aims study abroad report: spring, 2015aims study abroad report: spring, 2015 waseda university...

AIMS Study Abroad Report: Spring, 2015

Emmi Pena Lim

De La Salle University

Hello everyone! I’m Emmi Lim from De La Salle University,

Philippines. This spring, I studied at Waseda University under the

ASEAN International Mobility Student (AIMS) Program. Being a

Japanese Studies major, it has 7dream to be able to study in Japan

and I had always wanted to attend Waseda University, so I was

overjoyed when I got accepted for the program.

Preparation for study abroad

I applied for the AIMS Program with the assistance of the External Relations and Internationalization

Office of De La Salle University. I received e-mails from the AIMS office providing comprehensive

instructions and requirement lists. The AIMS office was prompt in responding to inquiries so my

preparation for studying abroad went smoothly.

Accommodation and Transportation

Prior to my arrival, I was given little information about the Rikko dormitory. However, I didn’t have to

worry about getting there on my own upon arriving because a van transported me from the airport

to the dormitory. The manager and staff of Rikko dormitory were very friendly and accommodating.

Rikko dormitory accommodates students from different countries and universities. The diversity

created an enjoyable environment around the dormitory. Events and parties were also arranged by

the dormitory so everyone could have a fun interaction; learning different cultures. Rikko dormitory

is strategically located 7 minutes from Tokyo Metro subway Kotake-Mukaihara station; with

supermarkets, convenient stores, restaurants, and shops walking-distance from the dormitory.

Although I had a PASMO card, I did not avail of the

3-month or 6-month pass. Instead, I bought a bicycle for

16,700 yen. It was easy going around with a bicycle

since Japan is bicycle-friendly. Owning a bicycle made it

more convenient going around. I would ride my bicycle

to Waseda University (about 6.4km) taking around

30-40 minutes. It’s relatively cheaper and a good form

of exercise.


Activities

I had the opportunity to play the Japanese Koto at the Chikuyukai and practice my Nihongo every

week at the Japanese Chat Club conducted by the International Community Center. I also registered

for ICC Language and Cultural Exchange Program and found a partner to practice my Japanese with.

It was a great program because not only did my Nihongo improve, I also earned myself a good friend.

During my exchange, I was able to participate in two homestay

programs; organized by HIPPO Family Club and LABO

International Exchange, respectively. In both my homestays, I

experienced great hospitality from my host families. They took

me to temples, shrines, malls, and sport clubs among others. We

watched movies at the cinema and had meals together.

Throughout my stay in Japan, I was treated as family.

In Golden Week, I joined the Nerima Boy Scouts camp in

Hachioji. I was grouped with Japanese middle-schoolers who

were learning English; and I was more than happy to teach

them English. Although I could barely speak Japanese and

they could barely speak English, we were able to make it

through. We slept in tents, cooked our own food, played

traditional Japanese games and sang and danced around a

bonfire. It was an experienced I would never forget.

As part of the AIMS Joint Seminar, our class went to Osaka for the Japan University English Model

United Nations (JUEMUN). I participated as a video

journalist and was partnered with a Japanese student in the

video correspondence. Those three days were busy but I

learned much about the United Nations from the seminars

and meetings.

I also had the chance of watching the Waseda-Keio

baseball game. It was exciting to see the match

between the two universities. My favorite part of

watching the game was cheering along for the baseball

team of Waseda. I enjoyed singing and cheering with

the crowd; especially after Waseda won the baseball

match.


Waseda University

Waseda University has a majestic campus and an impressive collection of books in their libraries. The

facilities and services provided for students are also commendable. The AIMS office was always

available to attend to our concerns.

At Waseda University, we were given the opportunity to take any class we were interested in. I

enrolled in International Law and Japan’s Foreign Policy under the School of International Liberal

Studies (SILS) among others. The professors were proficient in English and specialized in the subjects

they taught.

The students at Waseda University are composed of people from different nationalities and

backgrounds, creating a very diverse community. Having classmates from every continent made

learning and debates in class rather interesting.

Japanese Learning

Before the enrollment of classes, we took the J-CAT, a Japanese Placement Test to evaluate our level

in Japanese. Based on our exam result, we can enroll in the required Japanese Course accordingly.

Having already learned some Japanese in my home university, I enrolled in Comprehensive Japanese

3. With classes three times per week, my Japanese have improved remarkably. I was even able to do

a research paper and a presentation in Japanese.

Aside from the formal lessons I receive in class, the Japanese I learned from the Japanese chat club

served as a supplement for my spoken Japanese, like Japanese slangs and words used by the youth.

Our dormitory also offered free Japanese classes every Friday.

The best way to learn a language is to speak it; and in Japan, every day was an opportunity for me to

learn more Japanese. As I do my best to speak Japanese to communicate with native Japanese

speakers, there was profound improvement in my Japanese speaking and listening skills.

Conclusion

My student exchange in Japan was a wonderful experience.

Not only did I learn academically, but I also grew as a person. I

became more independent by handling my finances and

making my own decisions. After coming to Japan, I became

more proficient in the Japanese language. Moreover, I was

exposed to other languages and cultures. Finally, I met the

greatest people and formed friendships with them that will last

for a lifetime.


Nicholai Clowie Gener


Hello! I am Nicholai Clowie Gener from the Philippines.

Studying at Waseda University was one of the wisest

decisions I have done in my life. Being fortunate enough to

live in the vibrant Tokyo, I was able to experience a whole

new lifestyle that I will forever treasure.

Preparation for studying abroad

I coordinated frequently with my university’s International Center. I had to undergo an interview and

lots of paperwork in order to complete all the requirements. The AIMS staffs were quick to respond

with my queries and were very kind to always remind us with the documents needed.

Accommodation

The Rikko Dormitory possesses an environment wherein people could interact and spend time

together. Through its facilities such as the dining hall, kitchen, study area, etc., I was able to maximize

the spaces outside my room. It has a fast internet connection and is also near 7-eleven. However, it

takes around 30-45 mins to travel to Waseda University. This is composed of walking and taking the

train. It isn’t really a bad thing because when you buy a student PASMO Card (for the trains), you get

to have unlimited rides from Kotakemukaihara to Nishiwaseda.

Activities and your feedback

Cherry Blossom Viewing

Spring was the perfect season to start discovering Japan. My first main activity was the Cherry

Blossom Viewing. My friends and I went to Ueno Park and were amazed with all the beautiful cherry

blossom trees around us.


Hippo Club

The Hippo Club offers a homestay program which I was able

to participate in. This was an experience which is truly close to

my heart. It was also my first time to eat nato and make

gyoza! I miss my homestay family so much.

Asakusa Tour

Under the ICC club, I was able to join the Asakusa Tour. In addition to seeing temples and other

exciting places, I also gained Japanese friends from Waseda.

These were just a few things of what I did in Japan. I also went to Osaka for the JUEMUN seminar,

visited museums, tried different restaurants, and many more!

Language

It is an essential tip to know how to read and write Japanese before coming to Japan. I assure you that

these will make things easier, most especially when you start spending your first few weeks. Don’t

worry too much though, because Waseda University offers a lot of Japanese classes that will help you

all throughout the semester.

Message for incoming participants

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, therefore, you really

have to enjoy the most out of it. There are a lot of things that

you will learn and will surely develop your individuality. As I’ve

said, this is one of the wisest decisions I have done in my life. I

hope it will turn out the same for you


Norben A. Sagun Jr.


「私はビムといいます。フィリピンから来ました。今早稲田大学の留学生です。フィリピン

のラサール大学の三年生です。」

These are the sentences I used the most during my stay in Japan as an exchange student forthe ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS7) Programme in Waseda University. They sumup my experience quite neatly and accurately. Granted that AIMS7 in and of itself is more of anacademic exchange opportunity rather than a cultural one, the highlights still for me are those thathappened outside the bounds of the typical lecture hall or classroom.

日本力行会館 (Rikko Kaikan Residency)

The staff of Rikkokai is the first group of people Ihad the chance to interact with. I have never expected tobe able to consider them as friends and to a certain extentas family as well. I felt at ease with them, and they werereally considerate and understanding.

I met a lot of people in the dormitory, too. Peopleof different nationalities aside from those from ASEANwere residing with us. We were able to discuss a lot, frombusiness ideas and great food recipes.

ホームステイ (Home Stay Programs)

Japanese hospitality is underrated. People tend to forgetthat underneath the anime and technological breakthroughs are theregular Japanese citizen tending to their daily routines. I am reallythankful because I got to experience first-hand what it is like to livewith not just one but two Japanese families – the Atsumis and theNishis. Although I was not related tothem in any way, I felt as though Iwere their own. They would feedme home-cooked meals and even

show me around town. It was a bit hard for me to say goodbye tothem, but then we’ve chosen to still be close and communicate witheach other through email or social media.


日本ボーイスカウト (Boy Scouts of Japan)

When I arrived in Japan, one of the first things in my

mind was to find a local Boy Scout council to sign up to

because I am a scout myself in the Philippines. I was well

aware of the fact that it would be hard to actually be

accepted because of the would-be language and culture

barrier. To my surprise, however, I managed to overcome

those through the genuine purpose of forming lasting

friendship. Yes, it was hard to break the ice with some of the

scouts but once we had established that we could freely hang around each other, it was just a matter

of time before we saw ourselves talking about the mundane topics like フィリピンバナナ. Now that

I have been given the important role of being the Rover Scout Coordinator in my local council in the

Philippines, I am glad I can give back to scouts in Japan who adopted me by creating a program that

would benefit them and the scouts in the Philippines.

AIMS7 大家族 (AIMS7 Family)

Although the AIMS program I was able to participate in

was in Japan, I was not limited to learning about Japanese

culture. I may speak for the rest of the other ASEAN university

students, all whom I have grown fond of, that the most

important lesson we learned was to appreciate our own and

each other’s shared culture. I can definitely say that I have

formed a bond that will last a lifetime with my friends from

Brunei (Aqilah, Fel, Meah, Zul), Indonesia (Chris, Fino, Halida,

Lita, Pyan, Tina), Malaysia (Christine, Danial, Eve, Hai Feng),

Thailand (Mook, Pim, Pon, Rin, Su), and especially from the Philippines (Clowie, Emmi, Iya, Kit-Kat).

(Tagalog Calligraphy)

"I hope for the success of all similar programs, so others could experience the happiness that it

brought me."

aims study abroad report: spring, 2015aims study abroad report: spring, 2015 waseda university...

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