I am a second year student studying towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Japanese, at Auckland University of Technology. As I write this (September 2007) I am half way through a one year exchange programme at Hirosaki University in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. I believe that the best way to improve my language ability is to study in an environment where I am forced to use the language everyday. I would like to thank AUT for the exchange opportunity and most importantly the Sasakawa Fellowship Fund, because without the help of this fund I would not have had the chance to experience the Japanese culture, study and live without financial pressure.

Culture Shock

Aomori Prefecture is very different from other cities in Japan. On the first day in Hirosaki I couldn’t understand anything because they spoke in a dialect called ‘Tsugaru ben’, which sounds like Russian and is totally different to standard Japanese. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to communicate with the Japanese I had learnt, but fortunately the young people and the university lecturers all speak in the national dialect. However, after living here for six months I have come to understand a little bit of the tsugaru dialect - it’s like learning a new language.

Hirosaki University Neputa Festival (I am first on the right)

University Life

I am enrolled as a Special Auditor Student therefore my programme is mainly based on Japanese Language. In Hirosaki University you are required to take at least seven classes of which five are Japanese Language classes.

Before university commencement everyone is required to sit a placement test to examine your language abilities which range from introduction to advanced. I would strongly recommend that you refresh your memory with what you have learned in order to be placed in a level suitable for you. Otherwise you may find that the classes are just a revision of what you have already learned. However, getting good grades and passing your level in semester one doesn’t mean that you will definitely go up one level in semester two because you are then required to sit another placement test. So don’t forget to do a little bit of study during your summer vacation.

Apart from Japanese Language classes you can also enrol in classes taken with the Japanese students. However, you must be placed in the Upper Intermediate or Advanced Level Japanese to be able to take these classes. On the other hand, there are also classes called International Subjects. These are designed especially for the exchange students as the classes are taught in both Japanese and English.

A word of advice is to be prepared: studying in Japan is a lot more intense compared to New Zealand. There is endless homework, tests and presentations everyday. Most importantly, be prompt as every time you are late or wag a class you get a point deducted. You only have five chances to pass each class!

Sakura Flower viewing with the Kiwa American Circle (I am second from the right, second row)

Clubs and Circles

You will be amazed by the variety of clubs and circles available in the university. They are clubs and groups which operate after school hours. They range from cultural clubs to sports of all sorts. I strongly recommend anyone that is on the exchange programme to join at least one of these circles, because that is the best way to get you out of the foreign student group and really enjoy student life like a Japanese student. Also this is the best way to broaden your circle of Japanese friends.

With the little Japanese ability I had at the time I approached the door of the Hirosaki University Tsugaru Shamisen Circle (津軽三味線サークル), I was scared, but the members of the club were very welcoming and on hearing that I was an exchange student, their eyes started to sparkle. They love exchange students, so be proud of who you are and introduce yourself. Shamisen is a traditional three string instrument which is famous in the Tsugaru region. Joining this circle enabled me to meet lots of Japanese friends, learn the instrument with one of the Shamisen Master of Hirosaki City and the chance of performing in a variety of concerts.

Circles and Clubs are slightly different: clubs have very strict rules and are very serious, and you must be committed to the club if you join one, which means no wagging. On the other hand, circles are more lenient they are usually for people that just want to have fun. Also some clubs and circles have monthly fees of around 1000 yen; they are used for hiring equipment, grounds, and also group parties, so don’t forget to ask before joining the circle or club.

Performing the Tsugaru Shamisen at the Hirosaki University’s Tanaba Festival

This is the Kuroishi Yosare Dance Festival (I am first on the right)

Accommodation

I live in the International House, operated by Hirosaki University. I was lucky to be placed in the newly renovated section of the House. All rooms are equipped with a bed, desk, book shelf, kitchen and bathroom. There is also a coin laundry room for all the members of the house.

It is great to live in the International House - there is always someone there to help when something goes wrong. You never really need to worry too much. You never really feel homesick in the International House because you are not alone.

Also you might think that living with all the other foreigners leads you to speaking English everyday, but that’s not the case in Hirosaki. Although I live with students from around the world, we all end up speaking Japanese to each other. Why? Well, for example the Korean and Chinese can’t speak English and I can’t speak their language so what is left is only Japanese. In order for everyone to understand each other we all decided to speak in Japanese when there are gatherings in the Lobby.

Hirosaki probably has the lowest cost of living compared to other cities in Japan so living in an apartment is not very expensive. However, the apartments in Japan are not furnished so you would probably end up spending a lot on furniture. Also Japanese people don’t like noisy neighbours, so be aware not to make too much noise at night – turn your stereo volumes down.

Transportation

Transportation is very convenient but expensive in Japan. As I live in a small city I can get around the city easily by bicycle. Riding a bicycle can be very dangerous in Japan, so ride with care. In Japan bicycles are treated like cars, therefore when riding keep on the left side of the road (the same side as the car). If you get into an accident riding on the wrong side of the road it will be your liability. From experience a small accident can become a big problem, which includes going to the police station, getting the insurance company involved, a lot of paper work, photos to record the accident scene, going to the hospital and so on. Also, at night you must turn on your night light otherwise if you are seen by a policeman you may be pulled over and will have to show your identification card.

My Japanese friend Shota and I rode our bikes to an orchard with all-you-can-eat fruit. It took us two hours to ride to the place and one and a half to return.

Tips for the future:

• Sign up with a host family as you can learn so much about the culture, speak Japanese everyday, and travel with the family to many famous places.
• Remember to bring lots of souvenirs, you will definitely need them all! I brought some along with me but found it wasn’t enough so had to get some more sent over to me.
• Don’t be afraid. Introduce yourself wherever you go. My parents are from Taiwan so I have Asian features, thus I always have to explain to everyone that I am a New Zealander, born in Taiwan, brought up in New Zealand.
• Always greet people. You will earn more respect and help than those who don’t greet at all. You will also be invited to all sorts of places and events and be the first to know everything.
• Don’t go off buying furniture, television, futon etc - ask people around the place before buying. Some people are so kind that they either lend or give them to you. Also ask the exchange students that are going back to their country soon as they might be happy to get rid of something you need.

Making Chinese dumplings at Mrs Kudo’s house (I am the one wearing the glasses)

International Exchange Student Jamboree in Oirasekei (I am in the Paul Frank T-Shirt)

One of my dreams since High School was to study in a university in Japan and being able to study in Hirosaki University has made this dream come true. It is the best thing that has happened to me through my university life. I want to thank Sonja Moffat and Dallas Nesbitt, my former Japanese lecturers for helping me through this scholarship and to Naomi Collins, for sending me the good news about my scholarship on the day I flew to Japan - thank you all very much. In this coming semester, I will continue to work hard and put in all my effort in learning the culture and language and to share this experience with the people when I return to New Zealand.