Hyogo University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific

2023『Accepted』

  • Name:Nguyen Thuy Tien [ ベトナム ]

  • Acceptance period:Apr. 6, 2023 ~ Feb. 2, 2024
  • Acceptance university:神戸親和大学
  • University enrolled:ホーチミン市師範大学


Opportunity of the studying abroad, purpose

I initially made the decision to study Japanese because I enjoy anime and manga. But the more I study Japanese, the more eagerly I anticipate encounters with its people and culture. I also developed an interest in traditional culture and everyday Japanese living, not only anime and manga. I've been learning Japanese in Vietnam for three years, and while I was able to meet my scoring objective by studying from textbooks, I was unable to hear the language and gained very little practical experience. That's why I considered going to Japan to study.

The ability to converse in authentic Japanese is what I want most of all. I was quite disappointed in my lack of Japanese language ability. I want to be able to speak Japanese fluently and interact with native speakers. And I want to pass the JLPT N2 and N1 exams. I chose to study in Japan because I think that by passing the JLPT exam at the N1 level after studying overseas, I will be able to improve my Japanese.

Secondly, I would like to land a good position along the planned professional path. In recent years, Vietnam has seen a large influx of Japanese businesses. Furthermore, I want to work for a Japanese company, thus I believe that excellent language competence is necessary for anyone looking to use their language talents to find employment. I also need to be able to speak Japanese in order to perform well. Unless you are native Japanese speakers, I believe it is impossible for foreigners to comprehend such things. I made the decision to study abroad in order to get ready for my chosen career after graduation.

Thirdly, I wish to learn more about Japanese traditional culture. I think it will be a really important learning experience if I get to see Japanese culture, customs, kimono, tea ceremony, etc. because I am quite interested in them. I think I'll learn new values by residing in a totally foreign setting and getting a firsthand look at the local way of life. Therefore, nothing compares to going to Japan and seeing things for yourself. It's a way to learn new things and advance.

I also wish to read manga books and watch anime that have not been translated into Vietnamese. Vietnamese translations of Japanese novels are quite rare in Vietnam. I also read all the books and publications. I reasoned that reading and comprehending the original Japanese sentences without the aid of a translation would be preferable.

Experience while studying abroad

My goal in studying abroad in Japan is to get better at communicating in Japanese. I took a long time to study Japanese at university before coming to Japan. But when I got here, I was disappointed in my ability to respond and listen. I expressed my disappointment to my teacher and friends, realizing that I was unable to carry out simple discussions effectively. For the first time, I was studying overseas and experiencing life's inconveniences. I did, however, approach a Kobe Shinwa University instructor for assistance in acclimating to my new surroundings. I got helpful advice from him when I talked to him about my issues daily. Furthermore, because of the environment in the classroom, where I didn't care if I made mistakes, I felt confident enough to tell people what I wanted to say. When something was challenging or nuanced, I used gestures to convey it. I believe that I now have the confidence to speak up. Feeling like I could get past the language barrier and develop gradually was a lot of fun.

Japan is a beautiful country with rich natural heritage, despite its tiny size. I became knowledgeable about traditional Japanese culture while studying overseas. In addition to taking part in tea ceremonies, visiting temples, eating Japanese cuisine, and watching Noh, I also engaged in a number of other activities. It was fascinating and a lot of fun. At a university events, I observed how Japanese tea and sweets behaved while taking in the scenery, and I found it quite fascinating.

I also enjoy learning about people and customs of other nations. I also carried it out in Japan. It was a worthwhile experience since I met people from different cultures, including those from China, Korea, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, and we frequently had the chance to comprehend one another through language exchange. I was anxious and ignorant on my first day, yet everyone welcomed me and gave me kind directions. I learned from each person one thing at a time. I was so appreciative of them for sharing their times with me and for always inviting me along. I had the opportunity to visit Japan, travel, and enjoy good times with numerous international friends.

I live away from Kobe's downtown. Compared to Vietnam, which my birth and upbringing country, the prices are higher and there are less transportation options (mainly walking). Prices and transportation charges have increased dramatically, and I squandered money. Those kinds of days were common. Having said that, I believe it's a pleasant area to live and the locals are nice. No matter where I go, I always reside in Kobe, therefore I made my way there. But I am only in Japan for a short while before I have to go back home. I don't think I would have known so much about Japan if I hadn't studied in Japan.

Results of study abroad, future goals

My ability to speak Japanese has greatly increased after a year of studying overseas.

Looking back, I realized that my year studying abroad was filled with constant waves of anticipation and apprehension. I had terrible trouble speaking Japanese at first, and even simple interactions were difficult for me.

Nonetheless, I had more opportunities to speak Japanese while I was living in Japan, which helped me become a better communicator. Even though I'm still working on my conversational skills, I feel more comfortable and am able to communicate more than I was a year ago. I can converse normally in Japanese, but I've also been becoming better at business Japanese over time.

Working in Japan taught me about the seriousness, strong sense of duty, and strict adherence to regulations of the Japanese people. These are good skills that I think will be very helpful to me in my future employment.

In addition, I've met a lot of individuals, and they've all been really sweet and adorable. The past year has turned into a priceless period of time full of treasured memories.

I want to work as a Japanese translator in the future, and I'll work even harder to make it happen. I want to work in Vietnam first, finish my education, and then use my experience and area of expertise to go to graduate school in Japan. In the end, I want to work as a translator for a corporation and pursue my ambition.