HARADA Miyu

Exchange student (Chungnam National University, South Korea)

Thanks to the support of my buddy
It was a very enriching experience that gave me an awareness of the magnitude of family and friends.

At Chungnam National University, each exchange student is assigned a local student (buddy) who provides support not only in academics but also in all aspects of daily life.
My buddy accompanied me to the dormitory, campus tours, course registration, and orientation for exchange students, and helped me with various matters such as foreigner registration and bank account applications. I was very anxious and felt crushed before my arrival in Korea, so this buddy assignment was a great support for me.

First month

The first thing that surprised me when I arrived at Chungnam National University was that the campus is as big as a city.
There are buses, cabs, and motorcycles on campus, and in fact, it takes about 30 minutes on foot to get from the dormitory to the classrooms where classes are held. The campus was very well equipped with sports facilities such as tennis and golf courses, a library, cafeteria, cafes, convenience stores, post office, blood donation center, money changers, stationery and bookstore, etc.

Second month

By the time I had been in Korea for two months, I was gradually getting used to life and food.

I was afraid of many things at first, such as using vehicles and cultural differences, but I made an effort to take walks outside the university, and I feel that I have become accustomed to the amazing amount of traffic and the speed of the vehicles.

My Korean account was successfully opened, and I went to pick up my bankbook and account card. The Korean bank card was a high-spec card that had the functions of a normal account card as well as a bus ride and a prepaid card. The day I rode the bus using that card for the first time was the moment I felt at home in Korean life.

Third month

It is now time for final exams. In addition, my roommate who attends the language school was away from the dormitory for about a month during the summer vacation period, so I was on my own.

My roommate took care of my worries and stresses of living in Korea, and I felt anxious about the rest of my study abroad life. I also missed my family, friends, and Japanese food, which sometimes brought tears to my eyes. However, I thought this was one of the best parts of studying abroad, so I switched to get through the remaining month in one piece and prepared for the final exam.

Return to Japan from study abroad

With the final exam over, the Korean students around me have gone home, and the dormitory has become a bit lonely. The final exam was not something that could be scored by memorizing what was learned in class, but it was a test of application and creativity, and I spent the days leading up to the announcement of the grades, praying and fretting that I would get the credit.

On the way back to Japan, I recalled many things.
I was anxious when I first arrived in Japan, and thanks to the student volunteers (buddies) assigned to me by Chungnam National University, I was able to spend time with them. The buddy students were very kind and helpful in dealing with even the most trivial matters, which was very important to me. The students of the same age group volunteered to support the life of students who came to a country different from their home country for the first time, and I am filled with gratitude for Chungnam National University’s consideration for foreign students.

Although I did not completely enjoy my university classes and my life in Korea due to my unstoppable anxiety, it was a very stimulating and enriching experience for me to come to Korea as an exchange student, which enhanced my interest in the future of Japan and made me realize how much my family and friends mean to me. It was a very enriching experience.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who supported me during my exchange.

(August 2023)