Masumoto's first trip abroad was during his fourth year of university. It was a solo trip to the West Coast of the United States, and it was a shocking experience, partly because his English was completely useless. After graduating from university, he worked for a private company for four years, then joined the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, spending two years in Kenya, and after that, he became a JICA employee and embarked on a full-fledged career in international cooperation.

Why did Professor Takimoto choose the path of joining the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers instead of traveling?

I felt that in order to truly understand the culture and local characteristics of Masumoto, I needed to live there. I also believed that if I was going to live there, it was only natural that I should contribute to the community as a member of society, so I ultimately chose to join the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers.

Takimoto: What was it like actually living in Kenya?

In Masumoto Village, there were no shops, not even water or electricity. It was the first time I had ever experienced having "nothing to do." I had visited developing countries in Asia before, but no country had ever surprised me as much as Kenya. In Kenya, it was difficult even to blend in with the locals, but it changed my perspective on life, and from then on, I wanted to work in development.

Masumoto: One of the advantages of studying abroad is being able to learn while immersing yourself in local life and relationships. What was particularly memorable for me in Kenya was the experience of being an overwhelming minority as a "foreigner." Kenya is in the Black Africa region, so a Japanese volunteer in the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers stands out very much among the local people. You could probably tell even from a kilometer away. Their appearance and customs were completely different from the "common sense" I had held up until then. The realization that I and Japan are not at the center of the world, and that I am merely "one in several billion," was very powerful.

Takimoto: I also gained something from being in an environment where I was a "foreigner." At the beginning of my studies abroad, the language barrier was thick, and I was isolated with no friends, which made me think about "who I am." Later, after making friends locally, I was often asked about Japan, and they told me about the charms of Japan from their perspective, and through these interactions, I gradually developed a sense of being Japanese. In fact, even before studying abroad, I had the desire to "share Japanese culture in America," so I took a Japanese tea ceremony course in Japan. Once I had gotten used to life in America, I decided to serve Japanese tea to my dorm friends, and it was more popular than I expected, as they found it a nice break from studying, and word of mouth spread. After that, I held two tea ceremonies with the international exchange club, where I introduced the types and characteristics of Japanese tea, how to brew tea in a teapot, the etiquette of the tea ceremony, and how to prepare matcha, all in English. Collaborating with international students who were knowledgeable about Turkish tea, and distributing Japanese tea samples on the main street of campus, I have fond memories of enjoying Japanese tea with many participants.

Masumoto: That sounds like a great experience. Experiencing a shift in perspective within a different culture and being able to view "Japan" and "yourself" in a relative context is a major benefit of studying abroad.

^*1 Day of the Dead... A Mexican festival held annually on November 1st and 2nd. It celebrates the reunion of the living and the dead, commemorating those who have passed away and sharing the joy of life.
^*2 Ireland's National Day (March 17). A festival commemorating Saint Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century.
^*3 Capoeira... A traditional martial art originating in Brazil that combines elements of combat sports and dance. It is registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Masumoto: That's absolutely right. Studying abroad is about being well-prepared, having a clear sense of purpose that forms the core of your studies, and then experiencing encounters and discoveries that exceed your expectations.

Takimoto: Right now, even if you don't have a clear idea of what you should be aiming for, I think many people feel a desire to see the unknown. I believe that this kind of inquisitive spirit is the driving force behind human beings. One way to find that "purpose" is to combine your area of interest with an "overseas" perspective. In my case, it was a combination of "politics and economics x the current situation in America." There are endless other possibilities, such as "music x overseas," "sports culture x overseas," or "business x overseas."

Masumoto: I wholeheartedly agree. I also believe that people grow the most when they pursue something because they think, "This is interesting, I want to know more." Looking back, my trip to America, which was an unknown world to me during my student days, was a series of hardships. But that's precisely why everything, including the difficulties, was stimulating and interesting, and it has become the very foundation of who I am today. I can still vividly remember the unique smell of the air and the feeling I had when I first stepped off the plane at an American airport.

While anxieties are inevitable when taking on a challenge like Takimoto's, I believe that incorporating minor setbacks as part of the "process to success" beforehand will turn them into positive experiences. For the first time, I lived away from my family for a year in a different culture, without anyone to rely on, and overcoming numerous obstacles has become a lifelong treasure and a source of unwavering confidence for me. And that experience has given me a firm sense of certainty that I will be able to overcome any difficulties that may come my way in the future.

Studying abroad at Masumoto University not only provides students with new knowledge and experience, but also clarifies their interests, leading to further development of their studies upon their return. The university is also making efforts to ensure that as many students as possible can experience studying abroad.

Takimoto: Due to language proficiency and other factors, I started my study abroad program in my third year. I was anxious about the delay in graduation, but in reality, those worries were unfounded. Considering the immense value I gained from studying abroad, I would recommend it to anyone interested, even if it meant taking five years to graduate.

Masumoto: In recent years, more and more companies are seeking global talent, and recruitment activities targeting those with overseas study experience have become popular. A major advantage of exchange programs is that you can graduate in four years, but I think it's also worthwhile to broaden your horizons and consider study abroad plans that aren't limited by the graduation year.

Sakata: Many non-English speaking countries like Germany and Slovenia offer significant advantages in terms of safety, cost of living, and scholarship programs, making them excellent study abroad destinations. The fact that Europe is geographically connected also makes it easy to travel to neighboring countries.

Hattori: Actually, I traveled to 25 countries while studying abroad in Slovenia. I had some interesting experiences, such as how the language and atmosphere completely changed the moment I crossed a border by bus.

Sakata, how did you actually go about your job search?

I applied for an internship at my desired company from Watari, and participated in the internship after returning to Japan. I focused my job search on companies that offered opportunities for overseas work, and I received a job offer from Continental Automotive Japan (now Aumovio), a German company involved in automotive-related businesses.

Many students are worried about balancing studying abroad and job hunting, but it is possible if you utilize online job hunting events and bilingual English-Japanese events such as the Boston Career Forum. However, preparation before departure and adjustment to time differences are essential, so I hope you will do your best while taking care of your health. Ms. Hattori, what are your thoughts on concerns regarding studying abroad?

This is related to Hattori's job hunting experience, but I was struggling to decide between "studying abroad" and "graduating and finding a job in four years." This was because I had tried to apply for a study abroad program for the first time in my second year, but was unsuccessful. I applied again the following year in my third year, but I was worried about the impact on my graduation date and job hunting if I studied abroad in my fourth year. In the end, an acquaintance who was working encouraged me, saying, "If you're hesitating, you should go. Studying abroad after graduation is really difficult," and my parents also agreed, so I decided to study abroad for a year starting in the second semester of my fourth year.

Sakata, what was your experience like actually studying abroad?

Hattori: I'm really glad I studied abroad. I chose to postpone my graduation, and it's now my fifth year, but it hasn't had the negative impact on my job search that I was worried about. In job interviews, I was able to clearly communicate the results of my studies abroad, and my decision to postpone graduation was viewed positively, with people saying I was "decisive" and "unique and interesting," and I actually received several job offers.

Sakata: I also had the opportunity to speak directly with recruiters from companies, and there were no negative comments about delaying graduation if the study abroad experience was meaningful. When I was a student, I was taking teacher training courses, so I prioritized graduating in four years and gave up on long-term study abroad. Looking back now, if I had consulted with the International Center or similar organizations at that time, I might have had a different option. Graduating in four years is an advantage of exchange programs, but if your purpose for studying abroad is clear, I think there is great value in taking five years to pursue it.

Watari: I started going to the International Center as soon as I entered university to get advice on scholarships and choosing a university. I had already decided on my purpose for studying abroad, but through repeated conversations with the staff at the International Center and seniors who had studied abroad, I became more confident in my own motivations.

Like the two of you, Sakata, the International Center can help when you want to clarify your study abroad goals or have vague concerns. Let's clarify your study abroad goals and make your experience abroad more meaningful. The International Center also has a "Wellness Service" to support the physical and mental health of students. Experienced counselors are always on hand to provide support to prevent setbacks during your studies abroad, so please feel free to visit if you have any anxieties about studying abroad. Do you two have any other advice for students who are considering studying abroad?

Hattori: I also think it's a good idea to increase your knowledge about "Japan." While there, I was asked a wide range of questions about Japanese politics and social issues, anime, food culture, and more. It was interesting to express my thoughts and exchange opinions, and it was a part of understanding different cultures.

In an environment with few Japanese people, each international student is perceived as a "representative of Japan." Preparing to clearly communicate your own thoughts will make your study abroad experience much richer.

Watari: Also, the most difficult thing for me during my time studying abroad was finding accommodation. Due to changes in the global situation, fuel prices soared, and dormitory fees increased significantly, forcing me to move to a different dormitory because I was over budget. Cologne is not an area where it's easy to find accommodation, so I negotiated with the dormitory owner every day in German and English, but the discussions went nowhere. We disagreed, and tension continued. Moving was extremely difficult, but it greatly honed my initiative, perseverance, and negotiation skills with foreigners.

Sakata: That must have been a valuable experience. While studying abroad, the International Center provides support via email and other means if you encounter any problems, but there are many situations where you ultimately have to rely on yourself. By taking initiative like Watari did, even troubles can become opportunities for growth.

From the internal selection process at Hattori University to the decision to postpone graduation, and finally to the learning experience abroad, everything related to studying abroad has been a valuable experience for me. For those who are anxious about studying abroad, if you have the interest, you will definitely find a way, so I hope you will make your dream a reality.

I had a very glamorous image of studying abroad, but in reality, there were unexpected difficulties. However, I believe that the experience of overcoming troubles on my own will be useful in job hunting and in my future life. Of course, I also grew academically, and after returning to Japan, I was able to obtain the German Language Proficiency Test Level 1. I hope that all of you will also have a fulfilling study abroad experience.

Studying abroad through Sakata will greatly broaden your life choices by exposing you to different cultures. If you are considering studying abroad, please take some time to deeply consider your future aspirations and your goals for studying abroad. We hope that your study abroad experience will be as fruitful as possible.