Friends of Japan Series: Sophia University short-term exchange student - Aidan Roberts

January 2019 Sophia University short-term exchange student

26 days in the heart of Tokyo
 

My name is Aidan Roberts and I am an International Relations and Communication Studies graduand of the University of the West Indies. This past January, I participated in the Sophia University’s Japanese Studies short term exchange program as a student of the UWI. Because of my love for Japanese culture, I have been consistent in integrating Japan into my university experience. Whether it be formally studying Japanese at the Center for Language Learning or choosing to analyze Japanese media in Communication Studies courses, I have kept Japan at the core of my undergraduate study. However, as fun as studying is, I knew I wanted to put what I learned into practice and experience Japan for myself. This exchange opportunity not only allowed me to grow academically but it also deepened my love and appreciation for Japanese culture. Although short, my 26 days in the heart of Tokyo were absolutely amazing. This trip has motivated me to continue studying Japanese and to study in Japan again soon.
 

During the program, weekdays consisted of classes from 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., after which students were free to explore Tokyo as much as our hearts desired. I really loved the classes I took at Sophia, particularly my Contemporary Japanese Culture and Society class. This class provided a lot of insight into Japan’s work culture, pop culture, agriculture as well as the psychology of Japanese society. After class, I usually went out with the new friends I made through the exchange program. But being in Tokyo gave me the opportunity to meet old friends like my former Japanese teacher, a friend from class and my Japanese pen pal. Exploring Tokyo by foot was surreal. I recognized a lot of places in Roppongi and Shibuya that I had seen in tv shows and even in my textbooks. Just being able to walk around Tokyo and spend time with others, although seemingly mundane, were highlights of my trip. As for weekends, most Saturdays were full of trips to temples and modern attractions like Tokyo Sky Tree. After visiting Sky Tree, I would recommend Sky Tree or any other observation tower in Tokyo to anyone taking a trip to Japan. Please take my advice and go if you can! Seeing Tokyo go on for what felt like forever was breathtaking. It is a beautiful view that you must see for yourself at least once.
 

A major milestone within this trip was using Japanese as much as I possibly could. Up until that point I had been studying Japanese intensely for two and a half years. When I say I was restless to speak Japanese and be surrounded by Japanese, I mean it. Contact with Japanese in daily life is infrequent which makes immersion quite difficult. But staying dedicated to learning Japanese cultivates patience and passion. That is why it was so rewarding to be able to speak to Japanese people every day of my trip. It also saved me many times after getting lost on my way back to where I was staying or navigating a new train station. Striking up conversation with others also allowed me to experience Japanese peoples’ kindness and see their genuine interest in my journey learning their language.
 

Overall, my trip was a dream come true. I ate Japanese food almost every day, I made new friends and I got to feel Tokyo’s unique energy firsthand. I think it was a perfect introduction to Tokyo. I really want to see more of Japan so I can witness the uniqueness and vibrance of other prefectures. This trip also informed how I want to move forward with my studies as I now have a strong interest in studying in Japan again. I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity and I urge more Caribbean students to pursue academic exchanges so that the bond between Japan and the Caribbean will continue to strengthen.
 

I want to thank my family, my friends, the UWI, Sophia University and the Association for Promotion of International Cooperation (APIC). I will make sure to keep doing my best.

Friends of Japan Series: Sophia University short-term exchange student (Japanese Embassy Facebook)


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