Studying abroad in Japan has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. As a 20-year-old English language student in France, the idea of immersing myself in a culture so different from my own is incredibly exciting.
The opportunity to experience life in Japan feels like a dream coming true. It's not just about visiting another country, it's about living there, understanding the nuances of its culture, and truly seeing the world from a different perspective.
My decision to study abroad is also driven by my desire to make the most of my university years. I see this experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand my horizons in ways that are simply not possible by staying within my comfort zone. I'm looking forward to meeting new people, learning from them, and seeing the world from a different perspective. Plus, there’s something really exciting about the idea of navigating life in a place where everything, from the language to the social customs, is new to me.
In today’s world, having international experience is a huge plus, no matter what career path you choose. By studying in Japan, I hope to not only deepen my understanding of the Japanese language but also to develop skills that will be useful in any job I might take on in the future. And, of course, the connections I’ll make with people from all over the world are something I’m really looking forward to, there’s so much to learn from those exchanges.
In the end, this experience is about more than just academics. It’s about embracing a new adventure, seeing how far I can go, and enjoying the journey. I’ve always wanted to travel, and studying in Japan feels like the perfect way to combine my passion for languages with my love of exploring new cultures. It’s a chance to turn a childhood dream into reality and to make the most out of this amazing time in my life.

Almost four months ago, I took a leap of faith and started my study abroad journey at the University of Kobe. Moving to a new country, especially one like Japan, was as exciting as it was nerve-wracking. But now, I can confidently say that this experience has been transformative in more ways than one. Arriving in Kobe, I was both excited and apprehensive. One of my biggest worries was about making friends. After all, spending a year in a new country can feel really isolating if you don’t have connections, especially during the holidays. But thankfully, that concern disappeared quickly. The diversity on campus pushed me to communicate in both English and Japanese, and turns out, it can be a great way to break the ice with people. I was also surprised by how many Japanese students are interested in French! I’ve already helped quite a few with their French studies, which has been fun! At the beginning of the school year, the university's organised trips were another lifesaver. These trips allowed me to meet people and form friendships faster than expected! Plus, the destinations were incredible. Exploring places like historic temples and traditional towns with my new friends made the experiences even more meaningful. Academically, the courses at the University of Kobe are quite different from what I’m used to back home. I’ve managed to find classes that align perfectly with my major. It’s been a great opportunity to learn more about Japanese linguistics. But beyond academics, living in Japan never fails to amaze me. So far, I’ve visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Mie, and Fukuoka. I’m hoping to visit Hokkaido and Okinawa in the future, there’s still so much to see! One of the best parts of this experience has been the friendships I’ve made. Whether it’s bonding with other international students over music, or other common interests or connecting with Japanese people through cultural exchanges, I’ve been lucky to find my community here. It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone and that I’ve built relationships that will hopefully last a lifetime. The diversity of the campus has also pushed me to grow linguistically and socially. I’ve become more confident speaking in Japanese, even in situations where I initially felt unsure. This has not only improved my language skills but also helped me understand the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. Looking back, these past four months have been a whirlwind of learning, exploring, and connecting. Japan has exceeded my expectations in so many ways, and I’m grateful for every moment, even the challenging ones... This experience has taught me to embrace the unknown, appreciate new cultures, and cherish the bonds we create along the way. With several months left in my program, I’m looking forward to continuing this incredible journey. From discovering more of Japan’s breathtaking landscapes to deepening my friendships, there’s so much to look forward to. Studying abroad at the University of Kobe will always be an unforgettable chapter in my life.

This past year studying abroad in Japan has truly been a life-changing experience. It was the first time I lived completely on my own, and while that brought a sense of independence and freedom, it also came with unexpected challenges. Being in a foreign country where I didn’t fully master the language, and didn’t know anyone at first, sometimes made me feel isolated. But over time, I found my place, thanks to the incredible people around me.
My studies gave me opportunities to connect with others, and through classes, events, and shared experiences, I made amazing friends, not just with Japanese people, but also with fellow international students. Interacting with people from all over the world offered me fresh perspectives on life and social issues, and this cultural exchange has made me much more aware of the cultural differences around me. These friendships helped me become a version of myself I really love, more confident, curious, and emotionally present.
Living in Japan also allowed me to pursue one of my long-time passions: bartending. Back in France, I already worked in bars, but doing it in Japan brought a whole new dimension. I now speak Japanese fluently enough to joke with my customers, though my Japanese is really Kansai-ben, so it often gets me teased for sounding like a "yankee"! Still, I find this kind of teasing heartwarming; it’s proof that I’ve been embraced in a way I never expected.
As I enter the final quarter of my time here, I’m filled with conflicting emotions. I’ve travelled to places I would’ve never discovered if it weren’t for my local friends, and yet, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of all there is to explore. This year abroad was truly a childhood dream come true. Honestly, I don’t want to go home just yet. I want to stay longer, deepen the friendships I’ve made, meet new people, and continue to discover more of Japan, its culture, its places, and its people.
Looking forward, I want to continue working internationally, perhaps combining my love for hospitality with cultural exchange. Whether behind a bar or in a more community-oriented space, I want to keep meeting people from all walks of life. If there's one thing this year has taught me, it's that learning, growing, and truly living happen when you step outside your comfort zone, and I don’t plan on stepping back in anytime soon.