[Study in Japan Report] By Dorcas from UG

Dorcas Amui our former exchange student from University of Ghana, who studied in Japan from September 2024 to February 2025 wrote an essay of her stay in Japan. Please check it out!!

MY EXPERIENCE AS AN EXCHANGE STUDENT IN JAPAN

My name is Dorcas Amui, I had the incredible opportunity to be an exchange student from Ghana to Japan. I studied at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies(TUFS) from September 27th,2024 to February 5th,2025. My four-month stay for the first semester came with a lot of memorable experiences, marking a turning point in my life. From interacting with the people of Japan, to adapting to the unique teaching methods at TUFS.Every moment was enriching. Reflecting on these experiences, I deeply appreciate how much I benefited from them.

The People of Japan

Upon my arrival in Japan, the IAfP program, through their staff assigned two students to meet me at the airport and guide me all the way to the TUFS campus. I later learned that other exchange students had to struggled to find their way upon arrival, so this kind gesture made my transition much smoother. These two students became my first friends, and I quickly expanded my social circle.
The journey from the airport to TUFS was long, but every person I met along the way was kind and welcoming. Whether it was on the train or at the station, people made an effort to assist me, even if they had difficulty speaking English. One particularly warm welcome came from the students from African major, who ensured I had everything I needed. I will never forget Chihiro-sensei, who personally helped me transport my luggage to the international residence—she was truly kind and supportive.

Teaching Methods at TUFS

The teaching methods at TUFS were fascinating, as they differed significantly from what I was used to in my home university. The study of Japanese intellectual history, as well as other subjects, was rooted in research-based learning. Classroom discussions, structured coursework, weekly quizzes, and writing assignments required me to pay close attention and actively participate in class. Unlike passive learning methods, TUFS encouraged independent research and deep academic engagement. This approach not only helped me understand the topics better but also improved my academic writing skills. My experience at TUFS will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on my educational journey. Today, I am confident to say I can conduct any academia research from the experience I gained during my study at TUFS.

JASSO and Toyota Ghana

Over the years, strong collaborations between the University of Ghana and Toyota Ghana have made it possible for Ghanaian students to study in Japan. Toyota Ghana has taken full responsibility for providing students with their flight tickets to Japan and back home. This initiative has been life-changing for many, including myself. Additionally, I was fortunate to receive a JASSO scholarship, which provided a monthly stipend of 80,000 JPY. This financial support played a crucial role in making my stay at TUFS comfortable. Through the scholarship, I was able to cover my monthly rent, utility bills, and basic living expenses. I am incredibly grateful for the JASSO scholarship sponsors and the opportunities it provided.

Networking and Social Life

My time at TUFS introduced me to people from diverse backgrounds, creating opportunities for meaningful connections. Being a social person, I cherished these interactions, as they allowed me to form friendships that would have been impossible without this exchange experience. One of my favorite activities was attending mini-parties at restaurants every weekend, where we engaged in conversations and learned about different regions of Japan. TUFS also organized networking events, such as the?monthly Wednesday lunch for African students, the University festival among others. These gatherings played a massive role in helping me build lasting connections, some of which will continue to influence my life even after my stay in Japan. My cooking hobby also played a crucial role in connecting with others. I would usually cook different meals and invite others to come and experience the process and taste of African cuisine. I was excited about sharing the African cuisine to the world.

Cultural Shocks

One of the biggest cultural shocks for me was the respectful and helpful nature of Japanese society. The level of appreciation for even the smallest gestures was remarkable. Everyone I met was always willing to assist, even when it came to minor things like giving directions. Another significant cultural shock was the exceptional cleanliness in Japan. From detailed instructions on how to separate and dispose of waste to the tidiness of public spaces, everything was meticulously maintained. It was rare to see litter, even on campus. Adjusting to this level of cleanliness was both interesting and inspiring for me. I can not over emphasize how amazed I was by the tourist sites in Japan. I visited lots of places including Mount Takao, Roppongi hills, the sky tree, marine tower in Yokohama among other places. These moments were the best for me.

Conclusion

My time in Japan was a life-changing experience filled with learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth. From the people I met to the teaching methods I encountered, every aspect of my stay at TUFS shaped me in ways I never expected. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity, and I will always cherish the memories I made during this incredible journey.