My favorite part of going on exchange was…
Getting the opportunity to explore a country that I've always dreamed of living in. I got to see so many new parts of Japan that would've been difficult to see on a short vacation, as well as make connections with Japanese students and learn the language. I also made so many new friends from all over the world!
Going on exchange challenged me because…
It forced me out of my comfort zone and made me take strides to become more independent in certain facets of life. There was of course a culture and language gap, so this challenged me to work past some anxiety and be more confident in new situations.
I recommend going on exchange because…
This is such a great opportunity to meet new people, and be so enriched by another culture. This can open new doors for your future, or even push you towards a path you didn't know you were interested in!
The coolest place I visited while on exchange was...
The Okinawa prefecture and its islands! It's got beautiful beaches and lush greenery, and some islands are actually national parks! It was amazing to swim in clear water with coral and sea turtles, and the vibe is super different to mainland Japan. I definitely recommend seeing this prefecture.