Social Engagement Programs in Côte d’Ivoire, offered me another level of experience that was not accessible on a personal visit
■Name: Ayana Asakawa
■Faculty/ Department/ Grade (at the time of study abroad):Faculty of Global Studies, 2nd year
■Period of study abroad: September 2023 for 2 weeks
■Destination (country/university): Côte d'Ivoire
■Type of study abroad: Social Engagement Programs: Learning in Africa A
Every year, many Sophia University students study abroad in countries all over the world outside of Japan. How did they manage to find their way through the differences in languages, cultures, and lifestyles? Here are some voices of students who studied abroad.
What made you decide to study abroad?
I travelled to Uganda on my own in year one, and I wanted to compare the region with other parts of Africa outside of the East. Also, because the study abroad was organized by a university, I expected that I would have a different experience from my own personal visit to Uganda, so I decided to take this opportunity.
Did you have any worries before studying abroad?
I worried whether I could get along with the other members from the university I was studying with, but we all had similar aspirations, and I was often inspired by the new perspectives of other students from different faculties.
What did you do to prepare for your study abroad and what do you wish you had done?
To have a sense of purpose before going. I felt that by being clear about the reasons why I was doing this and what I wanted to learn, I could make the most out of my study abroad experience.
What was the atmosphere like at the university and among the students?
During our stay there, we were given a lot of support by the students from the university, called CERAP, providing us the support with French translation and going around the area. We are very grateful to these students who always consider what we needed the most.
How did you develop your friendships?
I made sure to take photos of people I met and kept them with their names on them so I could remember them the next time I saw them, so our meeting did not just end up as a brief encounter, but rather a lasting friendship. When I called out their names the second time we meet, they were all very flattered.
What are the unique features of your study abroad destination and what are some new discoveries made?
I was able to learn a lot from places I wouldn’t have been able to visit on my own, such as the African Development Bank, the embassies, JICA project sites, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and various government agencies. I am grateful for the extensive network offered by Sophia University.
What was the most memorable or shocking experience?
It is difficult to pick just one, but I think my experience at the African Development Bank was very impactful. Presenting my research topic, receiving feedback, consulting with local people about my future career path – it was all very exciting.
What were some of the challenges and obstacles you faced during your study abroad? How did you overcome them?
There were many unexpected incidents, such as the bus stalling several times and being stuck in a four-hour traffic jam. But even those incidents were all invaluable I felt, and I enjoyed every moment.
Comparing before and after your study abroad, in what ways do you feel you have grown or changed in your mindset?
I feel that I have acquired the capacity to pose queries and seek for understanding of the true nature of matters. For school-organized programs, lectures are given before the departure. I felt that I gained the habit of always inquiring myself, after digging into all my questions and figuring them out through on-site studies.
How do you think your study abroad experience will affect your life in the future?
It is no exaggeration to say that it was a turning point in my life. At my personal visit to Uganda, my views were somewhat limited in a way, but by going to Côte d’Ivoire, I was able to consider issues and my future from a different angle, and I am now more flexible in terms of my mindset.
What advice would you give to people who are thinking about going abroad to study?
All the experiences during your study abroad, including your mistakes, will become wonderful experiences. Please be honest with your desire and give it a try! We are all here to support your new challenges.