What inspired you to travel abroad?
I’ve always been curious about the world beyond my own little bubble. That’s really what pushed me to go abroad. I wanted to challenge myself, try something totally new, and get out of my comfort zone. Learning a new language while actually living in the country where it’s spoken felt like the perfect way to do that.
I’ve always loved traveling and exploring new cultures — there’s something so inspiring about seeing how other people live, think, and experience life. I knew going abroad would be an adventure, but also a big step for my personal growth.
Why did you choose the Meiji Academy - Study Japanese in Fukuoka program?
I actually found out about this program through a friend who works with the organization. She told me all about what they do and shared her own experience, and it really got me interested. She explained how the program works, what kind of support they offer, and how it helps people adjust to living abroad and learning a new language.
Hearing it from someone I trust made a big difference — it just felt more real and achievable.
What was your favorite part about Fukuoka?
One of my favorite things about Fukuoka is how close the beach is. I love being near the sea — it just makes everything feel more relaxed. The people here are also super kind and welcoming, which really helped me feel at home.
And there's this one area called Daimyo that I absolutely love. It has everything you could need in one place! It’s such a cozy shopping spot, with a mix of cute restaurants, coffee shops, and all kinds of stores — from vintage shops to K-pop stores. It’s the kind of place you can just wander around for hours and always find something new.
Photo moment in Yanagawa.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Living in a new country challenged me to adapt, learn, and connect with people from different backgrounds. It wasn’t just about the places I visited, but about how those experiences helped me become more independent and open-minded.
The little everyday moments — like grabbing a drink at Starbucks, talking to locals, or watching the sunset by the sea — are the ones I’ll never forget.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff were really helpful throughout the whole program. They were always there when I had questions or needed advice, whether it was about classes, living in the city, or just adjusting to a new culture.
They made sure I felt supported and comfortable, which made a big difference when I was far from home. Their kindness and guidance helped me settle in faster and made the whole experience a lot smoother and more enjoyable.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done differently during my time abroad is spending more time wandering around alone. I was almost always out with a friend or in a group, which was great, but I missed out on those quiet moments by myself.
I think I would’ve enjoyed just being alone more often — really soaking in the surroundings and enjoying the moment without worrying about anyone else. It’s something I’d definitely try to do next time, because sometimes it’s nice to just explore and reflect on your own.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
My typical day usually starts with Japanese classes in the morning to improve my language skills. After class, I grab lunch — sometimes with friends, sometimes alone — then meet up with friends later to go shopping or hang out at coffee shops, grabbing a drink and enjoying the day.
One of my favorite moments is watching the sunset at the beach; it’s such a peaceful way to end the day. After dinner, I head back to my apartment to relax and prepare for the next day.
Koi fish swimming in a serene pond.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I really enjoyed going to Starbucks in the Tenjin underground mall — it was a great spot for studying. I also loved watching movies at the cinema and spending time at Canal City and Daimyo since those two places were my favorites.
Hanging out there was so much fun because they’re lively spots with plenty to see and do.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I had my own small but cozy apartment, which had a bunk bed and even a little balcony. At first, I didn’t like the bed, but over time, I actually started to enjoy it.
One of my favorite parts was this Asian-style floor chair with a lowered desk — it was really cool and gave the place a unique vibe. It had this typical Asian apartment style.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know is not to worry too much about what life will be like there or how everything will go. It will most likely be different than you imagined — and that’s totally okay.
Just stay positive and flexible. Things might not always go exactly as planned, but that’s part of the adventure. The more you let yourself experience it fully, the more you’ll grow and enjoy it.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
Yes, I would definitely recommend the program to others. It was really well-organized, and I always felt supported by the local staff. The experience helped me grow personally, improve my language skills, and meet amazing people from different backgrounds.
It’s a great opportunity for anyone who wants to experience a new culture, learn something new, and step out of their comfort zone.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Traveling abroad lets you see how life is different in other countries — how people interact, what they value, and how they see the world. Experiencing these differences helps you understand and appreciate cultures beyond your own and broadens your perspective on life.
It also makes you realize how much you grew during that time and how you see things differently.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad made me more independent, confident, and open-minded. I learned to adapt to new situations, discovered different cultures, and started seeing things from new perspectives.
It also made me appreciate my own background more. Overall, it was a life-changing experience that helped me grow and shaped the way I see the world.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
It's more than just visiting new places — it’s about truly experiencing and understanding different cultures, meeting new people, and learning from those experiences.
It’s about stepping out of your own comfort zone, growing as a person, and creating memories that change how you see the world and yourself.
