Exchange Semester in Nippon, the land of the rising sun – Japan 

April 18, 2020

Farkhunda Sadiqi is a senior student majoring in sociology and minoring in Human rights. She attended an exchange program during spring 2019 at Kansai University in Osaka.

She described her exchange semester in Japan as joyous, challenging yet remunerating experience. She learned to be more self-reliant and importance of planning ahead for academics and social engagements while respecting diverse cultures, religions and traditions. Hence, she experienced Japanese culture, lifestyle, food, traditional outfit, events, education system, and the natural environment very closely during the five months of her stay in Osaka. However, she faced a few obstacles as well, the communication was not always easy as English is not spoken by many Japanese and also it takes time to get used to Japanese food.

She found Japan and its noble culture very impressive, and she believes that every person needs to visit Japan at least once in their life. According to her Japanese people are the most courteous, considerate, kind, and polite people, she has ever met. Obeying the rules, respecting the culture and loving the nature, while being very efficiently managing time and respecting others are the most significant cultural traits of the Japanese, worthy of emulation.    

International students whom she met in Kansai were coming from countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, the US, Canada, and the Middle East. They represented their countries and their home University inside the classrooms in during discussions and also in cultural events organized by the Osaka University. 

She described Bowing as most common greeting in Japanese culture and it is used for different purposes including respecting others, showing gratitude to others and apologizing. Usually, Japanese people do not eat while walking on the street, as they think it is disrespectful to the food. Sakura (cherry blossom) was identified as the unique season in Japan, which adds more beauty to the perfect landscape of it. It is a special season during which you will see everywhere people in colorful dresses, relaxing and scenery of joyous socializing and recording memories by taking pictures. The country has so many prefectures and sightseeing places which anyone can visit safely and sometimes get confused about which one to select.

Kimono, the traditional outfit, designed for both men and women are unique in its own way and in different colors which is something beautiful but you cannot wear it without help from someone local. Usually, the kimono is worn by people during special events/rituals including tea ceremony which is called Matcha.

She feels blessed to experience a journey that was educational, friendly, competitive and adventurous, during my undergraduate life.

<< go to news list