Since childhood, I’ve loved watching Naruto, a famous Japanese manga series. The series explores the meaning of friendship through slice-of-life stories and provides insight into Japanese culture. Watching this series, I began dreaming of studying in Japan, so I decided to go as soon as possible after graduating high school. I chose Okinawa because my father’s friend told me that Okinawa’s weather, lifestyle, and the warm-heartedness of its people were like Bali’s. I arrived in Okinawa in April 2019.
　In 2020, I took Okinawa International University’s entrance exam for the Japanese language program for international students. During the program, I met many teachers dedicated to helping international students. Since I’ve always dreamed of working for UNICEF and helping people in need, I also decided to take the university’s entrance exam for its undergraduate school. Throughout my journey at the university, I’ve learned how important it is to have people who support me in pursuing my dreams.
　Okinawa International University has helped me pursue my ambitions. In 2023, I applied for OKIU’s study abroad program in Spain. With the university’s support, I received a scholarship for this opportunity. The university also offers a variety of programs to help students interact and get to know each other, such as the Language Peers Program, which allows students to connect through learning and teaching.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to study at this university, and I’m looking forward to applying to the university’s graduate school soon.

　I was born and raised in Argentina, but my grandparents were Japanese. While growing up, I always felt different from people around me. However, when I was in junior high school, I had the opportunity to visit Okinawa for the first time. Even though I didn’t know any Japanese, everyone warmly welcomed me. I was captivated by Okinawa’s pristine white sand, beautiful blue sea, and traditional dances. Visiting Okinawa made me want to learn more about my roots, so after that trip, I started studying Japanese and eventually enrolled at Okinawa International University. I considered many other universities, but I couldn’t forget the kindness of the Okinawan people.
　After enrolling, I discovered there’s so much to learn here. While studying various subjects, I’m improving my English and Japanese simultaneously. I particularly enjoyed my Translation Workshop class, where we read different types of texts and translated them into English and Japanese. The professors were kind and always ready to help us with difficulties. Although the class was challenging, I improved my English and Japanese skills significantly. I’ve also taken classes on Okinawa, cross-cultural understanding, and other fascinating subjects.
　OKIU is also an excellent place to have fun. The Global Education Support Center organizes many activities for Japanese and international students. I had a blast making Okinawan soba noodles from scratch. The noodles were delicious, and after lunch, we went flower viewing to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms. On our way home, we sang karaoke on the bus. We ate and laughed a lot that day! I’ve made other wonderful memories, too. For example, I enjoyed helping the Japanese Calligraphy Club during the University Festival. People from all over Okinawa came, and I enjoyed chatting with them and the club members. On another occasion, my class had a party at my professor’s house. We had a great time, and since our professor is vegetarian, she cooked some delicious vegetarian dishes for us. One of my classmates brought all sorts of manga and gave one to each of us.
　I have many unforgettable memories from my time at OKIU. I hope other international students will come and create beautiful memories here, too.

　I’ve been studying in Okinawa since high school. Before that, I studied Japanese for six months at a Japanese language school. After graduating from high school, I wanted to stay in Okinawa, so I took the Comprehensive Selection Entrance Examination for Okinawa International University and was admitted to the Department of Business Administration.
　When my university life began, I was worried about keeping up with the lectures in an environment with few international students. However, there was a lot of group work in my first-year lectures, so I quickly made friends. Additionally, Okinawan students are very kind, so they helped me with classwork and everyday problems. If I had questions or difficulties, teachers and staff at the Global Education Support Center were always available to help. I’m very grateful for the knowledgeable and kind people who helped me.
　I also like that international students have many opportunities to interact with other undergraduates. For example, some Japanese students get involved in Japanese language lectures designed for international students. There are also various events, such as a cherry blossom viewing excursion and a Christmas party, where international students can interact and share their learning experiences. Through these events, international students and Japanese students can become friends.
　Lastly, I love Okinawa’s tropical atmosphere, beautiful natural scenery, and the kindness of its people. Studying in Okinawa, which has a unique history and culture different from mainland Japan, is the perfect environment to start your study abroad experience.
   

　I was born and raised in Beijing, China. I came to Japan in 2017 and studied economics at a university in Tokyo for four years. During my sophomore year of college, I visited Okinawa during my summer break. I was so fascinated by the crystal-clear ocean that I later decided to enter the Graduate School of Regional Industry at Okinawa International University. My professors and fellow new students warmly welcomed me, so even though I was a foreigner, I could adjust to graduate school life quickly.
　Okinawa International University’s Graduate School of Regional Business and Economics offers lectures in various fields related to economics, statistics, environment, and finance, allowing students to deepen their understanding of various fields. I have especially enjoyed learning about Ryukyuan culture and history to broaden my perspective.
　Professor Maedomari’s seminar class has guest lecturers from various industries and offers numerous opportunities to visit public institutions in Okinawa, so graduate students can learn not only about the Okinawan economy but also about newspaper studies, political science, international relations, environmental issues, base issues, and other topics allowing them to broaden their horizons. The most memorable experience was listening to and communicating with former Prime Minister Hatoyama, a guest lecturer during my first year of graduate school. During lectures, students don’t just passively listen but engage in lively discussions with their teachers and fellow students, which helps develop their creativity and thinking skills.
　Okinawa International University is truly an environment suited to the global age. Students are stimulated and inspired by people from a wide variety of academic fields and with different ways of thinking. It’s a place that fosters intellectual curiosity and the ability to continue learning for a lifetime.