I am Ojas , a final year student pursuing dual majors in Economics and Computer Science
Engineering at BITS Pilani, India.
I have joined Hiroshima University as a semester exchange student through the AGILE program.
I have joined this program because of my interest in social entrepreneurship and to experience
Japanese culture and lifestyle from its core. I love playing badminton and whistling!
Being in Japan also gives me a chance to explore new places and meet people from diverse
backgrounds. I look forward to wonderful experiences ahead during my stay at Hiroshima
University.
| Q1. What changed for you before vs. after the program? |
I feel really grateful to be selected as part of the semester exchange program at Hiroshima University and also to be a part of the AGILE group. This exchange gave me the opportunity to meet people from around the world with various cultures and diversities. This is really a great period to connect with people from different spheres of life. This kind of cultural diversity and new friends from various countries has been a great change for me in the program.
| Q2. The most difficult part, and how do you overcome it? |
For me the most difficult part while being in Japan was the language barrier since most of the Japanese people only speak Japanese language. But it is for sure, once you spend time and get to know people more, the language barrier does not seem to be that of a problem. Also since it is a global exchange program , I was able to make friends who spoke good English , which made things easier. Over time, I learned basic Japanese phrases, and that helped bridge the gap too.
| Q3. One concrete episode or interaction that shaped your learning? |
I remember when I first visited Japan I felt very shy to talk to people as everything was new to me. But I can remember an episode where we had an international fun party organized by the university, which made me believe that making friends is not that difficult . Also I managed a stall at the Hiroshima university fest which made me closer to my Japanese friends. These experiences taught me to step out of my comfort zone and join group activities. So I would recommend everyone to involve in group activities as much as possible , it help to open up.
| Q4. One practical piece of advice for the next students? |
Be open to anything that comes to life. Students might fear to visit and adjust in a new country with a totally new setting , but once you arrive here things become easier. Also people in the university as well as Japanese people are very kind and will be ready to help you in any difficulty. Be open to meeting people from different backgrounds , it teaches more than you learn in a classroom.