Monica BARRY

Student of Edith Cowan University, Australia
Exchange to Konan University, Japan

My name is Monica Barry and I am studying a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business at Edith Cowan University. When I first entered university I thought that studying abroad was beyond my abilities. It was the encouragement from my friends, family and teachers that motivated me to take on this adventure and to push myself more than ever before.

Throughout my time at Konan University, not only I was able to engage with Japanese students, I was also able to engage with fellow foreign exchange students from across the globe. I was able to interact with people of different cultures and backgrounds while introducing aspects of my own culture to others. The course also allowed me to converse directly with students by presenting various aspects of Australian culture, from our unique accent and language to our diverse ecosystem.

I was able to learn about aspects of Japanese culture that I would have not otherwise been exposed to, such as their business practices, history and performing arts. Everyday life and social interactions also introduced to me subtle nuances within the culture that can only be understood by living in the country for an extended period of time.

I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to study abroad as I feel that it has changed my life in so many ways beyond just language fluency. My time in Japan challenged me more than I could have ever anticipated, although it was a struggle sometimes. I feel more confident in myself and my abilities now. I feel more motivated than ever to continue my language studies upon my return to Australia and to ensure that I use and further develop the skills that I have gained from this experience.

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