Amanda Rosario Josephine

Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by Japan’s technology and medical advancements. This interest inspired me to study there, as I believe it will enhance my skills and knowledge compared to Indonesia.

My first trip to Japan was fantastic and eye-opening. I enjoyed meeting Japanese students and learning about their culture, from traditions to daily life. Living in the dorms, I observed their interactions, watched shows like “Nihongo Pattabhi Ewbank,” and cooked takoyaki together. I appreciated the serene environment more than the hustle of cities like Tokyo and Osaka, which helped me relax and feel calm.

The classes I took were quite different from those in Indonesia. Liberal arts programs were not offered at my home school, and one of my courses focused on making soap with natural ingredients, which connected to environmental sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although my Japanese was not efficient at that time, I found it to be a valuable learning experience. Additionally, the etiquette lessons taught me important manners, such as how to communicate respectfully and bow correctly, which are essential in my current job.

There were two memorable events. The first was the cultural event,” Bunkasai”, where we prepared Indonesian songs and traditional performances. The second was being part of the Mandolin Club. Despite the tiring daily practice, it had a significant impact on me as I love music and learned to play the mandolin for the first time.

Not many, but one thing that shocked me was the concept of public baths or onsens. In Indonesia, communal bathing is unheard of outside of family members. Initially, it felt strange, especially in the dorms where we had to bathe together. However, it was interesting to experience this different aspect of Japanese culture.

Yes, studying Japanese was challenging, especially memorizing kanji and new vocabulary, and grasping the different grammar rules. However, with the help of our teacher, Hugo Sensei, we managed to overcome these difficulties. Passing the JLPT N3 was a significant achievement that made us feel our hard work had paid off.

I am currently studying applied bioscience, and my goal is to become a researcher in fields related to the brain or cells. I’m still deciding between the two, but they are closely related. I’m currently involved in a cancer cell experiment program through KIP, which has deepened my passion for research.

Learning Japanese can be tough, especially for those whose native language is very different, like Indonesian. However, the learning process itself helps us grow. Even when you feel like you can’t communicate, keep pushing forward. There will always be people to help you along the way. Enjoy life in Japan, even when it feels lonely, the experience will make you stronger and more independent, which will be beneficial in the future.