Kwansei University

By Emily Mott

“get stuck in and try many different foods, travel around Japan as much as you can” 

If you get the opportunity to study abroad in Japan then it’s an experience that you cannot pass up!

I am studying abroad in Nishinomiya, which is right in the middle of Osaka and Kobe, at Kwansei Gakuin University and I have had so many memories and experiences.

To put it simply, the study abroad has so much to offer you. There will be times when it can be challenging and tricky but these times contribute towards your growth as a person and the perspective of living in a different country and culture.

Some of these challenges

include getting used to cultural differences and using Japanese on the daily, missing your home and family, and getting out of your comfort zone but there will be so many exciting, fun, and interesting experiences that outweigh the challenges, without a doubt!

From meeting so many Japanese people and other exchange students from different countries, such as Australia, America, and Germany, you will gain such an intercultural understanding in a culturally rich environment.

Some of my favourite experiences on the study abroad have been making friends and then going to Osaka and eating our way around Dontonburi. There will be time to go travelling alongside your classes, especially as Japan’s academic break, just like the UK’s summer holidays, is around January to the beginning of April. (This is dependent on your allocated university of course)

You will be able to experience Japan through the eyes of a resident and a student, instead of just a tourist. This also comes with the opportunity to see Japan through its many festivals and seasons and there is always something exciting to see such as the Sakura season, and Momiji Season (Autumn).

The best advice is to get stuck in and try many different foods, travel around Japan as much as you can, and to talk to your Japanese classmates and friends as much as possible!