Life as a CJS Student at Nanzan University

One month into my exchange program, I still feel like I am getting used to the new environment around me, since I am getting more comfortable with a regular and stable schedule, it is easier to develop a routine. I now feel like I can tell you what your average day in the life of a Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) student is like at Nanzan University!

First, if you decide on this program, you have several housing options to choose from. There is Foyer Nanzan, which is essentially apartment living, with your own bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom. Then there is Janssen International Residence, which is dorm living (no roommates, so one room per student). Another option is the Rainbow House, which is a six-person shared-house living. And finally, of course, you have the option of staying with a host family for the duration of your experience. All of the above options have their benefits, and it is up to the student to decide on which of these perks they would like to prioritize. I chose to stay at Janssen because of how close it is to campus (a five-minute walk!), the privacy of having your own room, the central location in Nagoya, and most importantly, the community. Janssen is a perfect blend of exchange students like yourself from all over the world, as well as Japanese students who you can build connections with. In my own kitchen group, I am one of two exchange students while the rest are all Japanese students. I have made wonderful connections with everyone, which is a big reason why I am starting to feel more comfortable in my new life here.

Another big part of my life here is, of course, academics. I am taking Intensive Japanese Language (of which there are five levels), Japanese Society, Japanese Pop Culture, and Japanese Literature, totaling 16 credits. From Monday through Friday, except on Wednesdays, I take my Japanese language course from 9 A.M. to 12:45 P.M. These are unusually longer hours than your average class back in the United States, but because this one class is eight credits, it is what is needed to make it count. I also appreciate that this system forces you to focus on your Japanese language development. Coming to Japan through this program is a wonderful time, but your studies have to be at the center of it. Because of such hours of dedication, I can already tell that my Japanese has drastically improved, and I am proud of where I am now. All of my other courses, save for Japanese Literature, are taught in English. I am learning so much about Japanese culture on a deeper, more fundamental level that I would not have known if I never took these classes. I enjoy the environment of each, and the professors who teach the courses. There are already so many other courses that I am looking forward to taking next semester!

Between home life and academics, my favorite aspect of my new life in Japan is the social. I feel that I made a diverse group of friends from all over the world. There are many students from the United States, but also India, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Poland, Germany, France, Spain, England, Italy, Sweden, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Japan, and much more. Learning about the different cultures between us is eye-opening and so much fun. From learning German going-out games to practicing my Spanish on top of my Japanese, I feel like the social environment here would be stimulating and content for anyone. What’s more, there are endless activities to do with your new friends, from going to kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi), izakayas (lively and cheap bars), visiting the bustling areas of Sakae and Osu in downtown Nagoya, taking trips to Tokyo and Osaka (since Nagoya is right in between both!), to relaxing in the natural spring waters of onsen, there is a never-ending list of things to do here.

If you have any questions or reservations about coming to Nagoya through IES Abroad, please don’t hesitate to contact me! I would love to tell you more about what life in Nagoya, Japan, is really like!