On the other side of the world

From studying Japan to living it

Thanks to the partnership between Hosei and my home university, I had the opportunity to spend one year here, in Japan. As a student of Oriental Languages and Civilizations, with a specifi c focus on the Japanese language and culture, coming to Japan and experiencing it fi rsthand has truly been a dream come true.

Looking back on these months and reviewing the photographs I took during my stay made me realize how many meaningful experiences I have lived: the traditional tea ceremony, a Japanese calligraphy event, a mini sports festival, small trips around Japan and many other activities. This university allowed me to engage directly with Japanese culture and experience it on a daily basis, in a way that goes far beyond what can be learned from books.

Finding my way

This was my fi rst experience living on my own. I left my small countryside home and suddenly found myself in the middle of one of the most populous metropolises in the world, in a completely different environment, far from my habits and my native language. At fi rst, I was scared: I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t know what to expect from this journey, and I was afraid of feeling alone among so many people. However, thanks to the support of the GEC Offi ce, which welcomed me from the very beginning and helped me through every diffi culty, I came to understand that I will never be alone.

Living abroad on my own required me to make daily decisions and take on responsibilities that I had never faced before while living with my family. All of this contributed to my personal growth: I became more independent and self-aware and I know that, if the person I was one year ago could see me now, she would probably not recognize me because of how much I have changed.

During my time here, I had the opportunity to meet students from all over the world, as well as people from my own country and even my own city, whom I would probably never have met without this experience. I built deep relationships and shared wonderful moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

My second home

Looking toward the future, I would like to build my path in the world of art. Spending a year in Japan has greatly broadened my horizons, particularly from an artistic perspective, and allowed me to engage with an aesthetic and cultural sensibility different from my own, which I have always admired.

Returning to Italy makes me feel a little sad, as over the months Japan became like a second home to me. At the same time, I am curious to discover what I will carry forward from this wonderful experience.

If I was able to live such an intense year, I owe it largely to this university, the opportunities it offered me and all the people it allowed me to meet, making this journey unforgettable.
法政大学、いろいろとありがとうございます ！！