Alexander CHURCHWARD

Student of Victoria University, Australia
Exchange to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan

Studying in Japan was the greatest experience I have ever had during my studies. The opportunity to establish friendships with people from across the world, whom I would never be able to meet at home, remains one of the highlights of the programme. The personal growth and change in perspective that achieved through the immersion in different culture is another greatest reward.

The highest praise I can give is that while I was abroad I never had a single bad day. There was always somewhere new to explore and new people to meet, from the nearby major town of Oita to the beaches the town is built upon. Participating in activities with other students was also highly encouraged, with all sorts of clubs holding recruitment drives and presentations, such as the traditional drumming club "Wadaiko Raku" that I joined.

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University also offered a great deal of support in helping students to be more familiar with the language. For instance, language courses were included in the syllabus, the Student Access Language Centre (staffed by other students) on campus would also offered free private tutoring, and some volunteers from the local community would even visit the common areas of the dorms on Wednesdays and Sundays offering help with teaching the language.

Having occupied by outings with friends, meals at various restaurants, club activities and studying at the university, yet it is impossible to experience everything Beppu has on offer. Studying abroad was a fantastic experience and all the fantastic memories I had will stay with me for the rest of my life.

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