View from on of the university buildings
Having arrived in Japan in September 2024 and spending just under a year in the country, I’ve come to feel surprisingly at home.
Unlike many others embarking on a year abroad, I wasn’t starting from zero—I already had friends in Japan and some existing connections, although not many in Nagoya, where I would be based. This wasn’t my first time in the country either, so I didn’t arrive with the same “wide-eyed” wonder typical of first-time visitors (though I certainly felt that during my first trip!).
receiving my completion certificate.
I lived in an international dormitory near my campus, which turned out to be an ideal home base. There were always Japanese students around to practice with, though at times the atmosphere leaned heavily international. It can be difficult to form lasting relationships with Japanese students, particularly when interactions are often short-term or built around programs geared toward foreign students. That said, I did manage to form genuine friendships with both Japanese and international students—bonds that I hope will continue long after the program ends.
Receiving the John Speak Trust scholarship significantly enhanced my experience. It enabled me to explore Japan more deeply than I otherwise could have. I travelled more than I had expected, primarily within the Chūbu region, gaining a unique perspective on local life. My trip to Nagano stands out in particular: we experienced heavy snowfall and trekked through beautifully silent, snow-covered forests—an unforgettable moment of serenity.
Nagano trip in the snow
Despite my efforts, I found integrating into everyday student life more challenging than I had hoped. A single year often isn’t long enough to break fully out of the international bubble, even if you’re eager to connect more deeply. While I’m thankful for the Japanese friends I made, I now realize that joining a fully Japanese student club earlier —without any link to the international programs—would likely have improved both my immersion and language development. My advice for future students: Be bold. If your goal is rapid language improvement, don’t hesitate to dive into all-Japanese clubs and social settings, even if it feels intimidating. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Surprisingly, I experienced very little culture shock from Japanese society itself. In fact, most of the culture shock came from interacting with fellow international students—especially Americans. While we share a common language, I became more aware than ever of the subtle but significant cultural differences between us. It was also interesting to observe how Japan, in many ways, is influenced by American culture—a reflection of its post-war history.
portion of the Nakasendo route we walked
The scholarship experience has made me think more critically about UK–Japan relations and how these could be strengthened—not just economically but also socially and culturally. Learning the language is essential, but understanding the culture and history of a place is equally important. I strongly believe that my prior knowledge of Japanese customs and traditions played a big role in easing my transition and minimizing culture shock. Knowing why something is different makes it easier to adapt when you’re in the moment.
On a lighter note, if there’s one practical struggle I didn’t quite conquer, it was finding a good haircut. Let’s just say I’ve had mixed luck—but that’s all part of the experience, I guess!
I’m deeply grateful to the John Speak Trust for supporting my year at Nanzan University. Their funding made it possible for me to make the most of this opportunity—not just academically, but in discovering Japan as a second home. I wish all future scholarship recipients the best of luck in their own journeys abroad!