Hello, I am Verdiane Yemata K. I come from the University of Yaounde I in Cameroon, anthropology major, medical option. I was under the university exchange program with Tokyo University of Foreign Studies . I arrived here in Japan in April 2024 and my program extended over two semesters (10 months), namely from April 2 to February 28, 2025. I was receiving JASSO Scholarship.

I was really excited to come in Japan because I heard about the Japanese culture especially food (ramen) and clothes (kimono), Japan was the right destination for me as a student in anthropology which is based on culture. My dream come true when I got this opportunity.聽 I have had lots of memories of my life here and I will talk about some of them in this report because they are so bombastic that I cannot mention them all. I鈥檒l go into greater details about my experiences in my social and academic lives while I was living in Japan.

But before anything else, I would like to express my gratitude to JASSO for giving me a scholarship that permitted me to cover all my different expenses at TUFS. Also, I would like to thank the African Study Center, the Student Exchange Division, and International Student Support Association (ISSA) for the great support they provided to me thereby facilitating my life and my insertion as a student. Finally, I wouldn鈥檛 finish without saying thank you to my home university of Yaounde I , to my supervisors Prof Antoine Socpa and Oishi Takanori Sensei and to the students who were very caring towards me escorting us to every unknown place and making sure that I will not lack anything.

1. My academic life

As a student, I started classes during the spring quarter in early April, I then discovered a new way of teaching and learning with a lot of interactions between students and professors. We were very busy by making presentations, doing 聽homeworks, documentary research and discussions but it was interesting and amazing. This allowed me to have more experiences, get more knowledge. In the end, it was such a beautiful experience that every student should live. The second largest challenge for me was to succeed my Japanese classes because I was discovering Hiragana and Katakana characters. It was not easy at all, but I did it the end and I am now able to carry on a basic conversation in Japanese.

2. My social life

Living in Japan was such an amazing thing because I have also participated to many events and outings such as zoo visits where I saw some animals for the first time, music concerts, cultural events in traditional Japanese homes and so on 鈥 these are moments that allowed me to have pleasant and joyful experiences. The most striking thing was especially the exchanges that took place about Cameroonian and Japanese habits. I was curious to know more about Japanese customs and I also received lots of curious questions about our customs.

3. Challenges

Living in Japan was not easy every day, sometimes I faced difficulties due to language, culture, education system and daily facilities. I realized so soon that someone couldn鈥榯 be able to easily live here alone without being able to ask something on the street in Japanese, to understand the railway system which is not easy for a person who used to take car and bikes, I can forget how I struggled at the beginning and I lost myself many times while going somewhere, finally by practicing, it become easier and funny that I got confidence and I started moving everywhere.

I also faced the climate change with the weather in Japan which was very rude and cold for me especially during winter. I noticed that all the seasons are actually extreme in Japan, the summer is really hot, much hotter than in Cameroon where I come from and the wind is also so cold that you have the feeling that your bones are taking a hit so you have to take precautions at the risk of catching a fever.

4. Outside tours

Time flies very fast that we finally came to the end of this exchange program but I still want to live in Japan. I hope I could come back again and get more experiences. From my time in Japan, I keep interesting memories that I cannot count on paper. I think about it with peace of mind and joyful heart. I sincerely think that every student should be able to have such an experience and I wish it to all my classmates here and elsewhere.

Long life the exchange program!
Long life TUFS!
Thanks!

MY EXPERIENCE AS AN EXCHANGE STUDENT IN JAPAN

My name is Dorcas Amui, I had the incredible opportunity to be an exchange student from Ghana to Japan. I studied at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies(TUFS) from September 27th,2024 to February 5th,2025. My four-month stay for the first semester came with a lot of memorable experiences, marking a turning point in my life. From interacting with the people of Japan, to adapting to the unique teaching methods at TUFS.Every moment was enriching. Reflecting on these experiences, I deeply appreciate how much I benefited from them.

The People of Japan

Upon my arrival in Japan, the IAfP program, through their staff assigned two students to meet me at the airport and guide me all the way to the TUFS campus. I later learned that other exchange students had to struggled to find their way upon arrival, so this kind gesture made my transition much smoother. These two students became my first friends, and I quickly expanded my social circle.
The journey from the airport to TUFS was long, but every person I met along the way was kind and welcoming. Whether it was on the train or at the station, people made an effort to assist me, even if they had difficulty speaking English. One particularly warm welcome came from the students from African major, who ensured I had everything I needed. I will never forget Chihiro-sensei, who personally helped me transport my luggage to the international residence鈥攕he was truly kind and supportive.

Teaching Methods at TUFS

The teaching methods at TUFS were fascinating, as they differed significantly from what I was used to in my home university. The study of Japanese intellectual history, as well as other subjects, was rooted in research-based learning. Classroom discussions, structured coursework, weekly quizzes, and writing assignments required me to pay close attention and actively participate in class. Unlike passive learning methods, TUFS encouraged independent research and deep academic engagement. This approach not only helped me understand the topics better but also improved my academic writing skills. My experience at TUFS will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on my educational journey. Today, I am confident to say I can conduct any academia research from the experience I gained during my study at TUFS.

JASSO and Toyota Ghana

Over the years, strong collaborations between the University of Ghana and Toyota Ghana have made it possible for Ghanaian students to study in Japan. Toyota Ghana has taken full responsibility for providing students with their flight tickets to Japan and back home. This initiative has been life-changing for many, including myself. Additionally, I was fortunate to receive a JASSO scholarship, which provided a monthly stipend of 80,000 JPY. This financial support played a crucial role in making my stay at TUFS comfortable. Through the scholarship, I was able to cover my monthly rent, utility bills, and basic living expenses. I am incredibly grateful for the JASSO scholarship sponsors and the opportunities it provided.

Networking and Social Life

My time at TUFS introduced me to people from diverse backgrounds, creating opportunities for meaningful connections. Being a social person, I cherished these interactions, as they allowed me to form friendships that would have been impossible without this exchange experience. One of my favorite activities was attending mini-parties at restaurants every weekend, where we engaged in conversations and learned about different regions of Japan. TUFS also organized networking events, such as the聽monthly Wednesday lunch for African students, the University festival among others. These gatherings played a massive role in helping me build lasting connections, some of which will continue to influence my life even after my stay in Japan. My cooking hobby also played a crucial role in connecting with others. I would usually cook different meals and invite others to come and experience the process and taste of African cuisine. I was excited about sharing the African cuisine to the world.

Cultural Shocks

One of the biggest cultural shocks for me was the respectful and helpful nature of Japanese society. The level of appreciation for even the smallest gestures was remarkable. Everyone I met was always willing to assist, even when it came to minor things like giving directions. Another significant cultural shock was the exceptional cleanliness in Japan. From detailed instructions on how to separate and dispose of waste to the tidiness of public spaces, everything was meticulously maintained. It was rare to see litter, even on campus. Adjusting to this level of cleanliness was both interesting and inspiring for me. I can not over emphasize how amazed I was by the tourist sites in Japan. I visited lots of places including Mount Takao, Roppongi hills, the sky tree, marine tower in Yokohama among other places. These moments were the best for me.

Conclusion

My time in Japan was a life-changing experience filled with learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth. From the people I met to the teaching methods I encountered, every aspect of my stay at TUFS shaped me in ways I never expected. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity, and I will always cherish the memories I made during this incredible journey.

My name is Rita Tembo and I鈥檓 from Zambia. I am currently a student at the University of Zambia studying Economics. I came to Japan on an exchange program for ten months at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) from September 28, 2023, to July 29, 2024. I was under the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) and I was a recipient of the JASSO Scholarship.

It is no secret that Japan is one of the best countries to visit in the world and I got a chance to stay for close to a year on an exchange program at TUFS.聽 In this report I will talk about a few culture shocks I experienced living in Japan, the classes I took, some extracurricular activities and lastly my recreational activities.

CULTURE SHCOKS

While being in Japan came with so many amazing experiences, it did not come without its difficulties. Exposing myself to something new has always been a challenge, let alone a new country that comes with its own culture, language, education system and so on and so forth.

1. Transport System

Coming from Zambia, where our main mode of transport is by roads, it was quite an adjustment to get used to using trains. The intricate railway system that Japan possesses is truly one of a kind. I remember the first weeks I was there, I couldn鈥檛 take a fifteen-minute train ride from the University to a nearby station called Musashisakai for fear of getting lost. It wasn鈥檛 until months later, with time and practice, that I gained confidence in moving around Tokyo with the help of google maps.

2. The garbage system

Japan has a very well-organized garbage system and when you鈥檝e lived your whole life throwing all kinds of trash into one trash can, it can be quite stressful to sort out your trash. The first time I went to throw away my trash in Japan, I stood for five minutes straight staring at four different trash cans trying to decide which dirt belonged to which bin. It took me an embarrassing amount of time to figure out where plastic goes, where paper goes and especially where Styrofoam goes. Eventually, I learned which belongs to recyclables, which belongs to burnable, and which belongs to non-burnable.

3. Weather

Experiencing Japan weather was one of the most interesting parts of living there. In Zambia, there are three distinct seasons and just like Japan, each bleeds seamlessly into the next. Living in Zambia, I had the notion that Africa鈥檚 dry and hot climate makes it one of the hottest places in the world. How wrong I was to assume that before coming to Japan. Summer in Japan is heat unlike anything I鈥檝e ever experienced. Combined with the high humidity, there鈥檚 almost no difference between you being in an onsen and you being outside. Luckily, Japan is a very technologically advanced country, so things like portable fans and cooling vests helped me get through the summer. Another aspect of the weather is the winter. Despite being so cold I could barely feel my toes some days, I was so excited to experience snow for the first time. Touching it with bare hands may have been an oversight on my part (I was convinced I had hypothermia because of how painfully cold my fingers got) but it still didn鈥檛 take away from the experience.

CLASSES

The second thing I would like to elaborate on are the classes I took at TUFS. My major at my home university, University of Zambia, is Economics and unfortunately, the only economics classes at TUFS were in Japanese so I could not take them. However, for the first time in my academic life, I had the opportunity to take classes I had always wanted to take but never got the chance to. Specifically, literature classes which allowed me to learn more about Japanese history and society. I learned about the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings and how it affected people鈥檚 mental health. I got to learn about slavery and racism in America by reading Mark Twain鈥檚聽Pudd鈥檔head Wilson聽in an American literature class.聽 Film making class allowed me to learn about modern Japan society and had the bonus of working with others to create a film of our own. Watching movies made by Japanese creators every week taught me more about Japanese society than I would have guessed. One of the things I learned in this class was the reality of homelessness in Japan and the challenges minority immigrants face in trying to incorporate themselves in Japanese society. A few other more practical classes I took are business classes, peace and conflict studies, international cooperation and of course, Japanese language.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Staying in Japan, I had the opportunity to work part time for a multicultural organization known as Global Leaders Japan (Lbe Japan). As an international student with basic level in Japanese, working for Lbe was one of the best part time jobs I could get. Being a Global Leader meant me interacting with high school students in English and sharing my culture with them. This could be indoors with PowerPoint presentations or an outdoor tour around Tokyo, conversing as we explore. I loved working with the kids and being part of their journey in learning English. Watching them overcome their struggles or discomfort in practicing a foreign language really motivated me to continue to work on my Japanese.

I also got to take part in the famous and beautiful Sakura festival on March 1^st. I had the opportunity to wear traditional Japanese clothes known as a Yukata and dance a traditional Japanese dance as we walked down the streets of Fuchu city. A big thank you to ISSA for organizing the event and providing people to teach us the dances and practice with us in preparation for the festival.

I had the opportunity to discover a community of African people on a mission to share the African culture with as many people as possible. I attended a cultural exchange party where African fabrics and dances were showcased.

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RECREATION

Japan has plenty of places to visit, plenty of places to explore and plenty of places to try new things and I definitely took advantage of that fact as I toured and explored as many places in the country as I could manage. Some highlights I won鈥檛 ever forget;

1. Sunset at the Beach

Coming from a landlocked country, I had never been to the beach before and seen an ocean until I visited one in Numazu. Needless to say, the scenic view of the sunset against the waves was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. To use the words of a famous quote, 鈥淚 have never met a sunset I didn鈥檛 like.鈥滭/p>

2. Amusement parks

Visiting amusement parks was one of the things I wanted to do before coming to Japan. As a little girl I would watch people in movies go to amusement parks and imagine a day when I would one day ride a rollercoaster. I finally got the chance to do so and while the experience was beyond terrifying, the exhilaration I felt took me back for more.

Being in Japan, I took the opportunity to go to the best amusements parks in the world. I went to Tokyo Disney Sea and Universal Studios Japan and had the best time.

3. Fushimi Inari Taisha Sembon Torii

Another memory I won鈥檛 forget soon is hiking up the famous Thousand Torii Gates in Kyoto. The journey to the top was long and strenuous but the hike up was fun enough that I didn鈥檛 give up.

There are so many memories I created in a year while staying in Japan that I can鈥檛 pick just one as my favourite. Getting to meet new and amazing people from all over the world added to the experience. I鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity granted to me that allowed me to live one of the best years of my life. A big thank you to ISSA for the activities they organized, JASSO for the aid given, and finally the聽 IAfp and ISEP offices and of course the University of Zambia International Relations Link Office for all your hard work in organizing the student exchange program. I hope many more students get to have the same life changing opportunity.

Report on My 10-Month Student Exchange Program at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Introduction

My 10-month student exchange program at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) was a transformative experience that broadened my academic knowledge, deepened my cultural understanding, and fostered personal growth. I got an opportunity to meet new friends and learn various aspects about life in Japan. As a student with a keen interest in Japanese culture, the opportunity to live and study in Japan was a dream come true. This report provides an overview of my experiences, challenges, and reflections during my time at TUFS.

Academic Experience

Studying at TUFS was academically enriching and intellectually stimulating. The courses I studied aligned perfectly with my academic interests. I was enrolled in a variety of courses, most of them related to research as I did the program during my research stage of my masters program at my home university.

During my studies, in the fall semester, I had attended many graduate courses which helped me improve on my research and thesis writing as I was in the second stage of my studies in my home country, working on my dissertation. Among the courses I learnt, some of my favourite ones where the English for academic purposes courses. One of them was taught my professor Cherry Yap. In her course, I learnt about research. During the course, she taught about various research approaches and how to communicate academically. I learnt a lot about how to write academic articles and how to communicate academic findings. We had many in-class presentations of our research as masters students and she gave positive feedback. This helped me so much to improve on my research which I was working on from my home university. The many presentations prepared me for my defense. Another interesting course I attended was the international organizations course by professor Obi Nakao. In this course, I learnt about international protection of refugees and about humanitarian organizations and what they do to protect refugees. This course enriched my knowledge and substantiated my interests to work for an international humanitarian organization someday. In addition to all my other courses, I took the Japanese oral language course by Lee Kyutae. This helped me improve my communication in the Japanese language. It was nice to learn a new language, and I learnt interesting and important phrases that I need to go by in my day to day life in Japan. In the spring Semester, my favorite courses were on gender studies, global Agri-food systems, sustainable development and climate change.

The Japanese language classes were challenging but rewarding. The classes were conducted entirely in Japanese, which was initially challenging but greatly improved my proficiency. The instructors were highly skilled, employing a variety of teaching methods such as group discussions, presentations, and oral interviews. Over the months, my speaking, listening, and writing skills improved, enabling me to communicate more effectively and eased my interactions in daily life.

Cultural Immersion

Living in Japan provided countless opportunities for cultural immersion. From everyday interactions to participating in traditional festivals, I was constantly surrounded by the rich and vibrant culture of Japan.

TUFS has a vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs and organizations catering to a wide range of interests. I participated in the sakura festival, where I learned the intricate art of the traditional Japanese dance ceremony. This experience taught me about the importance of respect, and the beauty of simplicity, which are central to Japanese culture. I also participated in the international student exchange activities to interact with high school students, allowing me to interact with both Japanese students and other international students.

During weekends and holidays, I took the opportunity to travel and explore different parts of Japan. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples, the beauty of the parks, and some historical sites. Each place had its own unique fascination. These travels allowed me to witness the diversity within Japan, from its modern urban centres to its traditional rural landscapes. Visiting these places deepened my understanding of Japan鈥檚 history, culture, and regional differences. Travelling on the busy trains was always interesting, and the efficiency of the public transportation system is amazing.

I had an opportunity to try out some traditional Japanese food, some of which include sushi, sashimi, and ramen. I drunk and enjoyed various traditional Japanese teas and my favourite was the green tea and the Jasmin tea.

Personal Growth and Challenges

Living in a foreign country for an extended period was both exciting and challenging. I encountered several challenges, particularly during the initial months, but these experiences contributed significantly to my personal growth.

Language Barrier: Despite having studied Japanese language at the university of Zambia (UNZA) before going to Japan, the language barrier was one of the first challenges I faced. Simple tasks like grocery shopping, reading ingredients on food or asking for directions were initially overwhelming. However, with time and practice, my confidence grew. I made a conscious effort to speak Japanese as much as possible, even in situations where I could have resorted to English. This not only improved my language skills but also helped me integrate more seamlessly into the local community.

Cultural Differences: Adjusting to cultural differences was another challenge. Japan鈥檚 social norms, such as the emphasis on group harmony, indirect communication, and the hierarchical nature of society, were different from what I was used to. There were moments of cultural misunderstanding, but each of these situations provided learning opportunities. By observing and asking questions, I gradually adapted to these cultural nuances and gained a deeper appreciation for Japanese social etiquette.

Homesickness and Independence: Being away from home for an extended period was challenging, especially during holidays and special occasions. However, this experience taught me independence and resilience. I learned to manage my time, finances, and responsibilities effectively. The support from my friends, and university staff (IAFP office) also played a crucial role in helping me overcome these challenges. The friendships I formed with both Japanese and international students became a source of comfort and support, making my stay in Japan more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Looking back on my 10 months at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, knowledge, and relationships I gained. The program not only enhanced my academic skills but also allowed me to grow personally and culturally. I returned home with a deeper understanding of Japan, a higher level of Japanese language proficiency, and a broader perspective on global issues.

I am more confident in navigating cross-cultural environments and look forward to applying the skills and insights I gained in my future endeavours. The time I spent in Japan was undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am grateful Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and IAFP for providing me with this incredible opportunity.

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My name is Peggy Chamucisa. I am 22 years old and I am from Zambia. I studied and stayed in Japan from April 4th, 2024 to July 29th 2024, I was at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies as an exchange student.

I was invited by IAfP for my airplane tickets. In addition, I was a recipient of JASSO scholarship for my living expenses. My life in Japan is divided into two parts. Mostly I spent my time studying, I was taking courses of Development studies and International relations. During weekends, holidays and free time, I did different things related to social life. Below are some of the things that described how my life in Japan was.

I came to Japan in April and was very lucky to witness the cherry blossoms which only lasted for two weeks, but it was beautiful and I enjoyed it very much. I learned Japanese which is very different from my mother tongue in term of the structure of the sentences and letters. But the most important thing is that I liked the Japanese language and wanted to learn more about it and the people of Japan. The time I spent studying Japanese was a good time for me to learn more about Japanese culture, especially the norms and values of Japanese society. Even though studying Japanese was quite difficult, and it required to spend extra time studying it privately, I still liked studying Japanese and it helped me to get a lot of new vocabularies within a short period of the time, this helped me to get along with other students from different countries and cultures especially the Japanese students.

I was also lucky to be invited to a lecture by Chihiro Sensei, I was invited to talk about my country Zambia to the Japanese students, it was a very interesting and exciting experience I enjoyed talking to the Japanese students about my country and how beautiful and wonderful it is and the students where very interactive and asked interesting questions. I also enjoyed learning other courses like climate change and Development with Dr Glorious. This was one of my favorite courses and I never missed any of her classes because it was always interactive and interesting, I got to learn a lot about other countries and their living conditions in regard to the climate crisis the world is facing. It was interesting to know the different problems each country was facing and what policies they put in place to resolve it, I got a lot of ideas that I might use for my country鈥檚 climate crisis.

Apart from studying, I also visited different places in Japan, places like temples around Japan, parks and also historical museums. On weekends I mostly visited the park, luckily there so many parks located near the school so I mostly took a walk with a friend to the park. And there we would have picnics and sometimes little discussions with my Japanese friends, I always looked forward to weekends. I had a good time to learn more about Japan and its culture. As a country Zambia is a Christian nation so it was a really good experience to learn more about the Japanese religion by visiting different temples, I lent more about buddhism and also other religions like Shinto, it was exiting to know that these religions have existed for more than two centuries in Japan. I also got to see different festivals including children鈥檚 day that is held in May to celebrate the health and wellbeing of children.

I also took part in different activities like volunteering to participate in an English teaching camp for children, going to gatherings of different races and interacting with different people and teaching them and also learning from them about their culture and country. During my time in Japan I lent the true value of keeping time. Unlike other nationalities Japanese people value time and I got to know why during a cultural exchange part that was hosted by JICA, on my way to the party鈥檚 location I delayed to reach the train station and the train left me but luckily another train arrived shortly and I was able to reach the party on time, this was a good experience for me because I realized that even a second in life is of importance and once an opportunity passes you, it might never come again.

In addition to all the above is that I enjoyed the flower festivals that were held from when I arrived and also the cultural exchange with Japanese students as well as international students and having friends from different countries. This was very good for me because there are stereotypes that I had before meeting new people from other countries that changed through interacting with different people from different places. I realized how good diversity is because I got the new insight into different things from different places of the world from people whom I was interacting with, this helped me to open my mind and see how we are interconnected despite the different backgrounds and nationalities.

Despite all the small challenges that I faced during my stay in Japan, challenges like language barriers, at first it was really difficult to communicate with the locals in Japan but thanks to the Japanese language course I could at least speak basic Japanese and it helped me connect with the local people. Another challenge was that it was very hot and humid, but as time passed I got used to the extreme weather. Apart from these two challenges, my stay in japan was amazing, full of interesting experiences and I have benefited a lot from it not just in my academic life but also in my social life and it has changed my perspective of the world. I want to address my sincere appreciations to the African Studies Center, to JASSO scholarship administration, All the people that helped me to go to japan and to all my friends in Japan.

My name is Mupelwa Namfukwe. And I am 22 years old, and I come from Zambia. Early this year in the month of April I had the privilege to study in japan at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies as an Exchange Student from my home University, the University of Zambia in the Spring Semester. I stayed in japan from April 3^rd聽to July 29^th聽2024 and I came as an exchange under the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). Through the African Studies Center, IAfP and JASSO Scholarship my air ticket and living expenses were covered. Therefore, this report on my stay will be in two folds my academic life and my social life.

Upon arrival, I was amazed at how clean and beautiful japan is, I arrived in the week when the Sakura were blossoming, being a lover of nature and flowers so I instantly fell in love with the place and I was egger to visit, explore and take lots of photos. As if that was not enough, I found the people extremely nice and welcome. The African studies Center and IAfP hosted a welcoming party for the other exchange students and I, there I met a wonderful person called Miho, she was so welcoming and she made me feel at home. We later exchanged contacts and continued to keep in touch ever since, we shared and exchanged our cultures through stories and showing each other photos of what happens in our countries, the differences and the similarities she further introduced me Japanese food but the one that I liked the most was the famous Takoyaki .

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I had never visited any other city apart from Fuchu and Kichijogi until Miho decided to take me to Harajuku. It is a very beautiful city with so many tall buildings, we roamed around and she took me to Harajuku street, I was so amazed at how crowed it was, apparently the street is famous because Justin Bieber was there once and aside from that the street had tasty food. She also took me to Shibuya, where we took photos of the Shibuya crossing and took pictures on a statue that is just near the crossing and lastly we went to Shinjuku were we had lunch at the government office and went to the 45^th聽floor just to see the beautiful view of the city. Another very interesting visit was Akihabara the city of gadgets this city throw me off for a bit, as I experienced a cultural shock just by how some ladies would stand in the side of the road and give out flyers while dressed as maids.

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I also got the privilege to attend an African-Japan cultural party at the JICA office where I met and connected with other Africans from my country and countries such as Angola, Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. I also got to connect with some Japanese where we played awesome and fun games.

Aside from that, my Zambian friends and I decided to visit Disney sea, it was a very awesome and emotional experience for me in that I was taken back to my child hood, the time I used to watch Disney princesses on Television and hoping one day I would meet them in real life .I had never been on a roller-coaster so getting on one was the most frightening, thrilling and exciting feeling I loved it !

My other aim was to get settled and familiarize myself with the learning system. I am development studies major at my home university, so I was really interested in taking classes that encompassed around this topic and I was beyond amazed at how many classes there was. My most favorite thing about the courses I was taking was that they encouraged me to critically think and not just relaying on what the books say or what the professor said. Despite this being new to me, it posed as a challenge and a push to work extra hard as a change maker I ascribe to be through the presentations and the discussions we held in class.

During my stay there, I as well faced some challenges as everything is different from my home country especially when it came to the language. I was not very familiar with the Japanese language so understanding and communicating with people especially in the convenient store and also during the Japanese class was a challenge especially if I didn鈥檛 have my phone for google translate hence making a lot of friends was very difficult or having to communicate with people was difficult. Another challenge I faced was the food, I am allergic to pork so I found that most of the Japanese food was somehow mixed with pork. That limited me to having Japanese finest foods, and not only that, the cooking methods were very different in that everything in Zambia is cooked but I was shocked to find out that some of the foods especially fish was ate raw or just glazed and lastly the weather pattern. It was not something I was used too hence the beginning spring for me was cold until it became hot.

The heat was new for me for the fact that it would get hot and humid when in my country it just gets hot and since we have a lot of tress outside it is to go outside and get some fresh air. So I would find myself sweating a lot. But my friend Miho advised me to buy a fun and ensure my AC is on and also drink enough water to rehydrate.

All in all, me visiting and staying in Japan was the highlight of my year, as I got to experience a different culture, a different type of language and a different type of people therefore I can say I had a great time with making long lasting friendships and connections despite all the challenges. And if given more time I would have definitely become used to everything. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and I鈥檓 looking forward to coming back. Sayonara!

I am Nyampinga Marie Grace, a university student at the Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Science (PIASS) and I am Rwandan.

From September 2023 to July 2024, I participated in an exchange program at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and studied and lived in Tokyo, Japan. I鈥檒l go into greater detail about my experiences in my social and academic lives while I was living in Japan.

Firstly, I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) and JASSO for offering me a scholarship that covered my expenses at TUFS. I would like also to thank the African Study Center, Student Exchange Division, and International Student Support Association (ISSA) for the great support they provided to me. Lastly, I would like to say thank you to my home university Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences which turned into the Protestant University of Rwanda for allowing me to go and learn from Japanese society and to Prof. Kazuyuki, a head of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies for his assistance in document process and follow up after I arrive in Japan.

Academics

Starting with my studying experience, at TUFS I enrolled in different classes that were aligned with my program of peacebuilding and development. I could study from many lecturers in various environments therefore this was an outstanding chance for me.

This increased my level of understanding of my program. Among the courses I took was teaching about World War II which Japan was involved in and post-war reconstruction. It was my sincere expectation to gather knowledge from Japan鈥檚 remarkable recovery from the war and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

I had taken a course at my home university on the subject of the US Military Base in Japan and many peace movements have been accomplished, so learning Japanese was a pleasant experience for me.

Also, I enjoyed the class of Japanese language classes at JLC (Japanese Language Center). This was my expectation to learn the Japanese language and it was more enjoyable because of professional lectures with good teaching techniques that are easy for beginners. Taking this course was useful because it introduced to me the basic sentences and words that guided me during my stay in Japan after memorizing all the Hiragana and Katakana characters.

Additionally, I had classes on intercultural communication in the course of Aspect of Contemporary Japan 2. In this course, I learned about international cultures from different students and how people understand and interpret the world from their perspectives. I was glad to learn about Japanese culture and norms from Japanese students. This helped me to live in Japan while I didn鈥檛 violate any cultural rules. I also learned the types of nonverbal communication, High and Low Context Communication Styles, Monochronic Time and Polychronic Time, Collectivism and Individualism, Power Distance, Culture Shock, and Clear, and Effective Communication.

Furthermore, I had a course in Culture and Arts 2, in this course we watched different movies related to the culture and social life of the Japanese which gave me more pictures of Japan and my group presented a movie called 鈥淢y Small Land鈥 directed by Emma Kawawada. However, our group made a movie we called 鈥淣ihon-Jin鈥 that showed the life of international students in Japan and how they love and wish to be like Japanese.

The teaching style was different from my school, particularly in the course on Career Design and Development. I found this course interesting and helpful because it helped me to reflect on myself and my way forward to what I need to achieve. Additionally, I had a course about Southern East Asia that gave me an image of more Asian countries and their relation with Japan. This was kind of new to me because I had less knowledge about East Asia.

However, I had other many classes including Historical Studies, International Organizations, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Cooperation, Japanese Culture 1, Practical English 1&2, and Introduction to Social Relations. All these courses gave me new skills and knowledge and different experiences that will guide me in my future career.

Visits and Experience

During my stay in Japan, I visited different historical and tourist sites. The idea was to explore and learn from Japanese society and its achievements. I was very interested in religion, this guided me to visit many different shrines and temples to have experiences of religion that are different from mine. I visited some such as Yasukuni Shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Fuji-san Hongu Sengen Shrine, and Jindaiji Temple, and many others. I learned Japanese traditional Tea making at Choko-ji Temple in Numazu/ Shizuoka Prefecture.聽 Additionally, I also practiced traditional Rice Cake making at Asagiri Kogen Mochiya Campsite. I also ate different Japanese dishes and I enjoyed them. So far, Okonomiyaki, Sushi, and O miso soup have been my favorites.

I also had a great opportunity to see the ocean and sea and visit different beaches during my free time, especially during the summer season, and hot springs and onsen during the winter season. Apart from Shizuoka Prefecture, I also visited other prefectures out of Tokyo including Tochigi, Yokohama, and Kagoshima Prefecture.

During my visit to Kagoshima with my colleagues, a Japanese family hosted us for three days and we had a memorable time. I got a chance to visit statues and learn about Saigo Takamori who worked and fought for Japanese culture and development. However, I also visited the Kagoshima World Cultural Heritage Orientation Center to learn about Japan鈥檚 Meiji Industrial Revolution. In the same prefecture, I also had the privilege to visit the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots. This museum was built to commemorate the lives of the pilots and document their patriotic efforts for peace. However, learning was not only in the classes but also at different historical sites.

Furthermore, I visited Tokyo Sky Tree during the Koinobori festival with a Japanese friend. Last but not least, I visited Team Lab Planets at Toyosu, Tokyo. It was an amazing moment when I walked through water and a garden of flowers.

I want to thank ISSA for allowing me to experience the Minyo-Nagare dance (folk dance performance) in Fuchu City during the Sakura season (cherry blossom). They brought native Japanese to teach us to dance and, on that day, they borrowed Yukata and we could perform looking nice.

Additionally, I attended different seminars and events both at TUFS and outside. As an African, with the knowledge of Student Exchange Division/TUFS, they invited us to many different collaborative events of Africans and Japanese. The main idea was to share the culture and learn from each other鈥檚 experiences and I had the opportunity to speak in some of them.

During the holiday, I volunteered at Seibo Japan, where they advocate for charity and donation through selling Malawian coffee and the money goes to the program, they have of feeding every hungry child a hot meal at school in Malawi.

During my stay in Japan, the challenges were not very hard, because in the beginning the language was an issue but after taking Japanese language classes, I was able to express my need and request in Japanese. The weather challenged me because in my country, Rwanda we don鈥檛 have either winter or hot summer like Japan. So far spring has been my favorite season in Tokyo because it鈥檚 almost the same as the weather in Rwanda. As a Rwandan citizen, I had the opportunity to participate in different events and activities at Rwanda鈥檚 embassy in Japan and I was glad to meet different diplomats, Japanese leaders, and ambassadors of Rwanda in Japan.

Mburukaga鈥檚 stay report in Japan.

My stay in Japan avail both opportunity and challenges. In this report I will share some of the challenges and opportunities.

My name is MBURUKAGA Moses Richard Anthony, I am a South Sudanese. I am a student of Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences-Rwanda. I major in peace and conflict studies. I have been at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies for my exchange program from 26^th聽September 2023 to July 29^th聽2024 (ten months). I can say, been in Japan was a dream come true, as I always had wanted to visit Japan one day in my life and I happen to get the opportunity through the exchange program which I didn鈥檛 know that I could get it but finally I got it.

Opportunity to learn from exploration.

All I knew about Japan was Toyota cars (Land cruisers) and the World War II (Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing). However, after my stay in Japan I have learned a lot more about Japan though not all because I cannot learn everything about a country since there are visible and invisible aspects of the culture. I should say I am proud of my stay in Japan.

I am a person who is always interested in knowing how the international community works and interested in international and national politics. And during my stay in Japan, I should be able to attest that I realized this through some classes that I took and interactions with the other international students that I met at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. This is because the university brings people from various corners of the world and this represented how the international society works and I met my interest to know how the international society works through the fellow students and university lectures.

During my stay in Japan, I visited a lot of places and experienced a lot of cultural shocks/differences. These cultural shocks presented opportunities to learn and develop myself for my future endeavors. Among the places that I visited was Yasukuni Shrine around Tokyo, this is place that exposed me to the cultural aspect of Japan of men lead society and learned how young people used to sacrifice their life for the sake of the emperor (Kamikaze).

Another thing that learned from Yasukuni Shrine was the role of the women that it was not represented in the shrine but what I learned from there was, women are not so much involved in violent acts or engage themselves in violent situations as compared to men. This can be evident in the act of Kamikaze as I read about it at Yasukuni Shrine and Chiran Peace Museum in Kagoshima it all portrayed young men in the act of Kamikaze not young women.

All the above, experiences in the shrine and museum taught me a greater role women can play in building peace in a society if we take look at aggressive society of Japan during the war times (World War I and World War II) majority of the aggressors were men and women did the background role as it is not much related to violence (taking care of the wounded).

I also visited families, during my time in Japan I had the opportunity to visit a host family and through the host family program I learned a lot of cultural aspects of Japan. This came through the help of Internationals Students Home Visit program. This program exposed me different cultures that I did not know. It also gave me the opportunity to test varieties of food (Takoyaki, Sushi, ramen, and takoyaki which was my favorite food in Japan) and family practices (care for the children). I also had the chance to play with the kids as a person who loves the kids.

There is aspect of the Japanese culture of saying sorry regardless of the situation. I moved around Tokyo, Saitama, Yokohama and Kagoshima prefectures. I learned that it is part of the culture of the Japanese to say sorry even it is not their faulty or something has fallen from their hands they can still say sorry.聽 Found this culture very interesting as the is one of the concepts of reconciliation to say sorry or to ask for forgiven sincerely to build the relationship that was once broken.

During my stay in Japan, I had the chance to conduct my three months internship at Seibo Japan. Which is a NPO mobilizing funds to support/feed school children in Malawi and I participated in some activities like selling coffee at Sophia University (100% profit goes for charity) and interacting with students about charity at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Koenji Junior High and high school and Osaka International School (online presentation). Through this internship I learned a lot of things about charity and how little efforts can have an impact on others lives. For example, 15楼 makes a meal for students in Malawi and the effort of Seibo Japan is commendable in realizing this.

During my visit to Kagoshima, I felt the love from a family and I found the true meaning of a family. I missed my family for two years and half but when I visited the family of ayari San I felt like I was at home with my mother as I lacked nothing, had the company and support from the family.

Challenges faced during the stay

I faced very few challenges compared to the above lessons learned. To start with, first time to learn the characters of Japanese and get to play around with. And this is also closely linked to language barrier as it was my first time to be in Japan and face the reality of learning and experiencing the language in reality. As I visited the host families, I knew little Japanese but limited because it was not much up to that of conversation level. It limited my interaction with all the family members.

I should also indicate this, I had wanted to visit Hiroshima when I found out that I would be coming to Japan, unfortunately, I could not make it due to expensive tickets to go there and return. However, I don鈥檛 regret not going there as I have learned a lot about it in some classes that I took and through the visits to the museum and shrine (Yasukuni Jinja Shrine and Chiran Peace Museum).

In conclusion, I should be able to state how helpful it was to have Japanese friends (Mana, Takahito) around me who helped me to settle in well really easily, and how helpful they were and the fact that Japanese are really nice people, once you reach out to them for help, they are ready to offer a helping hand to you at any time. I should also state the love and care I received from the family of Ayari San in Kagoshima prefecture was commendable unforgettable moment.

I should not forget the unforgettable help of the JASSO scholarship and the help of Yuko San, Chihiro Sensei and everyone/staff who made sure all my needs we were accomplished and guidance from every one at the African Study Center.

Nababuya Christelle AMISSI

Watashi wa Amissi Nababuya Christelle desu, I am Congolese and a student majoring in peace building and Development in the Department of Peace and conflict Studies at the Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences. The exchange program in general is especially worthwhile in a way when somebody experiences a new culture through educational, social, environmental and cultural exchange, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and those around us. In fact, the collaboration between Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences and Tokyo university of Foreign Studies have made possible the dream of many students to study in Japan. Being in Japan is such an amazing experience that we don鈥檛 only gain from the academic perspective but also from the cultural and social perspectives.

A path to amazing future

Life is just meaningless without inspiration, my heart full of gratitude is beyond measure. From a far place to a new home, it has been exceptional to be in Japan. For the first day we met these amazing people who clearly made a step to promising us that a bright future is ensured. This same day, I felt encouraged and really motivated. Thank you, African Studies Centre (ASC) and IAfP for the warm welcoming time.

Impression and challenges

Being in a different culture represents both opportunities and also some challenges as well. My first 2 months were not so enjoyable, due to weather, the language, and also learning on how to adjust in an international community. On the other hand, the train system was a bit challenging to me as a result of getting lost sometimes. After my arrival in Japan, winter season started and overcoming the cold was a bit challenging for me, not only that during summer time, the hotness could be challenging sometimes. I just realized that Japan is either hotter or colder than I thought before. But after all, the stay during fall, winter, and summer time was really amazing.

Academic benefits

Firstly, in other to overcome these challenges, I took Japanese class that was done five times in a week in a hybrid manner (online and in person) in the fall semester, we also had a winter course with Japanese Students and PIASS students hosted by Professor Sinishi Takeuchi and Professor Kazuyuki Sasaki. I also attended an intercultural collaborative learning program with students from Osaka University(online) in the spring semester. Secondly, I also joined LET’S, a club at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies that helps to improve the Language proficiency. We had quite good discussions with Japanese students in the club that want to improve their English skills and also International Students that were eager to improve their Japanese skills. I also learned interesting Japanese calligraphy that was so much helpful to read different words and to connect through the communication way. Attending Japanese class was very important, because at the end of the first level I was able to make a presentation about my home country in Japanese language and also have a smooth conversation with others. Moreover, the film analysis class was an interesting class for me because we created a scene related to peace and the connecting way of so many students in the international community. There were so many interesting courses, and I really learned a lot from our different professors and my colleagues. As a result, on the 3rd month in Japan, I realized that a lot of things got improved thanks to different seniors who willingly cooperated with us to make our stay more enjoyable and as well the different clubs I joined that helped to improve my skills. I attended the online session about the Hiroshima Tour that was so useful to further my understanding about peace.

Social and cultural benefits

I am so grateful to have improved my intercultural communication skills. I also better understand society from a religious perspective by attending some festivals (Kurayami Matsuri, Gaigosai…) that helped to integrate into Japanese society better and easily. In addition, coming to Japan has also helped me to meet some Japanese students who studied in Rwanda. In addition, eating different types of Japanese foods was an amazing experience for me; I ate different types of foods such as ramen, sushi, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, karaage, tonkatsu, ochyazuke, shabu-shabu but my favorite remains okonomiyaki and ramen.

I also visited different places, especially climbing the mount Takao with my Zambian colleagues, which was an amazing experience for me. We also had lunch and dinner sessions with students from different backgrounds including our Japanese colleagues that helped us to bond together. In addition, TUFS International Student Support Association also played a big role by organizing some cultural activities such as Kimono Party, Kamakura visit, etc. which helped not only me but many students to integrate into the Society.

I am a young lady interested in activities related to peace. I joined VOLAS, a volunteer group where I had an opportunity to have a cultural event with Japanese students where I presented about my country and its culture. In so many different ways, I gained the social and cultural skills which are not only beneficial for me but also to the society as well. I was glad to also share my experience with CCAJ (Connecting Children of Africa and Japan) which is a community-based group with members who meet most of the time in order to improve their English skills and also to discuss global issues. I was so impressed by the members’ courage to really learn and improve their skills.

The time spent with these amazing people was so meaningful to see how possible development is when we cooperate and involve young people in the process. Both children in Japan and Africa are actors of promoting a better future with their full participation in the global issues that affect the lives of many. With them I strongly learn that Togetherness is a powerful means to make impactful changes in the society.

Personal achievement

I was given the opportunity to do my internship at Japan Volunteer Center which contributed continuously to my personal growth. I also attended some seminars organized by Sasakawa Peace Foundation (online and in person) and as well the one organized by ASC.

Appreciation

Japan has been an amazing home to me. I so much appreciate the Japanese values such as politeness and kindness, and I am so much thrilled to talk about the amazing experience I had in Japan once being home. I am also grateful to my home University (PIASS) and TUFS Exchange division Office, to JASSO , to Yazaki cooperation, the crowdfunding contributors, to ASC and IAfP for having made my stay more enjoyable and full of wonderful memories. I am grateful to everyone who made me feel at home.

The world is more amazing to have people like you who are ready to shape the lives of many.

銇傘倞銇屻仺銇嗭紒Thank you.

Themba MAPULANGA
My Exchange Experience at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.

As a student hailing from the University of Zambia, embarking on an exchange program at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) was a significant milestone in my academic journey. Japan鈥檚 vibrant culture and prestigious academic environment beckoned me, promising a transformative experience. In this report, I鈥檒l share the highlights of my 10 months stay.

Annet and I posing in front of the TUFS monument on our first day at TUFS (2022).

Stepping foot onto the vibrant campus of TUFS marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Over the course of 10 months, I had the privilege of forging friendships with individuals from diverse nationalities, fostering cross-cultural friendships and enhancing my understanding of global cultures. Through these interactions, I gained valuable insights into different cultural practices and traditions, enriching my intercultural competence.
Settling down at TUFS wasn鈥檛 challenging as I had many people to help with ensuring that I had settled in smoothly. Dr.Chihiro and Yuko San from the IAfP office were ever helpful as they helped us with various processes regarding our stay. My study buddy from the university鈥檚 buddy program also helped ensure that I settled in well at TUFS. The other African exchange students (Jato, Paul and Kajad) who had already spent a semester at TUFS also helped us settle in by showing us around. Yazaki Cooperation also assisted us by sponsoring us with some funds that helped us in our early months at The University.

Posing with my bicycle which was given to me by the IAfP office for use during my time at TUFS (2022).

One of the defining highlights of my exchange experience was delving into the essence of Japanese tradition through the art of Kendo. Joining the school鈥檚 Kendo team was more than just a physical pursuit; it was a journey of self-discipline, honor, and respect. My club mates and The Sensei at the dojo were very welcoming and they ensured that I settled in very well with the team and didn鈥檛 feel out of place.

Me in my Kendo attire at the TUFS Martial Arts Dojo (2023)

One of the most interesting experiences was attending the Kurayami Festival. This event celebrated Japanese traditions and folklore with music, dance, and beautiful street lights and decorations. I got to experience the vibrant atmosphere and learn more about Japanese culture. Meeting other locals helped me understand the importance of community and spirituality in Japan. The festival left a lasting impression on me, making me appreciate different cultures and the connections we can make through shared experiences.

Posing with other exchange students at the Kurayami Festival (2023)

Academically, my experience at TUFS was equally fulfilling. I had the privilege of attending engaging classes and lectures, where I gained profound insights into various disciplines. It was quite interesting to operate in an academic environment that has different systems from my home university. This also provided me with practical lessons with regards certain things that can also be replicated in the systems at my home university. Additionally, I spent my time outside class learning about the various administrative and public systems in Japan. As a Development Studies major, I had a plan to utilize my time in Japan learning about Japan鈥檚 development path and various administrative and public service systems in Japan. Learning how the Japanese public transport systems work for example provided me with valuable information on some of the lessons my home country can pick up.
Furthermore, my involvement in the intercultural learning class, led by Fukushima University was a significant highlight in my academic experience. To sum up my intercultural learning class at Fukushima University, I visited Fukushima for the 10th Anniversary of the Sakura Project. My friends and I participated in the project by making PR videos promoting the project. One of my favorite moments during this trip was receiving the Chief Award from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism which was presented to us by the Director of the Tohoku Regional Development Bureau as recognition for our participation in the project. Receiving this award underscored the importance of fostering international collaborations and promoting cultural understanding.

Receiving the Chief Award at the 10th Anniversary of The Fukushima Sakura Project (2023)

Planting Sakura trees along the highway as part of the Sakura Project (2023).

My exploration of Japan extended beyond the confines of the university, as I ventured into the vibrant streets of Tokyo and neighboring prefectures. From the bustling streets of Shibuya to the serene landscapes of Kamakura, every corner revealed a new facet of Japanese culture waiting to be discovered. The warmth and hospitality of the Japanese people left an indelible mark on my heart, reaffirming their reputation for kindness and welcoming spirit.
聽
Me at Tokyo Tower (Left) (2022) and at The Summit of Mt. Takao (Right) (2023).

One of the most memorable aspects of my stay was indulging in the exquisite flavors of Japanese food, with ramen emerging as a personal favorite. During my stay, I tried different Japanese foods which served as a gateway to understanding the rich culinary heritage of Japan.

My favorite bowl of Shoyu Pork Ramen

My second favorite meal 鈥淥toko Meshi Don鈥 at Sanchanchi

My exchange experience at TUFS was nothing short of transformative. From cultural immersion and language learning to academic pursuits and culinary delights, every facet of my stay contributed to a profound personal and academic growth. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout my journey as an exchange student, including my friends, professors, the IAfP Staff, the ASC staff, Yazaki Corporation, JASSO, and my home university. As I reflect on my time at TUFS, I am filled with gratitude and optimism for the continued partnership between Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and African Universities, with the hope that many more students will have the opportunity to embark on similar transformative experiences. Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate the possibility of returning to Japan for my postgraduate studies, further deepening my connection with this remarkable country.

Dr. Chihiro seeing us off on our last day at TUFS (2023).