Testimonial by an International Student: NAIN Nain

I’ve always been interested in education and originally planned to attend university in my home country. But when civil war broke out, I started thinking seriously about studying abroad.

Back in high school, I became interested in the Japanese language. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became. That growing passion eventually led me to want to study in Japan.

My teacher at Japanese language school recommended ASU. I attended the open campus and felt a strong connection with the university’s philosophy of “Embracing Diversity.” That made me decide to apply.

The classes seemed genuinely engaging, and the way the professors explained things was easy to understand. I was sure I’d enjoy studying Japanese here.

Although I’ve only just started, I already find the classes really interesting.

The instructors in the Japanese language education courses in particular are kind and attentive, so I feel at ease participating in class.

My Japanese friends often ask, “Are you doing okay?” and “Let me know if you need anything!” Thanks to them, I’m spending my days in a warm and supportive environment.

In the Faculty of Global Culture and Communication, I’m taking courses like “Introduction to Japanese Language Education” and “Japanese Expression I,” which build a solid understanding of teaching Japanese to non-native speakers—skills I know will be useful in society. In my “JLPT N1 Preparation I” class, I study one-on-one with the instructor, working toward the N1 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. I’ve also started reading magazines and newspapers as part of my practice. Learning Japanese takes effort, but I’ve never found it difficult. The more I study, the more I discover, and that makes it genuinely enjoyable.

I didn’t have many chances to study English back home, so I’m working hard at that too.

I want to keep learning not just Japanese, but English as a global language as well.

I usually wake up around 7:00 in the morning and go to campus five days a week for classes. I also work part-time at a convenience store four or five days a week. After I get home, I review my classes and work on assignments, so I sometimes end up staying up late into the night. But even though my days are packed, I feel fulfilled and enjoy my routine.

I want to become a Japanese language teacher. For now, I don’t plan to return to my home country after graduation. I’d like to teach people who want to learn Japanese, either in Japan or elsewhere. When I was at language school, I had a very strict teacher, and it was hard to ask questions in class. That experience made me want to become a teacher students can rely on—someone they feel comfortable asking questions. I want to create an environment where learners of Japanese can continue their studies with confidence and support.

At first, I worried it might take time to adjust, but I quickly made both Japanese and international friends and realized I wasn’t alone. Aichi Shukutoku University has a large Japanese student population, but it also offers a very welcoming environment where international students can study with peace of mind. The atmosphere is friendly, and the teachers are always kind and supportive. If you are considering studying abroad, I hope you’ll spend four meaningful years with us here at ASU!