There were some unique characteristics of Japan that I personally could not understand. They were the use of cash and the existence of public telephones. I thought that cards were easier than cash and smartphones were easier than public telephones. At that time, I had never been to Japan, so I had always understood Japan from a Korean perspective. Then, after going to Japan for language training in January 2024, I realized that Korea is not a country where earthquakes occur frequently like Japan, so there are hardly any public telephones on the street and card use is active. Since I majored in Japanese studies, I thought I had a good grasp of Japanese culture and characteristics. However, even though I literally knew the culture and characteristics well, I felt that I did not make an effort to understand why it was like that. So I would like to understand Japan in three dimensions by studying abroad in Japan for a year. Furthermore, I would like to contribute to the development of Korea-Japan relations based on what I have seen and learned directly as a Japanese studies student.

Of all the things I learned in my international student classes since coming to Japan, the Koto experience class was the most memorable. It was an instrument with a beautiful sound that's hard to put into words. It was the same sound I sometimes hear as sound effects in anime and dramas. I'd like to learn it again if I have the opportunity.
In my Japanese language classes, I was able to learn Japanese words I didn't know before. Since I'm in Kansai, I was especially glad to learn the Kansai dialect. I learned that even within Kansai, the dialects vary slightly from region to region. Aside from language, I think it's good to be able to understand the differences in behavior and speech between Koreans and Japanese people.
Also, outside of the classes for international students, I found women's studies really interesting in the classes I took with Japanese students. There were some similarities with Korea, but there were also some differences. For example, in Japanese women's studies, there are discussions about marriage and child-rearing. By comparing these aspects, I think I was able to gain a deeper understanding of Japan and broaden my perspective on it.

Before studying abroad, speaking Japanese was my greatest challenge. Outside of university classes, I rarely had the opportunity to speak the language. However, thanks to my time in Japan and through my daily life there, I have become much more fluent than before. Realizing my own growth through everyday conversations has given me a sense of confidence, and I am truly glad from the bottom of my heart that I chose to study in Japan. Additionally, meeting various international students during my stay allowed me to not only improve my Japanese skills but also provided a precious opportunity to learn about and understand the cultures of Japan and other countries.
This was my first time living abroad for an extended period, and it was filled with difficulties and things that required constant effort. Although I occasionally felt lonely or anxious, I persevered and overcame each obstacle one by one. I believe all of these experiences will serve as a foundation that supports my future self. Since this study abroad program was a major challenge for me, I want to take these memories as a source of strength and grow into a person who is not afraid of any difficult challenge.