Pitt Global Experiences

Thomas Hayden, Sophia University Exchange Fall 2024

A study abroad experience has so many unknown variables before you embark. And while you have to discover much of the experience on your own, there is some advice I would like to give to anyone studying abroad in Japan, or at Sophia University.

For a fulfilling study abroad, the most important piece of advice in my opinion is: always be studying the language. But please don’t let this statement alarm you; I have many friends studying in Tokyo who have great experiences using only English. However, if you want to meet even more friends, have more unique experiences, raise your understanding of the culture, and overall make the most of your trip, every moment that you spend actually studying Japanese will help. (Yes, that includes reading kanji). I have spoken with many people who regret wasting their opportunity to study the language. And please don’t fall into the trap of “I’m in Japan surrounded by Japanese language, so I will naturally be improving.” You must make an effort to study Japanese just like you would study it anywhere else in the world. After you put in the hours, and you make even one friend by speaking Japanese, or understand just one important sign written entirely in Japanese, all of your hard work will feel absolutely worth it.

On the topic of making friends, I know many of my friends back home shy away from study abroad because they are scared that they won’t be able to meet people and make new friends. This is a natural worry to have. However, many of your fellow study abroad students will also be worrying about the same thing, making it that much easier to make new friends – everyone studies abroad for new experiences, so everyone is very open to meeting new people and starting conversations. And local students who are also eager to meet people will make themselves available in clubs, circles, social events, parties etc. To make friends, my biggest piece of advice boils down to: show up. Attend social events that you learn about. At university, look for any and every club and circle that interests you, and find out how to attend their “new member” events at the beginning of the semester, or reach out about paying a visit to club activities. The more opportunities you give yourself to meet people and start conversations, the more you will find people who you get along with. If you join a club or circle, make strong effort to attend every practice/session that you can. If you are able to attend often, people will become more familiar with you, local students will respect you more, and you will find it easier to talk with everyone. Before you know it, you’ll never want to leave Japan because you’ll miss all the friends that you made.

For Sophia University, I have some additional small pieces of advice I would like to list:

• Sign up for a “Sophia supporter” your first semester.
• If you’re taking the Japanese placement test, practice writing kanji for the short essay.
• Circles ( サークル) are less commitment than clubs (部), but try everything – especially SISEC if you like parties.
• Building 2 cafeteria, my favorite, is cheaper and less busy from 11:00-12:00 and 1:30-2:30.
• The campus gym is small, but usually less busy in the afternoon before 6pm.
• American Film and Theater is a great English-taught class to learn about and appreciate film under a light workload.
• The third floor of the library has more open spots and better Wi-Fi.

There is so much more to be said about studying abroad and living in Tokyo, but part of the adventure is learning everything as you go. Simply study Japanese, show up, and the rest will come naturally.