My name is Roy Yujan Wu, I am Taiwanese American and currently a senior student in San Jose State University in California. My main reason for coming to Waseda University to study for one year was to learn Japanese language and about the Japanese culture. The California State University Study Abroad Program has been organizing exchanges with students of Waseda University for many years. Many of the students, after returning to the US, commented on their life in Japan as being a wonderful and unique experience. In addition, by being a country that is completely opposite from the US in many aspects, students had the opportunity to explore a different side of the world, thus becoming more international as well as strengthening their own identities as Americans. I have always been interested in seeing the world and furthermore learning new languages and cultures, therefore I decided to take up this opportunity to study abroad in Japan for one year.
During this one year in Japan, Waseda University has allowed me to learn Japanese in a comfortable environment. In addition teachers have been keen to help the students to improve their language. I have also met many Waseda Japanese students and some Japanese outside of Waseda. I have learned about their lifestyle, customs, and personality, which I have found interesting and different to what I am used to. The CSU office in Waseda has also been organizing trips around Japan throughout the year. Through those trips, I got to visit many traditional Japanese temples and castles. The tea gardens were especially gorgeous.
I would recommend future participants to try making the best out of everything they do and everywhere they go by being open-minded and involved. Having an open mind would ease tension and improve one’s ability to appreciate new surroundings when cultural differences occur. Being interested in things is to have the willingness to try new things thus making your experience more unique. Finally, make sure you manage your finances well. Japan is expensive!
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