Words from Past Students
Voice of studying seniors
Interview with seniors who study and work in Yamagata!
I asked my seniors about the reasons for choosing Yamagata and their daily lives such as work and student life.
| Item | Price |
| Money from family | 62,000 yen |
| Scholarship | 20,000 yen |
| Total income | 82,000 yen |
| Dorm fee, utilities | 32,100 yen |
| Food | 45,000 yen |
| Phone Bill | 3,600 yen |
| Other | 1,300 yen |
| Total expenditure | 82,000 yen |
Tohoku University of Community Service and Science Nin Bi Ik
Why I am studying abroad
When I was a kid I liked Japanese anime, so I knew I wanted to go to Japan in the future. When I got to go to Japan with my parents for my middle school graduation trip, I became interested in Japanese culture and architecture. My parents also liked Japan, so they recommended that I study abroad. After I graduated high school, I studied at a language school in Tokyo for one year, but Tokyo was very lively and I thought “it would be nice if I could live somewhere a bit quieter,” so I decided on a university in Yamagata. Also, it snows in my hometown. Therefore I was also attracted by the climate of Yamagata, since it also snows here.
What type of study are you doing in university?
Right now, for my general education courses I am studying economics/international relations/psychology and the ideals of public interest in addition to language and information. In the second year we are divided up by specialization, and I chose the international education course. I will take classes like English, world history/culture, and other classes in this kind of expertise. Additionally, I plan to take the TOEIC test, so I study English daily.
What type of dreams do you have for the future?
In the future I want to stay in Yamagata and work at an international business. My dream is to work at an international company that has an office in Japan, regardless of whether it is domestic or international, and become a bridge between Japan and other countries.
What has been good about studying abroad? What has not been so good?
What has been good is that, because I have no one to rely on but myself for doing things like chores or procedures for daily life, I have become independent. Although I sometimes get lonely living by myself, I enjoy the freedom. What was difficult was when I first came to Japan, I often got lost. The dorm that I live in now is conveniently located within walking distance from campus, so I don’t get lost anymore. I also struggled with the language barrier, but now I use gestures or English, or the dictionary if there is a word that I don’t understand.
How is life in Yamagata?
In Sakata where I live, the Kariya and La France pears, cherries, and other fruits are very good so I have them often. On the other hand, I don’t really like sashimi or raw eggs, so it’s taken some getting used to. On my days off, I enjoy going to my friends’ houses and playing games or cooking. Including my friends, all of the Japanese people that I have come into contact with are very friendly, and if there’s anything that I don’t understand they are nice enough to help me out, so I’m really grateful for them.
Any words to those who want to study abroad at Tohoku University of Community Service and Science?
Unlike middle or high school, university is a place where you can study on your own. There is lots of free time so you can use it to learn more about the things you are interested in. Therefore I hope you will put the time to good use and take the initiative to learn about all sorts of things. If there are things that you don’t know, don’t worry because the teachers here will teach at your pace. We’re waiting for you in Yamagata!
