What inspired you to travel abroad?
I've always been fascinated by other cultures, and Japan has held a special place in my heart for many years. From a young age, I was interested in the Japanese language, traditions, and everyday life—whether through films, food, or history. I wanted to experience it all firsthand, not just through books or media.
I chose to go abroad because I felt that immersing myself in a new environment would help me grow not only linguistically, but also personally. I wanted to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone, and see the world from a different perspective. Studying in Japan gave me the perfect opportunity to do all of that.
Another big motivation was the desire to connect with people from different backgrounds. Traveling abroad, especially to a country as culturally rich and unique as Japan, felt like the perfect way to expand my horizons and build meaningful international friendships. I knew that this experience would stay with me for life—and it truly has.
Why did you choose Meiji Academy?
I chose Meiji Academy because it offered exactly what I was looking for: small class sizes, flexible course options, and a strong focus on both language learning and cultural immersion.
The program had great reviews, and I liked that they organized weekly activities to help students connect and explore Japan beyond the classroom. It felt like the perfect balance between study and experience.
What was your favorite part about Fukuoka?
My favorite part about Fukuoka was how it combined the best of both worlds—a lively, modern city with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The people were incredibly kind and helpful, and the food scene was amazing—from ramen in little local shops to fresh sushi at the market. I also loved how close nature was—beaches, mountains, and beautiful parks were all easy to reach.
It made everyday life feel both exciting and peaceful at the same time.
A peaceful view of Fukuoka's riverside cityscape on a bright, sunny day.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad truly extraordinary was the combination of cultural immersion, personal growth, and the meaningful connections I made.
Living in Japan allowed me to experience daily life in a completely different way—from navigating public transportation and shopping at local markets to participating in traditional activities like tea ceremonies and shrine visits.
What really stood out, though, were the people. The teachers, staff, and fellow students at Meiji Academy created such a supportive and friendly environment. I met people from all over the world, and those friendships made everything even more special.
Every day felt like a new adventure, and I learned not just about Japan, but about myself—how to adapt, communicate, and appreciate different perspectives. That’s something I’ll carry with me forever.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff at Meiji Academy were incredibly supportive throughout my entire stay. From the moment I arrived, they made sure I felt welcome and settled in—helping with everything from navigating the city to answering questions about daily life in Japan.
In the classroom, the teachers were patient, encouraging, and always ready to adapt the lessons to fit our learning styles. Outside of class, the staff organized cultural events, gave great local recommendations, and were always available if any issues came up—whether it was with accommodation, transport, or even just needing someone to talk to.
Their support made a huge difference—it made me feel safe, confident, and fully able to enjoy the experience without unnecessary stress.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I would have done differently during my time abroad is being a bit more adventurous and spontaneous outside of class.
I sometimes stuck to the familiar—whether it was going to the same restaurants or spending evenings at home—when I could have explored more neighborhoods, tried more local food spots, or joined extra activities and festivals happening around the city.
Looking back, I realize that those unplanned moments often lead to the best memories and unexpected connections. If I had pushed myself just a little more outside my comfort zone, I think I would’ve experienced even more of what Fukuoka and Japan had to offer.
Standing tall in the heart of the city—Fukuoka Tower under a clear blue sky.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day in my life abroad was a great mix of learning, exploring, and connecting with others. I’d usually start my morning by walking or biking to Meiji Academy.
The streets were peaceful, and I loved passing by local shops and quiet parks—it was a calm and refreshing way to start the day. Classes usually began around 9:00 a.m. and lasted a few hours, depending on the schedule. Because the class sizes were small, the lessons felt very personal and interactive.
We focused on grammar, conversation, and kanji, and the teachers made the sessions fun and engaging. After class, I often grabbed lunch with other students—either at a nearby ramen shop or a convenience store with surprisingly good food!
In the afternoons, we either joined school-organized cultural activities or explored the city on our own. I visited temples, local markets, and even took day trips to nearby places like Dazaifu or the beach. Evenings were relaxed—I’d cook at the shared house or go out for dinner with friends, sometimes practicing Japanese with locals.
It was a perfect balance between study, adventure, and everyday life, and each day brought something new and memorable.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During my free time abroad, I loved exploring Fukuoka and soaking in everything the city had to offer. One of my favorite things was trying out different local foods—especially tonkotsu ramen, which Fukuoka is famous for.
I also enjoyed wandering through traditional markets, relaxing at Ohori Park, and visiting temples and shrines around the city. Whenever I had a free afternoon, I’d often go to the beach or take short trips to nearby towns like Dazaifu or Yanagawa.
On weekends, I joined cultural activities organized by the school, like kimono-wearing or calligraphy workshops, which gave me a deeper connection to Japanese traditions.
In the evenings, I enjoyed hanging out with other students—whether it was cooking dinner together at the share house, going to karaoke, or just walking around the city. There was always something to do, and I never felt bored. Every moment felt like part of the adventure.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a shared apartment arranged by Meiji Academy, which was a fantastic experience.
What I liked best was the sense of community. Living with other students from all over the world created an instant support system and a chance to practice my Japanese in a casual, fun environment.
The apartment itself was clean and well-maintained, and it was conveniently located near the school and public transportation, making it easy to get around. Plus, the shared kitchen was a great way to try out cooking Japanese dishes with my roommates!
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
If I could give future participants one piece of advice, it would be to come with an open mind and a willingness to embrace new cultural experiences.
Japan has so much to offer beyond the classroom, and the more you're willing to step outside your comfort zone and try new things—whether it's trying unfamiliar foods, visiting local festivals, or simply striking up conversations with locals—the richer and more rewarding your experience will be.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes; that's part of the fun of learning!
Enjoying an unforgettable kimono experience at a shrine with friends in Fukuoka.
Would you recommend Meiji Academy to others? Why?
Absolutely, I would wholeheartedly recommend Meiji Academy to anyone looking to improve their Japanese language skills and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
The program's structured curriculum, combined with the supportive and experienced teachers, created a fantastic learning environment that helped me make significant progress in a short amount of time.
Beyond the classroom, the opportunities for cultural immersion—through activities, excursions, and interactions with locals—were invaluable in deepening my understanding of Japan.
If you're serious about learning Japanese and experiencing Japanese culture firsthand, Meiji Academy is an excellent choice.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
For me, the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to cultivate empathy and a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
When you step outside your familiar environment and immerse yourself in another way of life, you're forced to confront your own assumptions and biases. You start to see the world through a different lens, and you develop a greater appreciation for the diversity of human experience.
This increased empathy can make you a more open-minded, tolerant, and compassionate person, both in your personal and professional life.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Since returning home, my time abroad has had a significant impact on both my language skills and my career goals.
My Japanese proficiency has improved dramatically, which has opened up new opportunities for me in terms of employment and further study. I'm now actively seeking roles that require Japanese language skills, and I'm also planning to pursue further certifications to enhance my qualifications.
My time abroad solidified my passion, and I'm now more determined than ever to pursue a career in that field.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, for me, is a journey of self-discovery and continuous learning.
It's about stepping outside my comfort zone, challenging my assumptions, and expanding my understanding of the world and my place within it. It's about embracing the unfamiliar, being open to new perspectives, and growing as a person through the experiences I have and the people I meet along the way.
It is about understanding myself better by understanding the world better.
