4か月が経過し、春休み中に新たな場所を発見し、経験を重ねました。地域社会を知るためにロータリークラブ主催のダイバーシティイベントに参加しました。初めてのロータリークラブの体験で、地域の取り組みや世界の包括的な取り組みについて学びました。
また、栃木への学習旅行では足利フラワーパークと日光東照宮を訪れ、その美しさに感動しました。さらに、大内宿の雪祭りと会津若松城での冒険は、福島の歴史と文化を深く理解する機会でした。その後、東北地方全体を巡る5日間の冒険に出発し、静岡から青森まで様々な地域を訪れました。3月には、初めての一人旅で京都を探索し、奈良での茶道体験も経験しました。
今は、福島市の多文化共生センターでハラルを理解してもらうためのイベント「トルコ料理教室」を企画しているので、福島のみなさんと文化を共有する機会を楽しみにしています。
過去数か月を振り返ると、日本人の学生と留学生の友人との深い絆を築くことができました。私の日本語の自信と流暢さは大幅に向上し、日常会話や活動により快適に参加することができるようになりました。複数のクラブやプロジェクト計画に積極的に参加することで、私の大学生活が豊かになり、個人的な成長と文化的理解が促進されました。留学プログラムの残りの数か月を楽しみたいです。これまで陰になり日向になり、私を支えてくれた皆さんに感謝します。
【英語版】
Another 4 Months have passed and a lot has happened. I was able to discover a lot of beautiful places and make new experiences during my spring vacation which I want to share with you.
Immersing myself in the local community, I joined the Diversity Event hosted by the Rotary Club in early January. It was an enriching experience where I had the opportunity to engage with members of the community and learn more about their initiatives. It was my first time participating in an event of the Rotary Club and I learned a lot about their initiative on trying to create a more inclusive world.
Our study trip to Tochigi end of January was a delightful blend of exploration and cultural immersion. We visited the Ashikaga Flower Park, where the vibrant colors of the flower illumination left a big imprint in our mind. The highlight of the trip was our visit to the Nikko Tosho-gu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we were captivated by the intricate architecture and serene atmosphere.
In February we had the Tea&Things Final Presentation which was a culmination of our semester-long project, where we collaborated with a local company and high school students to create a unique Fukushima tea blend. Presenting our project to a diverse audience was both rewarding and insightful, showcasing our efforts in promoting local culture.
Near the mid of February me and my two close exchange student friends ventured to Ouchi Juku for the Snow Matsuri, where we immersed ourselves in the festive atmosphere, trying out the local delicacies such as Negi Soba and raw Horse meat, which was better than I thought! Our journey continued to Aizu Wakamatsu, where we explored the rich history of the region. Especially the castle is a must if you want to know more about Fukushimas past and culture!
Buying the JR Tohoku-Pass me and my friends embarked on a five-day adventure across the Tohoku Region. Our journey began around the end of February in Fukushima and took us to Shizuoka, where we visited the the Capybara Onsen in Ito. We then journeyed to Moriyoka, where we went to a beautiful lake which had a really interesting story about a women turning into a dragon. Next, we went to Aomori, where we tried some of the famous apple pies. Finally, we explored Yamagata, ascending the snowy peaks of Yamadera and marveling at the breathtaking view of the white valley below us.
In the beginning of March I dared myself to explore Kyoto alone. A solo trip for the first time was a scary but memorable experience. On the first day, I wandered through historic shrines and temples, soaking in the rich history of the city. The following day, I met up with a friend and ventured to Wakayama, exploring the port city of Kada. On the third day, we journeyed to Nara, where we fed the friendly deer and explored the ancient temples. It was there where I also participated in a Japanese tea ceremony for the first time! In the remaining days, I delved deeper into Kyoto's cultural treasures and on my way back made a quick stop in Osaka to eat some iconic Takoyaki.
Right now I am organizing a Halal Turkish cooking class at Yuiverse, the international Centre of the City. This presents an exciting opportunity to share my culture and religion with the local community. Collaborating with the COLORS Club of the Fukushima University, we aim to promote cultural exchange and appreciation through food.
Reflecting on the past few months, I've forged deep connections with both Japanese students and fellow exchange peers. My confidence and fluency in Japanese have grown significantly, allowing me to engage more comfortably in daily conversations and activities. Actively participating in multiple clubs and project planning processes has enriched my university experience, fostering personal growth and cultural understanding. As I look forward to the remaining months of my exchange program, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that continue to shape my journey in Fukushima.
福島大学への留学案内・年間スケジュール
