Heather Smith

Flinders University, Australia
Exchange to Nagoya University, Japan

I had the intention of increasing my knowledge of studies in my major, International Relations and gaining proficiency in the Japanese language and an understanding of Japanese culture. I also intended on networking, so that I could build relationships for my future career and increase cooperation between Australia, Japan and other states with connections through Nagoya University and other organisations engaged in positive global relations.

My experiences in Japan have exceeded my expectations.

Not only has my knowledge of studies in my major increased, but my scope has broadened. I have had the opportunity to participate in the Hiroshima INU Peace Conference series and through Nagoya University, classes from the Graduate School of Law and the Graduate School of International Development as well as the Education Centre for International Students. Through these programmes I have gained valuable knowledge, enhancing my prospects to attain positions in my chosen field and continue on to further my study in a Masters programme. The programmes offered at Nagoya University enabled me to undertake studies in areas such as International Law, International Migration, Peace building, International Politics of Conflict and other related areas of study. The professionalism and guidance of the staff at Nagoya University have enabled me to grow in academic terms over the past year.

I have formed long lasting friendships with people from various parts of the Asia and Pacific region and in the course of building these friendships, learned so much about Japan, Japanese people and their culture. I’ve been privileged to have learned Taiko drumming from a Taiko school which has been handed down through generations (as far back as 250 years), learned ‘the way of the tea’, prayed at Shinto Shrines and Buddhist temples, dressed by a professional Kimono artisan and taught how to dance the traditional Japanese way. I discovered a new talent in karaoke booths, toured the mesmerising countryside and mountainous regions, been bedazzled by the city jungles, taught children about Australia and New Zealand and our multicultural diversity and so much more. But most of all, I have been blessed to have received so much kindness from every person I met, from elderly ladies willing to share a story with me on the subway, the Chinese students teaching me how to ‘think in pictures’ to learn Kanji, the academic guidance of my tutors and professors, assistance in everyday life and most of all, my kind and generous friends. My daughter came to Japan with me and also assisted me in teaching children about our culture and society and formed valuable friendships along the way.

During this time I was fortunate to have been introduced to presidents, secretary-generals and directors of organisations fostering the relations between Japan, Australia, New Zealand and other countries and also development in the Asian region. I will maintain connections with this network and there is also the possibility of working within this network once I finish my degree.

So this story is not over. The knowledge I have gained, as well as the friendships and networks I have made throughout this year will be long lasting and I believe will be the key to my future career.

I am grateful to the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards scholarship, Flinders University and Nagoya University for allowing me the opportunity to have this rewarding experience. It is these kinds of experiences that increase interaction and cooperation between countries in our region.

© Copyright 2018 CK Group. All rights reserved.