The reason I wish to study abroad is that I want to experience life in China and learn firsthand what cannot be fully understood in Japan.
My first goal is to improve my Chinese language proficiency. I am currently majoring in Chinese Studies at a university of foreign studies. Although I have been studying Chinese for two years, I still often realize how much I have yet to learn. While my university provides many opportunities to study translation techniques, there are relatively few chances to learn the colloquial expressions used in everyday conversation. Therefore, by living in an environment where Chinese is spoken in daily life and communicating entirely in Chinese, I hope to improve my practical speaking skills.
My second goal is to apply my study abroad experience to my academic research. I currently belong to a seminar that focuses on comparative studies between Japan and China. However, I often feel that my understanding is still limited to the Japanese perspective. I believe that conducting meaningful comparative research requires a deeper understanding of both countries. Studying in China will allow me to gain firsthand knowledge of Chinese society and culture, which will broaden my perspective and strengthen my research.
During my time in China, I hope not only to improve my language skills but also to deepen my understanding of Chinese culture through everyday life, including its food culture, customs, and traditional festivals. I believe these experiences will help me develop a more comprehensive understanding of China and contribute to my future academic research.