Before I Came to Study in Japan
Before participating, my main goal was to improve my skills—especially communication, teamwork, and the ability to cooperate with international students. My passion for Japanese technology, culture, and education also motivated me to apply for this exchange program. I studied Japanese culture before, and I was eager to experience it in real life. The successful and unique Japanese education system, together with the advanced research laboratories, made studying in Japan one of my biggest dreams.
Sophia University has a special and interesting environment because of its large international community and its balance between humanities, science, and technology. This combination creates a rich academic atmosphere where I can deepen my knowledge in my field while also learning from other faculties and participating in interdisciplinary activities
Experiences in Japan
- Becoming independent：I learned to live independently by cooking, cleaning, managing my daily needs, and taking full responsibility for myself for the first time.
- Experiencing comfort and safety：I experienced how convenient and safe daily life is in Japan, where everything is accessible, well-organized, and my basic needs can be easily found.
- Adapting to new food and culture：I adapted to completely new food, eating styles, and cultural habits, from using chopsticks to exploring Japanese shops and restaurants very different from my home country.
- Learning transportation rules：I learned how organized Japan’s transportation system is, including train etiquette, phone manners, bag placement, and respecting priority seats.
Memorable Incident
One of the most memorable experiences during my study abroad happened during my first week in Japan. I was still unfamiliar with the transportation system, and one evening I accidentally took the wrong bus. At that time, I did not fully know the name of the area where I lived, and I felt extremely worried because everything around me was new—the language, the signs, and even the roads.
When I told the bus driver that I was lost, he immediately stopped at the next station and kindly explained what I should do to return home. His patience made me feel safe, even though I was alone in an unfamiliar place. After I left the bus, I tried to ask people around me for help. To my surprise, several strangers stopped to listen carefully, use their phones to search for my address, and guide me step by step to the correct bus stop.
What impressed me most was how genuinely helpful, polite, and patient everyone was. Even though communication was difficult, they did their best to support me. This experience made me deeply appreciate the kindness of Japanese society and gave me confidence that, even when I face challenges, I am never completely alone.
How I Changed During My Study Abroad
During my study abroad experience, I felt my personality grow faster than ever before. Living in a multicultural environment taught me how to accept people regardless of their background, culture, beliefs, or religion. The differences between my culture and Japanese culture helped me quickly adapt to new situations and understand the importance of respect, patience, and open-mindedness. I learned to solve problems calmly without fear or panic, and to trust myself when facing challenges.
My academic skills also improved significantly. My English communication became stronger, my Japanese ability increased, and I gained more confidence in academic writing and presentations. I also developed important research skills through classes, assignments, and interactions with professors. These experiences helped me become more independent and responsible in my academic work.
Another major change was my understanding of the world. I learned about the history, geography, and traditions of many different countries, and I met people from places I had never heard of before coming to Japan. Through these connections, I discovered that people are often more similar than they appear, even when their habits and languages are different. Kindness, humanity, and helpfulness are universal values that connect us all.I also realized how powerful a simple smile can be—it can express gratitude, kindness, and respect, even when you don’t speak the same language. This experience taught me that communication is not only about words, but also about empathy and sincerity.
Overall, studying abroad made me more confident, open-minded, culturally aware, and ready to grow even more in the future.
Future Goals and Prospects
Studying abroad has changed me in ways I never expected. Before coming to Japan, I was excited but unsure about how I would adapt to a completely different culture, language, and academic system. Now, I can confidently say that this experience made me stronger, more independent, and more aware of my abilities. I learned how to manage my life alone, communicate across cultures, and overcome cultural shocks with patience and openness.
Academically, I have grown a lot. Building relationships with professors, attending classes in a new environment, and learning from international classmates helped me broaden my scientific perspective. I improved my communication skills, critical thinking, and ability to express my ideas clearly. I also learned how to adapt to different teaching styles and expectations, which prepared me for future graduate studies.
This experience also helped me understand the type of academic environment where I feel most comfortable. At first, I planned to pursue my Master’s degree in Germany, but after interacting with both German and Japanese people, I realized that Japan’s respectful, organized, and supportive atmosphere suits me better. Now I am motivated to return to Japan for my Master’s and PhD studies.
Studying abroad also made me believe in myself. Being able to achieve one of my biggest dreams—coming to Japan—showed me that I can achieve even bigger goals. I now plan to apply for more research internships in Japan and internationally. This journey taught me resilience, confidence, and independence, and it continues to shape the future I am working toward.
Message to students considering studying abroad
abroad is a wonderful experience that will shape your life both personally and academically. You will discover strengths within you that you never knew existed, and you will learn how to overcome challenges with confidence. This journey will teach you independence, problem-solving, and resilience. You will build new habits, meet new people, and grow in ways that will stay with you forever. Do not be afraid to take this step—your future self will thank you for the courage you showed today.
About Your Home Region in Africa
I am Egyptian, and what makes my home region unique is the strong sense of community among people. In Egypt, strangers help each other with anything—food, shelter, directions, or support—without expecting anything in return. Egypt is also home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with a rich history that created an entire scientific field: Egyptology. The natural environment is equally diverse, with the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Nile River, deserts, and fertile agricultural lands all in one country. This combination of deep history, cultural warmth, and varied landscapes makes Egypt truly special.
