Unforgettable Memories and Experiences: Fransiska Yosita, Tamkang University, Taiwan

Fransiska (third from the right) and friends posing with the Kanto Team, which takes part in a 300 years old festival in Akita every year

Choosing AIU as my study abroad university has never been a regret for me. Any insecurities I had before coming here, disappeared quickly as I joined and got immersed in the warmth of the AIU community.

Japanese Language Study

Japanese proficiency is not a problem for international students who have never learned Japanese before to come and study at AIU. During my exchange program, I took the Japanese course from the elementary level, the JPL 101. As I stayed at AIU for one year, I can take the Japanese course until Upper-Elementary JPL 206. AIU is a merged environment between Japanese and International culture.  I can develop both my English and Japanese language, as well as other languages I am interested in, almost at the same time.

Kanto Team

The foreign language courses offered by AIU and school facilities made language exchange becomes possible.

Fransiska (left) in traditional Kanto uniform

Besides the classes I took, I joined AIU Kanto Team. It is one of the traditional clubs AIU has and a local Akita culture club. Joining the Kanto Team has given me a lot of unforgettable memories and experience. We practice three times per week, which made all of the members spend most of their time with each other and get to know each other very well. We have an excellent team solidarity and keep a close connection with our team’s alumni. It was good for me to extend and broaden my relationships outside the current AIU students circle.

As a traditional club, AIU Kanto team has taught me many things. Japanese culture was a lot of surprise for me at first but turned out to be necessary, especially if I’d like to continue my study in Japan or to work in Japan. It might be challenging to get along with other members for the first time, but if you are brave and take all the chances, they will be your closest Japanese family you would ever imagine. I wrapped my study abroad stories with four unforgettable nights at Akita Kanto Festival, together and as a part of the Akita City Kanto family.