文字サイズ
文字サイズ
I remember writing my goals down in my journal one day, ”Studying abroad, being independent, learning a new language, getting to see snow and being happy!”. Later in December 2020, I have come across a program called ’Asia Kakehashi Project’ which high school students from Asia could exchange study in Japan for 10 months. Japan to me is a very beautiful yet strictly disciplined country. Having told that people there are very kind and punctual, plus, seeing the high academic achievements and the rich culture behind the country, made me want to make new friends, experience the educational system and gain more intellectual perspective from the unique culture. So, without hesitance, I applied for the program, excitedly and hopefully I could finally fulfill my goals. Fortunately, I passed!
Now that I am here in Japan, I want to take this opportunity to learn their language as much as possible as well as improve on my communication skill and make lots of new friends. Being away from home will teach me how to be independence and make informed decisions on my own. Lastly, I hope, through this amazing journey, I can finally find what I am passionate about in life.
With my limited knowledge of Japanese, understanding what my classmates are learning in school is indeed challenging. However, despite the language barrier, my classmates and club members have tried their best to explain, translate and help me around my studies. Sometimes, even when they have their own work to finish, they still make sure that I got a hang of what the teachers are talking about. As well as the teachers, they are all very thoughtful and kind enough to check up on my school life and introduce me to learning Japanese at Tokushima station. On the first few days, despite the cold, my school advisor even walked me and my other exchange student friend to the learning center! With so much love and warmth, this has been one of my most memorable thing about my school life in Tokushima.
Coming here, I am totally impressed by the educational system. I have noticed that school is not just a learning center but also a place filled with so much fun and excitement. Compared to the schools in my host country, the major different is the club activities. Besides going back home after school, Japanese students are given so many options to join any club they are interested in. With that, students can have fun learning new skills, meeting new friends, and especially relieving stress from their studies. Another unique difference is that the school curriculum has included one period every week studying about the social problems and letting students discuss solutions such as regarding SDGs. I have found this very interesting because this has encouraged younger generations to care about their surroundings and take part in the society. Lastly, I have noticed that the school have disciplined students so well about responsibilities. Every day after the last period, each group of students are in charge of different tasks to clean not only their classroom but the whole school. Everyone acted so fast that the whole process takes only about 15 minutes.
Being away in a whole new environment with different culture and customs has helped me become much more open minded and suspend any negative judgements. During my stay in Tokushima, I would like to take this chance to join as many events and festivals as possible since this will help me learn more about the Japanese culture. As well as, introducing and sharing Cambodian culture and values. I would also want to improve on being more communicative and building strong net working with new friends for my future. Hoping so, I must try my best to learn Japanese language and make the most out of this journey.
Studying abroad is the best chance for students to become a better individual. Especially when your parent is not aside to take care and that you are all on your own two feet to make big decisions such as financial management and maintaining a healthy diet. Additionally, students will have the chance to experience a new way of as parts of the culture and the traditions of the country. Moreover, students can learn a new language and further their studies according to the new educational standards. Last but not least, it is the excitement of getting to see a whole new part of the world and trying new taste of food!
Studying abroad will result in a fruitful experience as long as the students have certain characteristics. One of them is to be open minded. Going to another country, surely there will be some culture shock and it is important to accept and take time to adapt to the new differences. Importantly, be courageous. Traveling and learning in a whole new place can be scary indeed. Especially, living in a place you do not know and having to spend time with the people who do not speak your language. Remember to be confident, brave and ready to take on new challenges!
My daily schedule in Tokushima as an exchange student:
6:00 Wake up
6:15-7:00 Breakfast
7:00-7:30 Get ready for school
7:40-8:00 Leave home and get to school
7:49-8:05 Arrive at school
8:20-16:20 School
(Tuesday)10:30-12:00 Study Japanese at TOPIA in Tokushima station
16:30-18:00 Club activity
18:00-18:20 Got home
18:30-20:00 Dinner and family time
20:00-21:00 Self study Japanese
21:00-22:00 Journaling and screen time
22:00 Bed time