Melissa-Lee Frazer

Bond University, Australia
Exchange to Oberlin University, Japan

My time in Japan is one I am sure I will never forget. I am currently doing a five-month exchange in Tokyo, Japan and am not regretting a thing. This has been a lifetime opportunity for me. I have met some amazing people, not just from Japan, but from around the world.

Coming from such a relaxed place as the Gold Coast, at first I was a little shocked at how busy everything was, not just the streets, but the trains, shops and people themselves. All you could ever see was a train of Japanese people walking at remarkably fast pace and the odd Westerner’s head popping up in the crowd.

Whilst I was staying in Japan, I stayed with a host family. I decided to do this because it would be the best way to be exposed to more of the language and culture. I have learnt so much from my host family. Not only have I learnt more about the language and culture, I have learnt that Japanese people can be quite crazy. They are full of personality, you just have to help bring it out. I loved staying with a host family because I experienced more culture, like sleeping in a traditional room with a futon, eating some amazingly delicious food and trying some rather weird tasting ones that my taste buds did not quite appreciate but hey, it’s all part of this life learning experience.

My university, Oberlin, was located in Fuchinobe, two stops from Machida by train where we spent most of our time, shopping, singing karaoke and going out for dinner. Oberlin University has a Centre for International Students. This means that there are many students from all over the world that come here to study Japanese language, culture and history subjects. I met friends from America, Canada, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Korea, China, Thailand and many more countries. We would all have Japanese language classes together and then our cultural classes would also consist of Japanese students who could understand English enough to participate. Some of the cultural classes I took were classical Japanese dance. This was a very interesting class. We would wear Yukatas, use fans and dance around using traditional Japanese dance steps. Very different to the fast-paced Australian style dance, but a lot of fun. I also studied about Japanese school education and fieldwork. This consisted of me and other foreign students going to elementary schools and high schools to teach English and talk about our different countries. It was so much fun. The students were always so enthused and so cute. The University itself was quite big and had beautiful gardens. The main garden in the courtyard is changed about every month or so to a different style using different flowers. The students were always so friendly. It was quite funny because you would always have these strangers coming up to you and start talking, just wanting to practice their English and meet a foreigner.

With my new friends, we traveled to many different and unique places within Japan. Together we did Kyoto, Nara and Gion during Golden Week, as well as Okinawa, Ginza, Tokyo central, Yokohama, Harajuku, Sapporo and many other places. Each place is unique in its own way, whether it be a temple in Kyoto, food in Sapporo or people in Harajuku, each destination was a wonderful experience. We found that sometimes, without having any idea where we were going, we would be able to find some amazing park or temple. There is always something unique around every corner. And since I shared it with friends, I have great memories and photos to remind me of my wonderful time in Japan.

Whilst in Japan, I also had the privilege of participating in an English Camp where I went with 230 high school students to the Olympic Centre for two days. I had my own class and was teaching English to all the eager high school students that wanted to learn. The children were so kind, energetic and friendly, which makes teaching so much more enjoyable.

If traveling in late April to early May, I recommend a must-see is the “Sakura” (cherry blossoms). These are some of the most beautiful trees I have ever seen. The Japanese love to sit under them. You could always see big groups having picnics or playing games under the trees. Also if one has an opportunity to visit Kyoto, I recommend the temples and shrines as a must-see. You will definitely feel enlightened. They are so beautiful and peaceful. One must try the different varieties of food that are on offer. But I will warn you to be careful as they do become addictive.

I really enjoyed myself in Japan. I learnt so much about Japan, Japanese people, culture and life. I also grew as a person and learnt such a lot of Japanese that I even started to dream in Japanese – that was very different. I think that when one undertakes an exchange, it is great for personal development. However the most important thing to me was the lasting friendships I made and the every hilarious memory we share.

I encourage anyone whom is able to, to jump at the opportunity of exchange as it is a wonderful opportunity. You will make everlasting friendships and learn so much, not just about Japan, but also yourself.

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