Lisa LLEWELYN

Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
Exchange to Kansai Gaidai University, Japan

Traveling overseas has always been a top priority for me and in 2011 I was able to participate in a one year exchange to Kansai Gaidai University in Japan.

This kind of opportunity does not come around often which is why I jumped at the chance of experiencing another country and all of its offerings. However, this would not have been possible without the help of the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards as well the Australian Government for its support in allowing this experience to be possible.

Japan is not a country for everyone, I believe you have to have an emotional drive to see the country for what it is, as well as its kind-hearted and generous population. For me, studying the language and culture all through my school life was enough for me to recognise that Japan was a place where I wanted to go. Once arriving, I felt as if my dreams had come true as I worked so hard to get to this point in my life.

Studying at one of the top international universities I was able to meet over 350 other international students from over 20 different countries. These are the people that make you open your eyes to the world and recognise what is really important in your life. Everyday university life was always a joy, constantly meeting new international students or local Japanese students was always an experience in itself. Learning subjects in a Japanese context was very eye-opening and allowed me to learn more than ever about the ways of the Japanese.

Everyday was something new and exciting, a new destination, a new friend, a new word, a new food and the list could go on. I was fortunate enough to spend three months backpacking around Japan, where I was able to go and see some of the most remote and unique places that Japan has hidden between each temple and electronic store.

Climbing Mt Fuji would have to be in the top three highlights of my exchange, it was one of the most rewarding and satisfying experiences of my life and I will never forget that feeling of accomplishment.

Exchange to any country can only be as good as you make it to be. The opportunities are there and waiting for you, you just have to reach out and grab them. The life-long lessons and experiences that I have taken away from my exchange shaped me into a better and more aware individual. Thank you to everyone who made my exchange possible. It is something I will never forget.

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