What’s it like doing a Study Exchange in Japan
By Zlatoslava
Hello, hello! (or should I say こんにちは – “konnichiwa”) 😁
Last time we spoke about going on an exchange, here, on the IST blog, it was about how to prepare for it and what to do when applying. I then left you on a cliffhanger by saying that I would soon share about my exchange in Japan… sorryyy. But the time is finally here, as promised, here it is!
I am currently on exchange at Tokyo NODAI, also known as the Tokyo University of Agriculture. It is one of the two Japanese partner universities with WUR. I have been here for almost 2 months now. Looking back, time really flies, and thinking I am halfway through this amazing experience brings mixed emotions. When you finish reading this blog, you will probably understand why haha. I will tell you more about my experience here, how I dealt with challenges alongside some amazing stories!
How it all started
Why Japan
I knew that I wanted to do my exchange as far away as possible. That may sound strange and some people might say “Why would you want to be so far away from home?”, but I actually find exactly that the most captivating. Having traveled around Europe and currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands has allowed me to experience life outside my home country, Bulgaria. Despite Bulgaria still being in Europe, culture differs and there are always things to learn when living abroad alone, I still wanted to see what life is like beyond Europe.
Circling back to what I said in the beginning, I believe the farther you go, the better. You get to live an extraordinary life, experience unfamiliar things, and learn from a very different culture! I love challenging myself and I love exploring even more. Japan’s rich culture and deep traditions were the things that caught my attention the most. There is so much to see, try and learn in this country and so it was my choice.
Arrival
Upon arrival, I had to immediately go to my introduction at the new university. The flight felt unexpectedly pleasant but I was extremely sleep-deprived and most probably jetlagged, too. So, rushing to the meeting and settling things up on the first day was a challenge! 😆
Struggles, adaptation period and “exchange student” emotions
Surprisingly, I would say I had an easy time when it comes to adaptation. Maybe the reason for that is that I have already experienced what it’s like to live alone in a foreign country, away from my family. Despite me feeling okay when alone, I still had some challenges that I had to overcome. In my second/third week, I started feeling very overwhelmed and as if I didn’t belong here. Those thoughts were heavy on me, but luckily, they passed. I gave it some thought and soon realised those are emotions provoked by the drastic change in environment and my body still adjusting.
I’ve spoken with other WUR friends on exchange and they have told me the same sting. They have also felt the isolation, the messiness and the struggles. Also other exchange students from my group here share a similar experience. So a one thing is certain – all of us make it through those initial moments of doubt and continue the exchange with a different, better perspective! 😀
Language barrier
Japanese don’t speak a lot of English, however, somehow you always find a way to communicate. Often, the translator is your best friend, and gesticulation also comes in handy.😉 The language barrier was my excuse to start learning Japanese. Who knows, you might go on an exchange and not only leave with the best memories but with knowing one more language.😀
When put in the environment, it is much easier to learn the language since everyone around you speaks it, you practice with fronds, try to read signs, listen to bus announcements..you know how it goes. Language barriers are also a thing between exchange students. There are those funny moments when you try to explain something, but you use a word others have never heard of. Then, you pull out Google and start with descriptions and showing images.😆
The Cultural Adjustment Cycle, with all of the phases that most of the exchange students go through
All of these are normal phases each exchange goes through, so let this be your reminder that things will fall into place soon or later and then you will be enjoying even more. Allow yourself to go through those moments, don’t put pressure on “having to always feel good, be outside and explore, and not waste your time”. It is true, time is limited and it passes quickly, but there is also plenty of it! Sometimes, even if things don’t go as planned, being spontaneous and going with the flow might turn out to be an even better idea.
How it’s going
Life style
Life in Tokyo, the biggest city in the world, is fast-paced and moves quickly. There are many people, and the busier neighbourhoods like Shibuya and Shinjuku feel very lively, especially at night. The city is so big that each of the neighbourhoods has its own “city centre”-like area. As huge as Tokyo is, its smaller areas can feel quite cosy and calm. Tokyo NODAI University is in Setagaya, which is a neighbourhood relatively close to Shibuya. Despite that, except for its “centre”, the area is very peaceful and inviting. Perfect for when you need a calm walk outside.
Student communities and student life
My exchange group is amazing! I have so deeply wished to have a good group with which I can spend time and explore Japan, but I never imagined it would be better than that in reality! We are all very different but also share the same experience of being an exchange which makes us quite close. I really do feel them like family here, we even live in the same dormitory. The first weeks we were always together – eating together, going to class, exploring around the neighbourhood and the city, going to events and celebrations. Now, everybody is more individualistic since we know our way around but we still spend a loot of time together during the day.
There are also groups, led by Japanese students, aiming to for locals and exchange students meet and get to know each other! Different fun events like games, bowling and onigiri workshops are organised. 🎳🍙
Another way to meet other students is by English and Nihongo (Japanese) cafés organised by the University. There you can bring your lunch or have a snack while talking with others!
Academics
When it comes to studies, Tokyo NODAI is specialized in Agriculture. I am currently taking 7 subjects from the Agricultural, Japanese cultural practices and Biotechnological fields. One subject I particularly enjoy is Japanese Food Culture. In each class we study about different prefectures’ ekiben, what seasons ingredients are used and how they are prepared. Ekiben is a type of lunchbox bento that is sold in train stations or in the trains, and enjoyed during longer rides. It consists of vibrant ingredients, often featuring regional and local specialties. As an end project of our course, we have to create our own ekiben using our countries’ special foods blend!
As I mentioned earlier, I am also studying Japanese Language. There are courses provided by the University which are a great way to put a proper base of the language. Together with some of the exchange students, I take them two times per week but staying curious and daily words revision are key.
Exploring Japan
Very recently, we had a holiday which was the perfect opportunity for a trip! With some of the other exchange students, we organised a 1500+ km road trip around central Japan!! We visited Nagano’s onsens and mountains, Kanazawa’s beach, Fukui’s cliffs and temples, all the way to Gifu Prefecture in a small, 300-year-old, non-populated clan village, where we spent our last night and cooked dinner over a bonfire. This trip will probably be the most memorable part of my stay here. We got to experience the real Japan with its beautiful autumn colours, delicious regional food and local history.
Other students went to different parts of Japan, and some went on a solo trip to a neighbouring city. All with amazing stories!
A couple of days ago, I went to Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with my mom and sister, who are currently visiting! It was great to see other big cities and how life is there. I am amazed by the temples and shrines of Kyoto and Nara – there’s so much to learn and see. Tomorrow we are going to Kamakura, a city close to Tokyo, so I am quite excited about that too!😀
When there is time, I strongly advise you to go around your host country if you have the opportunity! The trip really helped me to see and feel the Japanese lifestyle outside the big city. Moreover, Japan’s prefectures are different, each with its own history and specifics. So, experiencing quite a bit of those is truly amazing!
Food culture
As a foodie and a person studying Food Technology, I simply cannot leave this behind. Japan is well-known for its rich flavours and delicious meals, some of which are recipes and technologies passed down through centuries. They are a big part of the country’s culture and identity and will forever have a special place in my heart. I will just leave this picture below and let it speak for itself.
Undergoing changes, growth, and future expectations
Looking back, I can already feel how much I’ve changed. It’s a journey that began with my parent sending me off at the airport with a proud look but also tears in their eyes, to conquering the unknown. Already 2 months have passed, and I have no doubt that after 2 more, I will grow even further. Doing an exchange is truly transformative and enriching. They call it “exchange” for a reason – it’s about sharing and receiving! I find it so inspiring to be able to share your values and traditions with others and simultaneously learn about theirs while also experiencing them.
While the future is always unknown, I am excited about the second half of my exchange. Hoping it’s as colourful and memorable as it has been until now! I look forward to many more laughs, shared moments, diving even deeper into Japanese culture and tasting food with history.
Wrapping up
I hope you now have a better idea of what to expect from your exchange. Most importantly, make it your own and unique. Be open, be accepting, explore, meet, learn and travel – be free! Exchange is all about that, and the more you say “yes” to opportunities, the more fun you will experience.
Enjoy and get the most out of it,
Zlatoslava
