Li-En – Kanda University of International Studies, Japan
Semester 1, 2019
Bachelor of Creative Industries
The KUIS campus in cherry blossom season was beautiful. The KUIS buildings were a mixture of old and new. The older buildings had a classic feeling to them and the newer buildings were very high-tech and beautiful. I did have a few difficulties with orientation where all the information was spoken in Japanese, however I did manage.
We QUT students organised a Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) party to get to know the other exchange students. Campus food was delicious. It had a very home-style taste to them. Food in Japan was always 10/10. KUIS had a bakery, which was always amazing.
I joined the soccer club, which promoted interaction with Japanese students. KUIS had many facilities and systems that encouraged language and cultural exchange amongst Japanese and exchange students.
KUIS has an area called the ‘yellow sofa’ where Japanese and exchange students can talk. I made a friend and she let me know of a KUIS event that only the Japanese students were privy to. Hence, I decided to join that event, being the only exchange student and walked 40km overnight to from Tsudanuma to Narita-san.
Saying goodbye was very sad, but I cherish all the memories I made and still keep in contact with my friends from all different parts of the globe.
Li-En’s exchange experience was supported by funding from the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan.
