience was enough to even make me consider living in Indonesia in the future.
And now (2024Years11On the 1st of each month, I am enrolled in the Department of International Culture at Meio University, where I am studying on an exchange program. There are many students here, including those from Europe, America, and Asia, as well as those who have experience on working holidays or long-term study abroad, and I am experiencing many interactions with people from different cultural backgrounds and values, which is stimulating in a new way. I am also taking classes in language and specialized subjects that I have never studied before, such as "Okinawa Studies" that is unique to Okinawa, and "Okinawan Language" where I can learn the Ryukyuan language, so I am able to spend a very fulfilling time here.
My campus life in Okinawa was filled with encounters with classmates from other countries and prefectures, friends with diverse backgrounds, including various religions, and it was an irreplaceable time for me. In addition, my part-time job at a major clothing chain store improved my language skills by communicating with tourists in English. I feel that these experiences are directly connected to my future career.
20Now that I'm older, I'm finding my future direction through my study abroad experiences in Indonesia and Okinawa.
To everyone who is thinking about studying abroad, I would like to say, "Just give it a try." At first, I had a lot of worries about communication, but by taking the plunge, I feel that my horizons and world have expanded greatly. I believe that you will be able to feel your own growth in the same way.
When it comes to studying abroad, I want you to know that there is also the option of studying abroad within Japan, and I urge you to believe in your own abilities and give it a try.
(The text is,2024.11As of March)
