Feeling the energy of the local students in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam
■Name: Yuki Kanno
■Faculty/Department Year (at the time of study abroad): Sophomore, Department of Social Welfare, Faculty of Human Sciences
■Period of Study Abroad: Aug 30 to Sep 11, 2023
■Destination (country/university): Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam
■Form of study abroad: Social Engagement Programs in Southeast Asia
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 join the program?
During the summer holidays of my sophomore year, I was determined to challenge myself in a variety of ways. I had also hoped to study abroad from the time I joined the university, so when I spotted a pamphlet for Study in Southeast Asia A, a practical learning-based study abroad program, on campus, my interest was sparked. There were also Africa and India among these programs, but I chose Southeast Asia because I would be able to visit three neighboring countries.
Did you have any concerns before studying abroad?
I was worried about whether I would be able to make friends and whether I would be able to communicate well with local people with my English skills. Also, I focused on my study of English before my departure, but there were many areas that left me feeling uneasy and I wished I had done more before I left.
What was the atmosphere like at the university and among the students?
The distance between teachers and students was close and the atmosphere was very vibrant. I was overwhelmed by their very high level of English language skills. Because my stay was short, I was not able to interact with the local students in depth, but I was conscious of asking as many questions when we were going around the school together.
Were there any differences in the classes, learning content, examinations, etc. compared to Japan?
At Thai universities, hands-on learning and classroom lectures were carried out every three months to improve students’ practical skills. In Japan, not all students undertake practical training, and most university courses are mainly classroom lectures, so I felt there were differences in this respect. What struck me the most was outstanding presentation skills of the Thai students. I was very impressed by the fact that they could communicate freely in English, although it is not their mother tongue, and that they could make proper eye contact as well. They seemed to enjoy giving presentations, and I clearly felt the difference in the level of their presentation.
What were some of the unique attractions of your study-abroad destination, or what new things did you notice?
I was fascinated by the diversity of sexuality in Thailand. When I went to the market at night, I was surprised to see same-sex couples gazing happily at each other, which I do not often encounter in Japan, but I felt that this is the way it should be in Japan as well.
Comparing before and after your study abroad, what do you feel you have grown up and what has changed in your mindset?
I started to make my own challenges. Before, I used to be very anxious before taking on a challenge and often ended up not taking the first step, but now I can think that if I end up with any regrets, it shall be after I challenge myself. Thanks to the opportunity to go abroad on a different kind of task, I discovered a world I had never known and experienced the joy of learning new things, so I will continue to challenge myself and dive into many more possibilities in the future.
What advice would you give to people who are wondering whether or not to go abroad to study?
Better to have regrets for doing rather than regrets for not doing! I think the experience will be wonderful, so please give it a try!