My fascination with Japanese culture began at a young age, when I was introduced to anime through my siblings. Those early experiences watching shows like Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece on TV in France sparked an interest that would grow stronger and evolve over the coming years. Upon entering high school, I found a friend who shared similar interests, and together we would discuss anime, video games, and other aspects of Japanese culture.

This curiosity extended beyond just popular media, though, as I found myself drawn to various facets of East Asian culture as a whole. When the opportunity arose at age 12 to study a third language after English, I chose Mandarin Chinese, seeing it as the closest I could get to Japanese at the time. Learning Mandarin has not only provided me with valuable language skills but also deepened my appreciation for the rich histories and traditions of East Asia.

As I considered my options for studying abroad, Japan stood out as a country that could offer a truly unique cultural experience. Coming from a small city in France, I was attracted both to the size of Tokyo and the diversity of things to do here. "In Tokyo, it is almost impossible to be bored," I thought to myself before coming, and this expectation has proven true throughout the duration of my stay.

Once I had set my sights on studying in Japan, I began to gather as much information as possible about life here. I spent countless hours watching YouTube vlogs, street interview clips, and reading Instagram posts from foreigners living in Japan, taking in their insights and advice. These personal accounts gave me a glimpse into the everyday experiences of an exchange student, and helped me form a realistic picture of what I could expect when I arrived.

In addition to these social media resources, I scoured the internet to find more specific details about Japanese culture, customs, and practical information. Learning about the transportation system, dining etiquette, and other such information on daily life, really helped me feel prepared for the challenges and opportunities that awaited me. The “Aogaku TV” YouTube channel of Aoyama Gakuin University（AGU）also let me see in in more detail what life at the school would entail.

Despite some basic preparation in the months leading up to my arrival in Japan, my Japanese language skills were limited, much weaker than my English and Chinese. I learned the basics through a combination of self-study with apps and a university course, but I knew that navigating daily life in Tokyo would be difficult at first. However, I quickly found that these challenges were manageable with the help of technology and the support of those around me. When faced with a new linguistic barrier, I rely on tools like Google Translate and the patience of native speakers, and that has been enough to get by without much trouble. The Japanese courses for exchange students at AGU used to be aimed more towards those with greater prior knowledge in the language, but recently, the introductory courses were revamped and became much more manageable for someone at my level.

Beyond the language, I also had to adapt to the cultural differences between France and Japan. One of the striking differences I noticed was the strong adherence to rules and social norms in Japanese society. As a more introverted person myself, it has been relatively easy to get used to this, but I could see it being a harder shift for extroverts. For the most part, I have come to appreciate the sense of safety and order that this adherence to norms creates. For example, even here in Japan’s biggest city, my female friends feel comfortable walking alone at night, or leaving their belongings unattended in public spaces while they use the restroom. While things like these are taken for granted here, it offers a peace of mind they hadn’t experienced back in France.

From when I first arrived at AGU, I was struck by how the university made me feel welcome. The university has a range of resources and support systems in place specifically designed for international students like me. The International Center quickly became a go-to resource for me. The staff there are always friendly and willing to help with your needs as a student, as well as helping to smooth your transition to life in Japan.

My favorite place to spend time on campus is the newly opened library. It is really modern, and well-designed to be convenient for the everyday use of students. You can always find a desk, and it is easy to get your schoolwork done there using your laptop or tablet, making it suited to the needs of this generation of students. It also has a variety of spaces available—so I can focus while working alone in one area, or together with classmates and friends in a group study area.

One of the things I appreciate most about AGU is its diversity of course offerings, particularly those offered in English. As someone studying Foreign Applied Languages, I was excited to explore subjects beyond my primary field. The English Studies series has been a favorite of mine, covering topics like feminism and advertising that I had never had the chance to delve into before from a Japanese perspective.

Living in Tokyo, I have been constantly amazed by the incredible variety the city has to offer. No matter what your interests or passions are, there seems to be a place for you in this sprawling metropolis. For the anime lovers, you can hop on the train to Akihabara, with its manga shops, arcades, and more. But Tokyo also has so much more.

As an art lover, I have been taking full advantage of the Campus Members Partnership, which allows AGU students to enter some of Tokyo’s best museums, free of charge.

Living in a foreign country, navigating a new culture and language, has taught me so much about myself and what I am capable of. Though it has only been a number of months, I have grown used to living here. The transportation system, the procedures at the city hall, opening a bank account, these may seem like small things individually, but taken together, they mean that I can live a fulfilling life in Japan. I have managed to avoid culture shock, and it has been relatively smooth sailing for me, even with my limited Japanese ability.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibilities that await me. I may end up pursuing a master’s degree in Taiwan, but at any rate, I do see myself spending more time living and working in Japan or another part of East Asia. The skills and experiences I have gained during my time at AGU will undoubtedly serve me well as I embark on this next chapter.

To other students considering studying abroad, whether at AGU or elsewhere in Japan, I encourage you to be open to new experiences and meeting different types of people. If you enjoy spending time alone, there are plenty of ways to do that here too, but stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the culture can lead to pleasant surprises. Try new things, and don’t be afraid of getting a little lost. Explore places off the beaten path, find the hidden gems, and connect with those you resonate with. Japan may not be the right fit for everyone, but if you don’t come and try living here, you may never know.

Basically anyone can find a community or familiar place for them in Tokyo. For me, my community has been my dormitory friends. For another French friend of mine who also studied at AGU, he could attend French movie viewings and have French food when he was missing home. You can make use of websites and apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Meetup to find people with shared interests and build your own community.

As I wrap up my time at AGU and move forward, I carry with me a newfound appreciation for the diversity of experiences that life has to offer. The challenges and opportunities have helped to shape me, and I look forward to what the future has in store. Even if I return to Europe, Japan will always feel like another home to me.