Kessler Elisabeth Andrea
Exchange Student(JPAC program)

Since I majored in Japanese studies at my alma mater, Heidelberg University, I have always wanted to go to Japan someday. I have liked anime and manga for a long time, watching various series like "Berserk" and "Demon Slayer." I have also thought that the sound of the Japanese language is very beautiful. After hearing various stories from friends, I decided to go to Japan to change my environment for a year.

A few years ago, I heard from some friends who studied abroad at Chiba University, and they really liked it, which piqued my interest. Since Chiba is not a big city, I thought it would be easy to live there, and the location is good because you can easily go to Tokyo if you want. In addition to Japanese classes, I thought it was interesting that I could take courses in 欧洲冠军联赛_国际足球直播-投注*官网 such as "Climate Change Leadership Behaviour", "Deviance and Taboo" and “Japan and the World as viewed from Social Movements".

I remember that the first day I arrived in Japan was a very hot day. This heat was a bit challenging. On the first day at Chiba University, there was a guidance session in a classroom on the first floor of the International Education Center, where I received a general explanation about studying abroad, including application procedures for residence cards and life in Japan. The small classroom was very nice, and the staff were very kind and helpful.

Regarding house hunting, both the international student office and real estate companies kindly helped me even before I arrived in Japan. Since I lived in a share house in Germany, living alone in Japan was a new experience. Although various daily procedures were challenging, I think it was good to experience them as I improved my Japanese and these are necessary skills for when I become a working adult. In my case, it was nice that other international students who were friends also lived in the same apartment.

The Japanese teachers are all friendly and supportive in every situation. They answer questions earnestly, and I found them passionate. I chose easier level subjects for the Japanese course to avoid falling behind, but there were still things I didn't know, like grammar, and I was able to learn a lot. I believe that a good way to improve Japanese is to have many conversations. I recommend the LEX program (note: a program where you meet with a partner once a week to teach each other languages and cultures). My friend participated in LEX and made remarkable progress. Also, I like the 欧洲冠军联赛_国际足球直播-投注*官网 House. You can interact with Japanese people there. Additionally, I am part of swimming and karate clubs. I highly recommend the clubs as they are a great opportunity to meet Japanese people. I had previously practiced judo, so I decided to try the karate club. It's very strict but fun.

I was really looking forward to coming to Japan because I love Japanese food. The first thing I bought when I arrived in Japan was a rice cooker. At home, I sometimes make somen, oyakodon, and sukiyaki, and I also have takoyaki parties with friends. Additionally, the university festival was a lot of fun. It was a world I had only seen in movies. At Chiba University's festival, usually quiet students were actively calling out to promote their booths while holding signs. I also participated in a bus tour event organized by the International Education Center, where we visited the National Museum of Japanese History in Sakura and the Boso no Mura in Chiba.
This is advice for those studying abroad in Japan: you might not need to bring too many clothes, as there are many thrift shops where you can buy things once you arrive. I brought essential kitchen items and sheets. Additionally, I believe you should come with an open attitude towards a culture different from your own and think of it as an opportunity to experience new things.