My Erasmus+ Experience of a Study Stay in Tsukuba, Japan (Winter Semester 2024/2025)

Before arriving in Tsukuba, I often imagined what life in Japan would be like—a country whose culture and history have fascinated me for years. As a student of Japanese Studies at the Faculty of Humanities in Pula, coming to the University of Tsukuba through the Erasmus+ programme marked not only a crucial step in my academic development, but also the fulfillment of a long-standing dream, as it allowed me to deepen my knowledge of Japan and experience its culture firsthand.

Living in Japan meant finally getting to experience the everyday aspects of a culture I had previously only studied through books, lectures, and stories shared by my professors and older colleagues. From participating in local customs like Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year), throwing beans on Setsubun, bathing in an onsen, to tasting various traditional dishes and exploring Japanese gardens—every moment was filled with a sense of discovery. The country's technological advancement, the high level of organization in everyday life and society in general, as well as the deep respect for tradition, all left a strong impression on me.

At the University of Tsukuba, I held the status of a research student. In addition to working on my research—which focuses on critical discourse analysis—and with the encouragement of my mentor, Professor Ono, I also attended a seminar that deeply inspired me with its quality and diversity of topics. Although the research process is intense, being in Japan and at this university has enabled me to work with materials that are not easily accessible outside of Japan. I would also like to briefly mention the university libraries, where I spent many hours. There are a total of five libraries, all exceptionally well-equipped with various study spaces available to all students, along with a vast collection of books, articles, digital sources, and other materials. They are open seven days a week and are places where it's incredibly easy to find motivation for studying and academic work.

Furthermore, one of the most beautiful parts of my stay in Tsukuba was the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. On campus, I made friends from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Our shared experiences, informal conversations, meals together, trips, and the exchange of stories enriched my understanding of other cultures and deeply shaped my Erasmus+ experience.

I also had the chance to explore other parts of Japan in my free time, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Fukuoka, and many other cities. In Kyoto, I visited historical temples; in Nara, I enjoyed the company of deer in the parks. Osaka left a lasting memory with its incredible food and vibrant atmosphere, while Fukuoka captivated me with its relaxed pace and delicious yatai food stalls. Each of these places brought new experiences and a deeper understanding of Japan and its diversity, and they will forever hold a special place in my heart.

This Erasmus+ experience at the University of Tsukuba was truly valuable and has shaped and changed me in many ways. It's hard to put it all into words, but it's important to say that I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I would wholeheartedly recommend everyone to apply and experience all that this programme has to offer.