Living in Japan as an exchange student has been one of the most exciting and eye-opening experiences of my life. I arrived in Tokyo about six months ago, feeling both nervous and excited. Everything felt new and different—the language, the food, the transportation, even the air. The first thing that caught my attention was how clean and organized everything is. The trains always arrive exactly on time, and people follow the rules politely, whether they are waiting in line or speaking on the phone.
CEFR B2 Level
Understand complex ideas in different types of texts.
Life in Japan as an Exchange Student
One of the biggest challenges for me was the language. Although I had studied Japanese for over a year before coming, I still found it difficult to understand native speakers at first. They speak very fast, and there are many expressions that I didn’t learn in the classroom. However, my host family was very patient and encouraging. They spoke slowly at first, and they helped me learn useful everyday phrases. Over time, I began to feel more confident speaking and listening.
School life here is very different from my school back home in Brazil. The students are very disciplined and respectful. Every morning starts with greetings and a short meeting with the teacher. We also clean our classrooms ourselves, which surprised me at first. Group work is a big part of learning, and students help each other with tasks. I decided to join the calligraphy club, which turned out to be a great way to make new friends and learn about traditional Japanese art.
Outside of school, I’ve had the chance to explore many places in Tokyo and beyond. I visited ancient temples in Kyoto, relaxed in a hot spring in Hakone, and attended the cherry blossom festival in spring. I’ve also tried many new foods—sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, and even green tea ice cream! Some dishes were very different from what I’m used to, but I’ve grown to enjoy many of them.
One thing I’ve really noticed is how much technology is used in everyday life. Students often use tablets to read books, do homework, conduct research, and exchange ideas. Besides, all public places are filled with smart machines. Even the vending machines here can talk, recommend drinks, and accept digital payments.
This experience has taught me so much, not only about Japanese culture but also about myself. I’ve become more disciplined, independent, flexible, and open-minded. It hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges have helped me grow. I believe that living abroad, even for a short time, can change the way you see the world. I would highly recommend a student exchange program to anyone who is curious about new cultures and ready to step outside their comfort zone.