Studying in Japan was a real big leap of faith for someone who has never travelled overseas. Throwing yourself in a land of unfamiliarity, where the common language is different from back home, was a crazy feat, even for someone like me. Everything I have built up on for 24 years suddenly we start from square one again. Yet, while everything required building up again, I wouldn’t have chosen any other places but here in Shizuoka, Japan. I never liked the big cities, so Shizuoka was a good mix of city and tranquilness, really living to the literal Kanji meaning of Shizuka (静). As for life as a postgraduate student, I would say it is the best experience you should put yourself in to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. I have learned a lot of differences and similarities in the Japanese academic life compared to academic life in my hometown. I had always admired the hard work and passion the Japanese people bring to their crafts, their passions, and to witness first hand was really eye changing, motivating me to find my own passion. The opportunities to grow and learn were far more than what I would have staying back at home. Likewise, what I felt familiar was the passion for food. Good food really brings people together and I have realized this among the many networks and relationships I have formed through my time here.

Hi everyone, my name is Ha. Currently I am studying at the Department of International Relations at University of Shizuoka, or Kendai for short. Before moving to Shizuoka, I spent 3 years studying at a language school and living in Saitama and Tokyo. For me, Saitama and Tokyo have a pretty fast pace of life, so I decided to move somewhere with a gentler atmosphere. Shizuoka has a slower pace of life, and the nature is much more beautiful. I remember last year when I first moved here, just a 5-minute walk from my house was the bridge to view Mount Fuji and a cafe. I was very surprised by the beautiful scenery near my house. If I had to describe how wonderful it is, everything around it looks like something out of the Ghibli movies I watched as a child. Dark and light mountain ranges alternate between the clouds in Princess Mononoke and the peaceful city like in Whisper of the Heart.

Besides the beautiful scenery, I quite like the school I am studying at. Since childhood, I have been passionate about foreign languages and cultures, so I chose my current major to pursue my interests. Our department especially encourages students to learn languages and learn about global issues such as the SDGs. I have to confess that studying in Japanese and English is not easy, but I received enthusiastic guidance from the teachers so I found it very wonderful. I wrote my own stories in English and made videos and posters during this time. My school also has many scholarships and tuition exemptions, so I no longer have to worry about tuition fees like before. Currently in my department there are around 6 Vietnamese students. Although there are few Vietnamese, it creates opportunities for me to make friends with Japanese and other international students. Everyone is so friendly which makes me love this place even more. Hope you find a suitable learning environment and see you in Shizuoka one day soon.