I am currently taking two classes – Japanese Language and Topics of Plant Science, which focuses on plant metabolism and function. It has been fascinating to ob-serve differences between the Japanese and Colombian academic systems. Classes in Colombia are participatory, with students frequently asking questions, whereas this is less common in Japan. Attendance is more strictly emphasized here in Japan. Additionally, classes here include only limited fieldwork, while courses in Colombia often combine classroom learning with field research. Another notable difference is the availability of extensive resources for biological research in Japan. Unlike in Colombia, where limited funding requires professors to be selective with research top-ics, faculty here seem to enjoy great flexibility and funding support. Outside the classroom, I participate in a volunteer club called Meguko, which pro-vides scholarship support to children in India and the Philippines. I assist with fund-raising activities, and this club has been a great way for me to meet other students, es-pecially since many members speak English. During the All Sophians’ Festival, I had the opportunity to meet many club almuni, and felt proud to be part of such a large, supportive community. I also attend karate practice, though communication can be challenging since most members speak only Japanese. Fortunately, a few non-Japanese members have kindly helped me navigate the language barrier. Studying abroad has been an eye-opening experience. Interacting with others of di-verse backgrounds has exposed me to different perspectives, helping me realize that my views had been shaped by my limited context. This has helped me become more open-minded and curious about the world beyond my own experience. I now under-stand that the world is broad, and I hope to continue learning about new cultures and traditions through travel.I am passionate about plants and fish, and aspire to work as a field researcher in biology. I intend to explore various regions, collecting and analyzing data on the way ecosys-tems work. A career in field research will allow me to engage with the world firsthand. While exploring opportunities to study abroad and experience foreign cultures and languages, I discovered the Magis Exchange Program organized by the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) and affiliated with my university. Having developed an interest in Japanese culture through karate, Japan was my top choice and I was placed at Sophia University. International Students23Home InstitutionFrom Bogota, Colombia, currently in his 8th of 10 semesters required for graduation, majoring in biology at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. From April to July 2025, studying in the Green Science program in the Department of Materials and Life Sciences at Sophia University.Bogota, ColombiaMOU Signed with Sophia University 2006Pontificia Universidad Javerianastudents from partner institutions worldwide. Here, we share their stories about their experi-ence at their home universities and at Sophia.Gabriel Alejandro Barrera Rodriguez Spotlight Sophia University welcomes many exchange
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