Online Student Exchange Program – Ibaraki University (Fall 2022)

• Posted by: Admin
• Rabu, 12 Juli 2023
• Has been read 521 time(s)

My name is I Kadek Genta Astawa, and I am a fourth-year student at Udayana University. At the end of my sixth semester, I enrolled in an exchange student program at Ibaraki University. The program is called IU Online Exchange Program Fall 2022. It offers online classes for international students. After approximately one month, I received an acceptance letter confirming my status as an exchange student. I was thrilled and promptly re-registered. The registration process was made easy with the assistance of Sensei. Ibaraki University provided Teams files and accounts for international students to use during their studies. Upon completing all the registration procedures, I was required to attend a one-day orientation to familiarize myself with Ibaraki University's lectures, tutors, and learning system.

 

During my time at Ibaraki University, I took seven classes, including four specifically focused on Japanese studies. The remaining three classes were conducted in English. In the Japanese classes, I studied at the JLPT N2 level. The lectures were engaging, and the professors taught with passion, making the subjects enjoyable. In the English-medium classes, I found it easy to comprehend the material being taught. Each class included a discussion session, allowing students from different countries to share their perspectives. The atmosphere was friendly, and I had the opportunity to conduct interviews with Japanese individuals to learn more about Japanese culture. for the obstacles while studying at Ibaraki University, namely when the Japanese language class for the explanation of the material was very fast. it was so fast, I couldn't understand what the lecturer was discussing. however, for the Japanese language class specifically for learning at the JLPT N2 level it is quite relaxed and not in a hurry, so is the English class. for the obstacle itself I can overcome it by thoroughly re-understanding each of the materials sent by the lecturer.

 

At Ibaraki University, every international student is assigned a Japanese tutor from the university. These tutors guide and explain Japanese culture to us. My tutor, Taichi Tsukahara, has been exceptionally caring and dependable. Tsukahara-san also teaches N3 materials, which are easy to understand, and his teaching methods are effective and enjoyable. He also provides insights into Japanese culture, including authentic cuisine, tourist attractions, work culture, and more. In addition to Tsukahara-san, I have made Japanese friends who are interested in learning about Indonesia.

 

Although I didn't have the opportunity to study directly in Japan, this experience has been invaluable. I have not only gained knowledge about the Japanese language and culture but have also learned about Japanese society and various issues in Japan. Moreover, I am grateful to have completed this student exchange program and acquired skills that will be beneficial in the future. I have made friends from other countries, especially Japan and China. Additionally, I have successfully passed the JLPT N3 exam. I aspire to share my experiences with my friends, hoping to inspire them to study in Japan and gain valuable insights. Therefore, I strongly encourage Japanese Literature students to participate in this program either in person or online.