I am very grateful to the Hyogo Prefecture for giving me the opportunity to study abroad under HUMAP Scholarship. This scholarship has provided me the opportunity to significantly increase my Japanese reading, writing, speaking and listening ability in a way which would not have otherwise been possible in my home country. Studying at Kobe University, I was able to benefit from small class sizes and friendly and engaging teaching staff. Moreover, I have been able to learn about the political, social, cultural and economic connections that Kobe and the Hyogo prefecture have with Australia. Living in a Japanese-speaking environment has enabled me to apply and consolidate my Japanese language ability through everyday use; something I have significantly benefitted from. This has also been a valuable experience as I was able to deepen my understanding of the relationship between Australia, particularly Western Australia, and the Hyogo Prefecture. I have greatly enjoyed learning about Japanese culture and specifically the culture of the Hyogo Prefecture. While I have been enrolled in this program, I have been fortunate enough to experience a cultural trip to Himeji Castle, attend a tea ceremony, and attend guest lectures on the relationship between Australia and Japan, and Western Australia and the Hyogo Prefecture. Without studying abroad in Japan, these experiences would otherwise not be possible.

My future goals include working to increase my Japanese language proficiency, as well as continuing completing my undergraduate study and pursuing a postgraduate degree either abroad or in my home country. Afterwards, I am hoping to return to Japan to work and improve my Japanese language ability.