Invaluable experience gained while studying at a Japanese university

2 november, 2022

Hi all! I have no doubt that there are more and more people who dream about Japan and set goals for themselves every day. What a dream it is to visit the most developed country in the world, whose nature and culture are intertwined with high-rise buildings. I dreamed about it since I was 12 years old. Every subject, the culture and beauty of Japan has always enriched and inspired me from the inside, so after graduating from school I entered the Faculty of Oriental Studies of the Kazakh National University named after al-Farabi, with the goal that "I will fulfill my dream." I'm glad I made this decision. I met many friends according to my point of view and outlook, and finally I was able to fly to Japan.

       I entered the University of Kanazawa under the MEXT program. MEXT is a Japanese government scholarship that supports international students studying at selected institutions of higher education on the recommendation of a Japanese embassy or university. This is a very generous scholarship that covers round trip travel and accommodation.

       Living and studying in a foreign country not only improves thinking, but also affects the inner world. Much can be learned by looking at the everyday life of the Japanese, starting with the thought that "there is such a life and it turns out you can live like that."

         As for Kanazawa University, the warmest memories are connected with it. In general, Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, located on the central island of Honshu in Japan. It is known for its well-preserved Edo period areas, art museums, and traditional handicrafts. Big mountains and babbling springs under the sakura, the Sea of ​​Japan is nearby, and even nature is similar to Almaty. I can say that the university campus is very large, far from the city center, in the forest. Staying at the hostel, you will be able to see different animals through the window. Waking up to ducks singing and a "beware of bears" message, you might even encounter a turtle on your way to the combini. Nearby is a shopping center where you can buy anything.

         The teachers at Kanazawa University are very good and understanding people. I am especially grateful to Yamamoto sensei. You can admire and learn from him. Whether it is two in the morning, he is ready to help with all his heart.

      After a few months, I felt like I was in my hometown. According to my program classmates turned out to be very good and kind people. Despite the fact that we are from different parts of the world, we are similar to each other. We spent a lot of interesting moments together and became very close. Everyone was able to show the features and culture of their country. I also helped to get to know Kazakhstan better. There are also many students from Russia studying at Kanazawa University. We got along very well. Together with fellow students from KazNU, we visited several cities in Japan and did not stop admiring. It's amazing how you can get from one city to another in just a few hours on the Shinkansen!

       In conclusion, I want to say that all this has had a big impact on me. I want to continue my life in a better direction. Let it feel like the middle of the world in a big metropolis like Tokyo. That is: “Yes, among so many people, my voice is also important. Tomorrow I will have the same good life.” I want to go to Japan to study, and then to develop one of the commercial sectors of Kazakhstan. I am very grateful for everything that has happened. I can say one thing, if you continue to work and never give up, your dream will definitely come true!