Rebecca Penglase

Charles Sturt University, Australia
Exchange to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan

Being a successful recipient of the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Scholarship, I was able to undertake a one year exchange programme to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Beppu, Japan. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience. APU has such a diverse international environment with students from over 75 countries, making it a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world, learning about their culture through performances and food.

For the first semester I lived on campus which was quite an adjustment as it was my first time to live in such a small room, sharing a kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities with up to 20 other people. It was an easy way to meet not only other exchange students, but also Japanese and international students who will be completing their degrees at APU. During the second semester, I decided to move into an apartment closer to the city so I could experience living within a Japanese community.

I took every opportunity I could to travel with friends and my homestay family to see the magnificent sights which Japan has to offer. This included cave snorkelling in Okinawa, hiking up Mount Fuji, seeing the famous “sakura” (cherry blossom) trees, visiting temples and castles throughout the Kansai region and Mount Aso (Japan’s largest active volcano), walking across Tokyo’s spectacular rainbow bridge, as well as experiencing a couple of typhoons and earthquakes. Each region is slightly different in its look and feel, boasting about its famous food speciality. I also went to a number of different festivals (including sumo) which was a great way to be immersed into the culture and indulge in the magnificent food. Everyone I met whilst travelling was extremely friendly and helpful. I also had the chance to explore China, seeing their preparations for the Beijing Olympics this year, hiking the Great Wall and Mount Huashan (one of China’s 5 sacred mountains), as well as visiting the spectacular Terracotta Warriors.

Throughout my time in Japan, I have not only learnt a lot about the country, but also about myself. I have been pushed beyond my comfort zone a number of times. Things that are so quick to do at home like grocery shopping, catching the bus, paying bills and posting, all took a lot of time, energy and were sometimes quite stressful to complete. However, over time it did get easier. I have met an amazing and very special group of people from all over the world, whom I have shared so many incredible moments with, forming invaluable friendships and memories which will last a lifetime.

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