A Semester in Tokyo: Emily Chua’s Exchange Experience at Meikai University
Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to the adventure of a lifetime. In this article, BSc (Honours) in International Hospitality Management student Emily Chua Yan Yi shares her recent exchange experience at Meikai University in Tokyo, Japan. Read on as Emily takes us through her journey of navigating a new culture, making international friends, and balancing the thrilling highs of Tokyo with the everyday realities of living independently.
During the spring, I was given the opportunity to join a student exchange program at Meikai University in Tokyo, Japan. The reason I chose Japan is that I’ve always been drawn to its unique mix of old traditions and modern lifestyle. After traveling there once as a visitor, I wanted the chance to experience what daily student life in Japan would be like. In addition, with its safety, cleanliness, and strong cultural identity, Japan naturally stood out as the right option.
During my time at Meikai University, I took eight subjects, and the ones that stood out to me the most were Destination Studies in Asia and Regional Studies in Japan. These classes were very different from my usual culinary courses at Sunway. I enjoyed discovering more about travel destinations, hidden spots in Japan, and tourism across Asia. They gave me fresh insights beyond my culinary field and made learning both enjoyable and meaningful.
Apart from studying, I took part in some cultural excursions arranged by the school. I especially enjoyed the walking tours in Kagurazaka and Yokohama Chinatown, where I strolled through lively streets and visited different beautiful temples. I also attended a traditional Kabuki performance, which was challenging to understand even with a translation device, but it was still a valuable cultural experience. In my free time, I went around Tokyo and visited places like Ueno Zoo, Shimokitazawa, and DisneySea. What made DisneySea special was waiting in the long lines with new friends and enjoying all the thrilling attractions together.
Of course, my exchange had some tough moments too. Being on my own for the first time, I had to learn to manage things like cooking, cleaning, and daily routines without help. The way trash is separated in Japan was tricky for me at the beginning, because back in Malaysia, it’s not as detailed. Another surprise was the weather. It turned out to be hotter than Malaysia, and I didn’t appreciate sunscreen until after getting a sunburn at DisneySea.
Despite the difficulties, I came out of it having learned independence and flexibility. This exchange really gave me so many valuable experiences. I have become more confident in dealing with everyday situations. I also learned things outside my course, like gaining new knowledge about Japanese culture and the tourism industry in Asia. Most importantly, I made lasting memories with both Japanese and international friends. We shared lots of fun moments, such as trips to DisneySea and Ueno Zoo. It means a lot to me that we met, and I’m glad we’ve managed to stay in touch since coming back to Malaysia.
If I could tell future exchange students one thing, it would be to put yourself out of the comfort zone. Go for new experiences, even if they feel tough at the start, because those will be the stories you’ll cherish later. Also, be smart with your schedule, so you’ll have time to discover new spots and adventures beyond the university.
I feel very lucky and truly thankful for having experienced this opportunity.
