From Tokyo/Japan to Koblenz

At a first day in Koblenz, everything was new for me, filled with a lot of anxiety along with excitement, and started a life for the first time going out from my country and living alone. Not being with Japanese people, which means I can’t use my mother language at all that was a big challenge for me. As soon as I reached Germany, there was a orientation week including office procedure. It helped me a lot and gave me a opportunity to make friends with people from different countries. Sharing our own culture and difference among us, that gave me a sense of what it meant to come to study abroad.

Studying there was of course important, but this time I would like to share a little about what I have experienced except that.

My experience at a tennis tournament as a helper between the semester was valuable in terms of working in a different environment where people mainly speak in German, but they taught us in English. There, I assisted with basic operations in a multicultural workplace. It was interesting to see the differences in attitudes and behaviors toward work. This whole experience improved my communication skills, perception of work and time management.

Furthermore, throughout my time living in Europe, I travelled across the European countries.

For me Japanese person, it’s a good chance to tour the countries of Europe. Visiting places of historical and cultural importance brought me good inspirations. Each country has its own characteristics and the comparison between them was very impressive.

In conclusion, my living experience as an exchange student in Koblenz has become significant in my life. Also, I was able to have such a experience that I could not have had when I was in Japan, that broaden my values. I’m grateful for the many international friends I met during my study abroad program, the friends who helped me, and the people at the international office to provided me with wonderful experiences.