Japanese Exchange Student Shares Her Experiences at Andrews University

Last week, we were introduced to the Osaka Metropolitan University and Andrews University exchange program, where every year, two students from Andrews change places with two students at Osaka Metropolitan University. One of this year’s students from Japan is Haruka Saito. Haruka is a junior sociology student from Osaka and is this year’s exchange student at Andrews University. 

Although it was quite a big decision to move halfway across the globe to study, Haruka mentions that she came to Andrews because she wanted to improve her English. “After I entered Osaka, I started to meet students from other countries and get to know their different cultures. So, when I heard about this opportunity to study at Andrews, I took it. Andrews is a very diverse school, so there are many cultures to learn about, and I can also practice my English. Additionally, we do not really have religion in Japan, so I could learn about it here.” 

Haruka mentioned that in Japan, it’s more difficult to learn how to speak English, as there aren't many native English speakers. To that goal, she is taking two English classes for non-native speakers, an online class, and an anthropology class. She has enjoyed meeting with people and getting to improve her English speaking skills. “I am taking a class for non-native English speakers and have been able to practice and also meet people from many other countries that I have not seen yet, because they are also non-native English speakers.” Having studied English since the 5th grade in Japan, Haruka could read and write fairly well in English, but speaking was more difficult. However, while at Andrews, she has been able to practice it more and has improved not just in her speaking skills, but also in reading and writing.

But English was not the only thing Haruka has been enjoying this semester. She has also been experiencing the culture that Andrews and the United States as a whole have to offer. “In the U.S., everything is so big, and there is also a lot more open space. In Japan, we do not have this much open space, because in Japan, buildings are closer together. Also, there are larger food serving options, and you can take out what you don’t finish.” 

Although she misses her home and the convenience of city life, Haruka has enjoyed the countryside experience Andrews has to offer and the warm welcome and openness of the people. “People here are also very friendly, like we talk and they ask questions and become friends, and soon we are hugging, but in Japan, people can be very dry, you know, just ‘Hi’ and keep going.” In particular, Haruka recounts how her roommate created a welcome poster for her and how many others on campus have gone out of their way to make her feel welcome and at ease. “I have never traveled to non-Asian cultures, and also this is my first time away from home and family, so I was very anxious, but when I came to my room, my roommate had put a sign ‘Welcome Haruka’ on the pinboard, and it made me feel like I could make it.”

Let’s continue to make Andrews a welcoming place for exchange students, international students and students who are from around the U.S. As Haruka said, it’s the people here at Andrews who help us feel that we can make it. We are diverse, and while that comes with differences, we should own the differences with pride, rather than try to erase them. And when you see freshmen, international students, transfer students, or maybe just someone who could use some encouragement, take the time to smile, say hello, and who knows, you may make a new friend and make someone feel a little less alone in the wild world of college!