Messages from International Exchange Students

Why I Chose Okinawa International University

I chose Okinawa International University because it has an excellent program for exchange students who want to learn Japanese. I especially like that the lessons are in Japanese, not in English, like at other universities in Japan. It’s now been two months since I came to Okinawa, and I’m thrilled to be here. I can see I’ve already made progress in Japanese. The teachers are knowledgeable and inspiring, and it’s easy to ask them questions or get help to improve. In addition to our classes, we can participate in the Language Peers Program, ask for help with homework, and join club activities. Even if we don’t speak well, Japanese students always try to talk to us and make us feel welcome.
OKIU is the perfect university for students afraid of coming to Japan. Students and teachers always try to make you feel included. If you have questions or problems, the Global Education Support Center staff, teachers, and friends are here to help you. Life in Okinawa is also fun, and its people are kind and helpful. Sometimes, it gets hot, but the ocean and sunsets are beautiful. We can also see many festivals and traditional events to learn about Okinawa’s culture.

Elen Jeffray

How My Dream to Study in Japan Came True

Like many people, I first learned about Japan as a child, thanks to manga and anime. Since I was ten, I’ve wanted to learn the language and experience Japanese culture. I started learning Japanese at the University of Rennes 2 and soon chose to minor in Japanese culture. Thanks to those classes, I fell even more in love with Japan. I’ve always loved traveling and wanted to spend a year studying abroad. Going to Japan was one of my biggest dreams, but I never imagined I’d be able to spend a year here.
Okinawa International University offers courses exclusively in Japanese, which helps you progress quickly. This convinced me to go there because I want to be able to speak fluent Japanese! I will stay in Okinawa for one year, from September 2024 to August 2025. I have Japanese lessons every day, which helps me progress rapidly. I chose to take a few extra courses: Japanology, Psychology, and Aerobic Dance. The teachers and students are open and friendly, so you won’t be afraid to approach them. It’s easy to make friends with students, especially if you participate in club activities. Thanks to my friends and the university, I’ve already visited many places and have experienced Okinawan culture in many ways.

Lucie

My Experience at OKIU

At my home university in France, I'm pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. My goal is to teach French abroad, so to make this possible, I applied to study at OKIU to improve my languages skills. I considered other universities, but OKIU interested me the most. My teachers in France told me that students who came here improved in Japanese more quickly because all classes were given in Japanese, which is different from other universities. They warned me it would be challenging because everything would be new, but that’s what motivated me the most.
Now that I’m here, I know that I’ll be able to succeed. The teachers and the Global Education Support Center team take good care of us and are nice, so that helps us to feel comfortable and safe. I thoroughly enjoy my Japanese lessons.
To all those considering participating in an exchange program at OKIU, let me assure you the experience will be rewarding and emotional. Things will be challenging at first, but day by day, you’ll feel happier and more at ease with your environment. As an international student, you’ll easily make Japanese and international friends. Everyone is friendly, and you can meet people at many events and club activities. Every day is both exhausting and fun. I hope you have a great experience in Okinawa!

Célia Sngan

Exchange students from University of Rennes 2, France　September 2024 to August 2025

The Turning Point of My Life

My first impression of Okinawa was that it has a beautiful ocean and a sad history. I arrived here with trepidation and hope, but Okinawa truly is beautiful. You can see blue skies, flowers, and the ocean everywhere. The humidity and high temperatures are a bit uncomfortable, but after seeing all the beautiful scenery, I feel happy–like a pure, innocent child.
I first became interested in Japanese because I wanted to teach Korean to foreigners. I thought that Japanese was the most similar language to Korean. I also wanted to experience Japan’s atmosphere directly through a study abroad experience. If possible, I wanted to go to a place with a nice ocean view because I live in an area surrounded by mountains in South Korea. When I searched for information about Japan, I noticed that the sea in Okinawa is beautiful. I wanted to go there as soon as I saw the pictures. Luckily, my university and Okinawa International University are sister universities.
In Okinawa, people are kind wherever you go. Older ladies and children greet each other as they walk down the street. At such moments, my heart feels warm, and all my troubles seem to vanish. At first, when my Japanese was poor, I struggled to communicate, and I missed my hometown. But now that my day of departure is approaching, I feel sad. Still, I know I will return to Okinawa as a Korean teacher someday. I hope other students can experience the joy and peace of study abroad at Okinawa International University. Studying here was a turning point in my life. Welcome to Okinawa!

Subin Oh

Exchange Student from Hannam University, South Korea
April 2024 to February 2025