When I was in junior high school, I got to know Japan through anime and manga, and gradually developed a liking for Japan. I also became interested in the Japanese language. During high school, I participated in a study tour that involved cultural exchange with a sister school in Japan. At that time, I wasn't proficient in Japanese, but I was determined to interact with Japanese high school students. I combined the Japanese I knew with body language to convey my thoughts, allowing us to communicate enjoyably. However, I aspire to become fluent in Japanese and converse easily with Japanese people. Therefore, I must improve my Japanese conversation skills. The fastest way to learn Japanese, I believe, is to immerse oneself in a Japanese-speaking environment and ultimately study in Japan, which became my primary goal. To achieve this goal, I entered a university's Applied Japanese Language department.
In university, I became a teaching assistant for cultural courses to better understand Japanese culture. I participated in various activities related to Japanese culture, such as festival dances, yukata experiences, and tea ceremonies. This allowed me to learn about wearing yukata, the way of tea, and basic etiquette. Having had an inherent interest in foreign traditional cultures, experiencing different events made me grow fonder of Japanese traditional culture. I now desire to personally experience Japan's traditional culture, and this is one of the reasons I wish to study in Japan.
Another reason I want to study in Japan is that I currently live far from home by myself. I want to test my limits and see how far I can do. My parents and friends aren't around, so I have to think and solve problems on my own. During my time studying abroad, I hope to become a person who is mature and independent.

As an exchange student in Japan for the past four months, I've learned a lot. On a personal level, it's been my first time living alone abroad, requiring me to handle many aspects of life on my own. In the classroom, I've gained a deep understanding of the Japanese language. The teachers are very dedicated, often sharing insights into the local culture, like the Kansai dialect, which is knowledge not accessible in Taiwan where there are no dialects．I find it incredibly fresh and interesting.

During leisure hours, the school organizes numerous exchange activities, including Christmas parties and skiing trips. On holidays, I explore local distinctive architecture with friends, immersing myself in Japan's unique cultural atmosphere.

These four months have given birth to numerous memories, encompassing both successes and failures. Moving forward in my remaining time as a student abroad, I'll continue to diligently study, enhancing my proficiency in Japanese. Beyond study hours, I'll actively engage in school activities, interact with people from different countries, and simultaneously experience cultures different from my hometown.

My one-year exchange program went by very quickly, and it ended before I knew it.
At Kobe International University, I learned many things not often covered in textbooks, like the origins of Japanese festivals and daily customs. These are things we don't learn in Taiwan. The teachers sometimes told stories about history and suggested things to experience while in Japan. Also, since all the classes were taught in Japanese, I improved my listening and speaking skills, which was very helpful. At first, I was not confident speaking Japanese, but living in a Japanese-speaking environment every day helped me get better. Now, I can travel on my own and interpret for family and friends when they visit Japan.
During my studies in Japan, I met classmates from many different countries. Through talking with them, I slowly understood how other cultures are different from mine, and we often shared our own foods and current events.
From now on, I want to keep improving my Japanese and English and continue moving towards my goals.