Cameron PUYOL

Student of Deakin University, Australia
Exchange to Sophia University, Japan

Growing up I was never interested in travelling or learning a foreign language. What for? When English is so common. I had no expectations from going overseas, I was ignorant. When I made the choice to study abroad I wasn't really thinking of what to expect. I was not the kind of person to travel, I didn't particularly like travelling or speaking a foreign language because it is embarrassing.

I chose Japan on the basis of its stereotype - robots, technology and cars. That's what most people think. Oh, and whaling.

Before going, I took a couple of classes for Japanese, because I didn't want to be the person to not speak Japanese and expect others to speak English, arrogant, in my opinion. Finding an apartment in Tokyo was difficult and a lot of places were really expensive, although, there were dormitories about 1 hour away. I eventually found a small apartment, 30 minutes from school. The location was close, so I didn't have to spend time travelling, saving me time to study. The prices were high due to the location, but thanks to the Endeavour Award this was possible, really making it easier to settle in with no stress or worrying about money - or the exchange rate.

Finally, establishing a place to reside in, I began my course at university. Where is the internet? - Only in certain locations. Online lectures? - What are they? Comparing my host university to my university in Australia it was completely different. That is why this exchange was the best experience of my life!

I was expecting this futuristic place where everything was high tech and modern. What I got was different. The stereotype of Japan was non-existent, no whales on the menu and no-robots.

That's what made me enjoy Japan and my university helped me grow. I had to learn to do things differently, in a way I haven't done.

The transportation was amazing - Melbourne, I'm looking at you. Trains were on time, every two to five minutes. At times they were very crowded. The adult version of the children's game sardines. I was amazed that people could just keep coming on - amazing! This popped my personal bubble, pushing me so far out of my comfort zone.

The teachers at Sophia, although not fluent in English, were easy to listen to, inspirational and enjoyable to be around. They enjoyed their fields of expertise and were very knowledgeable.

Speaking and learning Japanese was the scariest part of the exchange. I really had to push myself to communicate with the locals. When I spoke, I didn't know if they could understand me and I could not always understand them.

Through the good and the illogical, Japan was a really interesting country. I highly recommend people to go. The culture, the cleanliness, TV shows, department stores and fashion were really impressive and I wish Australia could learn from Japan as well as Japan to learn from Australia.

Also, nice toilets in Japan.

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