Arm
GSAPS
Studying abroad can be challenging for many people, and building new friendships can be just as difficult, especially for someone like me who is not very outgoing. When I saw the announcement for this program last autumn, I applied without hesitation because it offered a valuable opportunity to meet new people in a comfortable and structured setting. Another attractive aspect of the program was the language exchange component. Since I am a native Thai speaker, I was able to share my language with my partner, while also having the chance to practice and improve my Japanese through regular interaction.
One interesting aspect of this program is that it is open not only to students but also to faculty and staff, which allows participants to meet people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. In my case, I was matched with an associate professor from the School of Education. At first, I felt a bit nervous because I was not sure what the atmosphere would be like or how I should interact with a faculty member as a student. However, my concern quickly disappeared, as our conversations turned out to be very enjoyable. We talked about many different topics mostly in Japanese, ranging from my life in Japan to his experience as an exchange student in Thailand. Our meetings were mostly informal in his office, and we were free to choose any topic we wanted to discuss, which made the conversations feel natural and comfortable. Moreover, he sometimes even shared snacks with me during our meetings. We usually met every two weeks unless either of us had other commitments, and I always looked forward to our next meeting.
Although the program officially ended in January, our connection has continued even after the program. During our last meeting, we talked about meeting again in the next semester, and I am planning to bring some souvenirs from Thailand the next time we meet. This experience made me realize that the program is not only about language exchange, but also about building meaningful and lasting relationships. I can confidently say that I am very glad I decided to apply when I first saw the announcement. For those who are looking for a memorable experience, meeting new people in a comfortable setting, or improving their language skills through real communication, I strongly recommend this program. In fact, I am planning to apply again next semester, and I look forward to making more valuable connections in the future.
