A Taste of Japan: Ng Lip Hong’s Unforgettable Exchange Experience
Hear from Ng Lip Hong, a BSc (Honours) in Culinary Management student, as he shares his unforgettable semester exchange experience at Kansai Gaidai University, Japan!
For my semester exchange, I went to Kansai Gaidai University, Japan. I chose Japan because of my long-standing interest in its culture, language, and way of life; and Kansai Gaidai University stood out for its unique environment and location in the Kansai Region, which offered endless opportunities to explore the country beyond the classroom.
Academically, my experience abroad was both engaging and eye-opening. Classes at Kansai Gaidai encouraged active participation, open discussion, and cultural exchange among students from all over the world. Studying in Japan allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese society as well as global perspectives while also improving my communication skills. Learning in such a diverse academic setting expanded my worldview and helped me see how different cultures/countries approach education.
Beyond academics, the cultural experiences were truly unforgettable. I made many close friends, both local Japanese students and fellow international exchange students, who quickly became my support system and family away from home. Through them, I experienced Japan not just as a visitor, but as a local. One highlight of my experience there was visiting the special night light-up events at Kiyomizu-dera, which I feel extremely lucky to have seen in real life. I also travelled extensively throughout the Kansai region, visiting cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Kanazawa in the Hokuriku region and Tokyo in the Kantō region. Each place had its own unique charm, history, and food culture, making every trip a learning experience itself.
Like many exchange students, I faced challenges at the beginning, particularly homesickness during my first few days. Being in a new country with a different language and environment was a little overwhelming at first. However, this feeling did not last long. The friends I made quickly helped me settle in, and their warmth and kindness reminded me that I was never truly alone. This experience taught me to go out of my comfort zone and be open to forming new connections.
Overall, this exchange has greatly contributed to my personal and academic growth. I gained a deeper understanding of Japan, learned a new language, developed communication skills, and discovered career pathways through my exposure to international education and cross-cultural interactions. I became more independent, adaptable, and confident in navigating unfamiliar situations and environments.
To future exchange students, my advice is simple: be open-minded, say yes to new experiences, and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The exchange programme is not just about studying abroad – it is about personal growth, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories that will stay with you long after you return home.
