I have been studying Japanese for three years. While attending the Faculty of Japanese Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Ho Chi Minh City, I learned not only the Japanese language but also various aspects related to Japan such as history, culture, and Japan - Vietnam relations. However, I’ve come to realize that when studying a country in depth, relying solely on theories and textbooks is not enough to fully understand it. That’s why I want to study abroad in Japan - to personally experience the knowledge I’ve gained in Vietnam and to explore new things that I haven’t encountered yet.
I have set three main goals for myself while studying at Kobe Shoin University. First, I aim to acquire accurate and natural Japanese to improve my language skills. This will support my academic studies and research related to Japan. In addition to language knowledge, I believe that directly interacting with local people and their daily lives will help me gain deeper insight into Japanese ways of thinking and expressing themselves.
Second, I am especially interested in how tradition and modernity coexist in Japanese culture, and how Eastern and Western influences merge. Kobe is known as a city where traditional temples and modern architecture stand side by side, symbolizing a fusion of these diverse elements. I hope to explore and learn about the culture and history of this unique place.
Third, since Kobe is located in Japan’s Kansai region, I’d like to learn the Kansai dialect - something I believe cannot be fully understood through textbooks alone. Regional dialects carry cultural depth and personality, and I am excited to study Kansai-ben through daily interactions.

First, I have been able to experience traditional Japanese culture and local events at my university, in the dormitory, and in the community where I live. At the end of the year, I took part in a mochi making event, and I also had the chance to learn how to prepare traditional Japanese tea. I was fortunate enough to win first place in the tea making competition. Since I had always been interested in tea ceremony, learning about it while actually trying it myself was truly unforgettable. In addition, I joined international exchange events at the dormitory, such as the HIH Expo 2025 and a Takoyaki party, etc. Through these activities, I was able to learn not only about Japanese culture but also about cultures from around the world, and I made many new international friends.

I also fulfilled my dream of traveling to different parts of Japan. During the autumn foliage season, I visited Kyoto and Nara, where I enjoyed the ancient temples and the old streets filled with historical charm. In winter, I traveled to Nagoya and Shirakawa go, where I saw snow for the first time and even touched it—an experience I will never forget. I also immersed myself in the modern atmosphere of Osaka and Tokyo. These were places I had dreamed of visiting since I was a child, and finally being able to go there was incredibly moving.

At Kobe Shoin University, I study not only with Japanese students but also with international students from Thailand, Korea, and China. Everyone is very kind and open, and we quickly became close friends—going to class together, hanging out, eating meals, and exploring Japan. Having such a warm international friend group for the first time is truly precious to me.

Through this study abroad experience, I have become more independent and feel myself growing every day. Being in an international environment has broadened my perspective and made me realize how small my world used to be. This opportunity motivates me to continue improving myself. In the remaining time, I hope to learn even more about Japanese culture, festivals, and daily life. I am deeply grateful to my teachers and to everyone who has supported me and given me the chance to pursue my dream.

Through my one‑year study abroad experience, I was able to achieve many of the goals I had set for myself before coming to Japan. Living closely with Japanese people allowed me to deepen my understanding of this beautiful country and its culture. Before studying abroad, I was not very confident when speaking with Japanese people and often hesitated to start conversations. However, after spending a year learning and interacting here, I have become much more confident. I can now initiate conversations, make friends, and communicate in Japanese with greater ease.

In addition to improving my standard Japanese, I also had the opportunity to learn the Kansai dialect, which was a unique and exciting experience for me as an international student. Through conversations with friends and local residents, I became able to use Kansai-ben naturally. The more I learned, the more interested I became in other regional dialects such as those in Kyushu and Okinawa. In the future, I hope to study these dialects more deeply, exploring their pronunciation features, cultural backgrounds, and meanings, and comparing them with dialects in Vietnam. This may become the foundation for my graduation thesis.

Furthermore, studying multicultural communication and building friendships with international students strengthened my desire to pursue a career related to cultural exchange or international relations. I want to introduce Japan—a country that is modern, advanced, and highly civilized while still preserving its traditional values—to people in Vietnam. At the same time, I hope to share Vietnam’s growing society, unique culture, and the warm, hardworking spirit of Vietnamese people with Japan and the world. My goal is to become a bridge between the two countries and help spread positive understanding and connections.

Although my one‑year study abroad journey has come to an end, it has opened a new chapter in my life. I believe this experience will serve as a stepping stone that creates many opportunities for my future career. I have gained so much and grown into a better version of myself, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey.