Originally, I didn't feel much interest in foreign languages. But after joining the military, I started studying Japanese with the charm of youth-themed Japanese culture, especially J-pop.
As I began to study while interpreting the lyrics, I always had a Japanese vocabulary book in my military uniform pocket.
At the end of my military career, I began to worry about my career path. In the process, the experience of teaching simple Japanese to colleagues, the experience of studying over a year leading to JLPT acquisition, and the experience of communicating with Japanese through apps came together to have one goal.
The goal is to become a person who acts as a bridge between companies that connect Japan and South Korea. I am currently majoring in business administration in Korea. I will learn Japanese corporate culture and system directly at the local school and connect it with my major to expand my understanding and bring it with my own knowledge.
And I want to bring a lot of memories while experiencing Japanese culture that I had to feel indirectly while bumping into in my local life. By actively participating in various events and activities held at school, we would like to develop not only Japanese language skills but also communication skills.
We are close to each other, but I think that the relationship requires a delicate understanding and respect. I want this opportunity to be an exchange student to be an important foundation for the future, not a simple experience. I will continue to do my best in the time given and approach my goal step by step.
It has already been six months since I came to Japan as an exchange student, and winter is approaching. When I first arrived in Kobe, I was welcomed by the beautiful sea and the cherry blossoms in full bloom on the campus. As the weather grew warmer, I visited Universal Studios Japan with other exchange students and Japanese students, played badminton at school, drew omikuji at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, and fed deer in Nara. I traveled to so many places that it would be impossible to write them all down, filling my calendar with happy memories. Behind these valuable experiences was always the support of the Kobe Gakuin University International Exchange Center.
In addition to the buddy system, which allowed me to interact with Japanese students, I also remember the exchange student welcome party as one of the programs. Sharing pizza while having lively conversations, and especially laughing together with everyone during the tongue-twister game, are memories that remain vivid even now.
Through these various opportunities for interaction, I was able to gradually become accustomed to the new environment while improving my Japanese, which had once been so awkward that even simple conversations with convenience store clerks were difficult.
At university, I am taking courses mainly related to Japanese management, economics, and society. While learning in depth about management and economic knowledge that is considered common sense for Japanese people, I also feel a sense of excitement as I explore the differences between Korea and Japan and learn how the two countries have developed over time, opening up new perspectives for me.
Of course, communicating in a foreign language, attending classes, and taking exams were never easy, but I feel that these challenges have led to significant personal growth.
Above all, I find genuine happiness in gradually getting used to the language while being immersed in Japanese culture every day, and discovering what I truly enjoy and what I am good at in the process.
I want to continue cherishing these experiences during the remaining time of my exchange program, and steadily move toward my goal of becoming a bridge connecting the two countries.
