Joining the student mobility programme at Ohkagakuen University, Japan is the only thing we are proud of because we can go to Japan and study for approximately 6 months starting from March to August. Ohkagakuen University is a campus for Women located in the Aichi area, Nagoya.
When we first arrived in Japan, we were quarantined for 3 days at a hotel in Tokyo and then transferred to a dormitory after doing PCR test with negative results. Dormitory facilities are classified as very good because all needs have been prepared by the campus. As soon as the quarantine was over, we attended the first seminar from Ikawa Sensei regarding compulsory subjects and seminars on campus. After participating in the activity, Hirose-san and Ishiwata sensei visited our dormitory to provide other documents needed while on campus and living in Japan such as the process of making a Health insurance card, creating a bank account for scholarship and other financial purposes, immigration processing and other needs.
An unforgettable experience during the pandemic for us, as students from abroad, is how the lecturers keep us safe while in Japan. For example, when we feel unwell due to the process of adapting to the weather in Japan, they are very responsible by taking us to the clinic for treatment and also for our daily needs to find out the nearest shopping route. We feel very cared, especially in the current situation.
Another memorable experience is seeing the Sakura (cherry blossoms) flowers that began to grow when we arrived in Japan. We were able to see how the Sakura tree which was initially empty until the Sakura flowers grew. The lecturers at the campus said that we were very lucky to be able to see the Sakura flowers directly in spring and we also did ‘Ohanami’ on campus. Campus facilities are also very adequate. Starting from classroom conditions, the use of photocopiers/printers, to a canteen that provides a variety of lunch menus every week.
We carry out various activities on campus. Our main activity was studying, then doing part-time work, participating in extracurricular activities and various other activities including events. One of the activities we participated in during the new student orientation was a visit to Arimatsu. Arimatsu is one area that is still relatively traditional with Japanese-style ‘Shibori’ or tie dye fabrics. Arimatsu is one of the historical places in addition to the historic site of the famous Okehazama war arena. In addition to a tour to Arimatsu, we were also invited to learn tie dye coloring which was taught directly by local employees.
The upcoming activities that we will be participating in are the Walkathon and the Arimatsu Festival. The Walkathon is an International Charity activity on May 22, 2022 which involves many foreigners who will interact with Japanese people and make donation activities. The proceeds from these donation activities will be given to underprivileged children, helping people with disabilities and others. The plan is that this activity will be held in a hybrid manner and will be broadcast live on related social media.
