What inspired you to travel abroad?
I’ve always been curious about other cultures and wanted to challenge myself by living somewhere completely different from home. Japan, in particular, fascinated me because of its unique blend of tradition and modernity, and I’ve loved the language and culture for years. Going abroad was a chance to really dive into that world, not just as a tourist, but by living day-to-day life there.
I wanted to improve my Japanese, meet new people, and experience things I couldn’t get anywhere else. Plus, I was excited about the opportunity to grow personally — to step out of my comfort zone, see how others live, and come back with new perspectives. It wasn’t just about travel or study — it was about becoming part of something bigger and learning more about myself along the way. That’s what pushed me to take the leap and go abroad.
Me sitting in a field of flowers on Nokonoshima island
Why did you choose Meiji Academy?
I picked Meiji Academy because I wanted more than just language classes — I wanted to be part of a community and really get into Japanese culture. From what I heard, the teachers are super supportive, the classes are small, and you get a lot of personal attention.
Also, I liked that it’s in Fukuoka — the city feels lively but not too crowded like Tokyo or Osaka. It just seemed like a good balance for learning and exploring. That’s why Meiji Academy felt like the right choice for me.
What was your favorite part about Fukuoka?
There are so many things I loved about Japan and Fukuoka, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the unique blend of tradition and modern life that you find everywhere. Fukuoka felt like the perfect balance — a city that’s lively and modern, yet still deeply connected to its history and nature.
I loved exploring the temples, wandering through quiet neighborhoods with beautiful old houses, and at the same time enjoying bustling markets, street food stalls, and trendy cafés. What really made it special, though, was the people. The warmth and politeness of locals, my host family’s incredible hospitality, and the friendships I built at Meiji Academy all made the city feel like home.
Being able to play volleyball with locals and join in community activities helped me feel truly connected, not just a visitor. The natural beauty around Fukuoka, like Ohori Park and nearby beaches, was a perfect escape from city life and gave me a chance to recharge and reflect.
Me wearing a kimono near Kushida Shrine in Fukuoka.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Honestly, it was how quickly Japan started to feel like home. I didn’t expect to feel such a strong connection so soon, but everything just clicked — the people I met, the rhythm of daily life, the atmosphere in Fukuoka.
At Meiji Academy, I made some incredible friends. We bonded not just over learning Japanese, but through the little things: grabbing lunch after class, exploring the city together, or sitting around talking in a mix of Japanese, English, and whatever else worked. We’d head out to festivals, try local food, and sometimes just walk through the city for hours. It was such a fun and supportive environment.
My host family was a huge part of that too. They were so welcoming and kind, and living with them gave me a glimpse into daily life that I never could’ve had otherwise. It wasn’t just cultural exchange — I genuinely felt like a member of the family.
I also started playing volleyball with a local group, and that was honestly one of the best decisions I made. I didn’t know anyone at first, but they invited me in like I’d been part of the team forever. Practices turned into dinners, and soon I was part of their community too.
The whole experience wasn’t just about being in Japan — it was about being surrounded by people who made me feel connected, included, and genuinely at home. That’s what made it unforgettable.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The teachers at Meiji Academy were amazing. They weren’t just good at teaching Japanese — they genuinely cared about us and often gave tips on what to do, where to eat, and how to enjoy local life in Fukuoka. It made a big difference, especially at the beginning when everything felt new.
The administrative staff was also super kind and helpful. Whether it was about classes or random questions, they were always approachable and supportive. It really felt like they wanted us to have the best possible experience, and I appreciated that a lot.
At a temple in the countryside.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
That’s honestly a tough question because I’m really happy with how everything turned out. I feel super lucky — I had an amazing host family, a great language school, and met so many kind people along the way.
If I had to pick one thing, though, I’d say I wish I had studied Japanese a bit more seriously before coming. It would’ve helped me settle in faster and connect more deeply from the beginning. But in the end, figuring things out on the spot also became part of the experience.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Most mornings started with breakfast at home with my host family — usually rice with natto, a raw egg, and some fish. It was simple but delicious, and sharing that time together really became part of my routine.
After that, I had Japanese class until around 13:00. The lessons were super engaging, and the small class size made it easy to ask questions and stay motivated. In the afternoons, I’d usually head out with friends from school to explore Fukuoka or nearby areas. We’d visit parks, shrines, little cafés, or just walk around different neighborhoods.
There was always something new to discover, and doing it with friends made it even better.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
There was so much I enjoyed during my free time. I loved trying different Japanese foods — from street snacks to proper meals, everything was so good. I also really enjoyed spending time with my host family and friends, whether it was just hanging out, exploring the city, or joining festivals and events.
Fukuoka has a great balance of nature and city life, so I often went for walks in parks, visited temples, or took short trips to nearby places. I also got really into learning about Japanese architecture and history — just walking through older neighborhoods or seeing a traditional house felt special.
And of course, I spent a lot of time studying Japanese. It didn’t always feel like studying though — it was more like opening the door to everything happening around me.
Touching the reclining Buddha at Nanzoin temple
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed with a host family, and honestly, that was one of the best parts of the whole experience. They welcomed me like I was part of their family right from the start.
Living with them meant I wasn’t just studying Japanese — I was living it every day, joining family meals, going to local events, and getting to know not just my host parents and siblings, but even their extended family. What I liked best was how natural it all felt. It wasn’t just a place to sleep — it was a real home where I felt comfortable, supported, and connected.
That kind of experience made my time in Japan so much more meaningful and memorable.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One important thing to know is that the more Japanese you already know before starting, the more enjoyable and rewarding the experience will be. It really helps not just in class, but also in daily life — like making friends, ordering food, and exploring the city.
That said, the program itself is really welcoming and supportive, so don’t worry if your Japanese isn’t perfect yet. The teachers are amazing and genuinely want to help you improve. They’re also great sources of local tips — whether it’s about the best places to eat, cool spots to visit, or fun things to do on weekends.
So, come with an open mind, be ready to ask questions, and take advantage of all the advice and recommendations. It’ll make your time there way richer and more fun than just studying alone.
Would you recommend your program provider to others? Why?
Yes, absolutely. One of the things that really stood out at Meiji Academy was the unique relationship between students and teachers. There’s very little hierarchy — the teachers don’t stand in front of the class and lecture. Instead, they sit at the same table with you, like a good friend who genuinely wants to help you learn. It creates such a comfortable and supportive atmosphere.
The teachers are also full of local knowledge and always happy to share tips on food, hidden spots around Fukuoka, or cool things to do on the weekend. I found so many great places thanks to their recommendations. It’s a personal and relaxed environment that really makes learning fun and effective.
Visiting Kumamoto Castle
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
For me, the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is how it opens your perspective — not just about the world, but about yourself. Being in a new country pushes you out of your comfort zone, forces you to adapt, and helps you see things from different angles.
You learn to appreciate other cultures, languages, and ways of life in a way you never could from a distance. But beyond that, it’s the connections you make with people that stay with you — friendships, host families, teachers — all of whom teach you more than any textbook ever could.
Traveling abroad challenges you, grows you, and makes you more open, patient, and curious. And that’s something that changes you for life.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Being back, I’ve realized just how different Switzerland and Japan are, but also how similar in some important ways — like politeness, punctuality, and a shared love for beautiful nature. Living there showed me how differently people live and think.
Things I once took for granted as obvious or self-explanatory turned out to be quite different from what’s normal for Japanese people. That awareness has made me more open-minded and thoughtful about different perspectives, which I think is really valuable no matter where you are.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is about more than just visiting new places — it’s about truly connecting with the people, culture, and everyday life of where you are. It means stepping outside of your usual world to understand different ways of living and thinking, and being open to learning from those experiences.
Meaningful travel changes how you see yourself and others, builds empathy, and creates memories and relationships that last long after the trip is over. It’s about being present, curious, and respectful, and letting the journey shape you in unexpected ways.
