My study abroad experience left me captivated by the richness of Brazilian culture and sparked my desire to pursue postgraduate studies
■Name: Kyuzo Kato
■Faculty/Department/Year (at time of study abroad): Department of Luso Brazilian Studies, Faculty of Foreign Studies, 3rd year
■Period of study abroad: February 2023 - January 2024
■Place of study abroad (country/university): Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul), Brazil
■Type of study abroad: Exchange Program
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 was strongly attracted to Brazilian culture after participating in an exchange program in Brazil during high school and joining a Brazilian music club in college.
How did you choose your study abroad destination (country/university)?
Brazil was the only option for me. As for the university, I selected Rio Grande do Sul Catholic University because it had great facilities and the surrounding area seemed to be the best fit with a safe living environment.
What were your concerns before you studied abroad, and what steps did you take to prepare?
I was worried about my comprehension of the Portuguese used in lectures and my capacity to keep up with the pace of the classes. However, my biggest concern was the safety of the area around the dormitory. In terms of preparation, tasks included the arrangement of necessary documents, such as visas and paperwork, and the packing of medicines and daily necessities suited to my physical condition.
What was the atmosphere like at the university and among the students?
The well-maintained, spacious campus is surrounded by greenery, creating an ideal environment for studying. The students were generally friendly and open, offering help whenever it was needed.
How did you expand your social circle?
I made friends in my dorm, at international events hosted by the university, and in my classes. I also spent a lot of time at the university gym weight training and made friends there, too. Outside of school, I made friends by attending samba practice, which I had also done in Japan. I also made friends through my former host family, who had taken care of me when I came to Brazil as a high school student.
How were class atmosphere, course content, and exams different from those in Japan?
There were some major differences. For me, the most notable difference was active participation was mandatory in all classes. Additionally, lectures were very fast paced. If you didn’t ask questions right away when something was unclear, you would fall behind.
So, what are the unique charms of studying abroad, and did you discover anything new?
The magnificent nature, diverse culture, and people were all incredibly appealing. The lifestyles and attitudes of the people I met were unique, and I felt they remained true to themselves at all times, for better or worse.
What was the most impressive or striking event?
Everything that happened during my time abroad was unforgettable. If I had to choose, it would be when a power outage occurred while I was working on a report, and everyone went wild and ended up having a ball.
What challenges or obstacles did you face during your study abroad? How did you overcome them?
For one class, I mistakenly created a presentation instead of the assigned report. Afterwards, the professor suggested I summarize the same content in a report and turn it in, so I stayed up all night to get it done.
How has your awareness changed since studying abroad, and how have you grown?
My knowledge of Brazil and Latin America has evolved from mere information to personal appreciation of their cultures. Studying abroad in Brazil also made me realize that how I feel matters more than how others view me. Additionally, studying abroad motivated me to learn more about Brazil and to pursue a graduate degree.
A word of advice for those considering studying abroad:
If you’re hesitating, I encourage you to go. Studying abroad is not just about learning a language. You’ll gain insights and experiences that you can’t get from books or the internet.