What I expected
When I made the decision to pursue my master’s degree in Japan, specifically at Tokyo Tech, I was full of excitement and ambition. One of the main reasons I chose Tokyo Tech was the promise of a world-class education. Tokyo Tech is not only renowned as one of Japan’s top universities, but also holds a prestigious spot within the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings. I believed that by studying at such a distinguished institution, I would have access to advanced knowledge, research opportunities, and academic excellence far beyond what I had experienced before.
In addition, I was eager to immerse myself in Japan’s culture, and part of that immersion would include learning the Japanese language. I set a personal goal to become proficient in Japanese – specifically, I would aim to attain the N3 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) within two years. I envisioned being able to comfortably converse with both friends and strangers, seamlessly navigate daily life, and discover opportunities for my future career, such as finding work in Japan. Because I would be living in Japan, surrounded by Japanese people, I took it for granted that I could acquire that level of language ability in just two years.
I also hoped that studying abroad would help me grow as an individual, broadening my perspectives and pushing me to become more resilient. Living away from home for the first time, without the direct support of my family and friends, I knew I would be challenged to step out of my comfort zone. I hoped these experiences would make me more self-reliant, confident, and industrious. The prospect of living on my own, managing daily tasks, and adapting to a new environment excited me as I looked forward to becoming a more independent person.
What I gained
As anticipated, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Tokyo Tech. The classes were more intellectually stimulating and engaging than my undergraduate experience. My master’s courses were dynamic and interactive: group projects, discussions, and collaborative learning allowed me to learn from and share ideas with both my professors and classmates. Additionally, the freedom to pursue research that aligned with my personal interests made the academic experience even more fulfilling.
An unexpected benefit was the connections I made through classes, student communities, and various campus activities. Joining the Tokyo Tech Student Ambassador community allowed me to expand my horizons by meeting people from diverse backgrounds. When I first enrolled, I assumed I would mainly focus on academics, especially since I had switched majors and had to catch up on foundational knowledge. However, I soon realized that being active outside of class not only helped me build connections but also enabled me to develop important soft skills, like teamwork and communication.
Living in Japan, away from familiar surroundings, has been a real journey to becoming more independent. Simple tasks like cooking, getting around on public transportation, and taking care of household chores all turned into opportunities for personal growth. At first, I felt a little shy and hesitant that I would stand out as someone wearing a hijab and looking different from other people. It was a new experience for me – quite different from back home in Indonesia where Muslims are the majority. However, as I took the time to understand myself better, I not only became more self-aware, but also more comfortable in my own skin. Being far from home gave me the chance to redefine myself without other people’s biases and expectations. Embracing this new self-awareness has given me more confidence in my interactions with others and the courage to step out of my comfort zone in ways I never thought possible. This growth in self-understanding has truly been one of the most transformative parts of my time abroad.
On top of that, I gained something very valuable during my time here – friendship. I didn’t expect to form such close bonds, especially with my Japanese friends, as I had thought they tended to be very shy around foreigners. Being quite introverted myself, I thought it might be hard to start conversations and break down those barriers. However, it turned out that my Japanese laboratory colleagues were all very kind. One of them became a very close friend, and we often hung out and went café-hopping together.
What I wish I did differently
Looking back on my time in Japan, I’ve realized that there are some things I wish I had done differently. One of my biggest regrets is not making more progress in learning Japanese. While I set a goal to reach the N3 level in two years, by the end of my studies, I had only managed to pass the N4 level. Although I could handle basic conversations and daily tasks in Japanese, I didn’t achieve the fluency I had hoped for. I now understand the challenge that juggling Japanese language learning with a demanding academic schedule actually represented. I wish I had started learning the language before arriving in Japan to build a stronger foundation. I also noticed that I made significant progress in my Japanese studies during summer and winter breaks when I had more time to dedicate to them. However, once classes resumed, my focus shifted back to my technical studies, and my language learning suffered. Looking back, I realize that more consistent efforts would have led to better results, even with my busy academic schedule.
I also wish I had been more proactive in practicing spoken Japanese. Although I enjoyed consuming a lot of Japanese media like podcasts, anime, and language lessons, I found it challenging to engage in conversations with native speakers. It wasn’t that I feared making mistakes; I was actually quite comfortable with that. Instead, I struggled to initiate conversations. I’m grateful to have made a close Japanese friend in my lab with whom I practiced regularly. However, I wish I had taken more opportunities to speak Japanese with others, whether in casual settings or more formal environments. Looking back, I realize that doing so would not only have helped me improve my language skills but also allowed me to build more meaningful connections with my Japanese peers and expand my network beyond my immediate circle.
Lastly, I joined the Tokyo Tech Student Ambassador community and enjoyed being part of campus life, but I wish I had been more active in participating in the various events and activities organized by the International Student Support Office and the Tokyo Tech International Student Association (TISA). They frequently announced events like stargazing nights, summer firework festivals, Yukata festivals, and cultural exchange programs. Still, I often passed up these opportunities due to academic commitments or simply feeling too shy to join by myself. Looking back, these activities would have been great opportunities to experience more of Japan’s unique culture and make new friends.
All in all, I think finding a better overall balance between my academic responsibilities and other extracurricular activities would have made for an even more enjoyable and rewarding study abroad experience.
Wrapping up
Looking back after graduating, I just want to express how grateful I am for the chance to study in Japan and be part of its wonderful culture. This experience has meant so much to me, and I will always cherish it. With much love, I say, “See you when I see you, Japan and Tokyo Tech, and thank you for being part of this unforgettable chapter of my life.”
Whether you are just starting your journey at Tokyo Tech, or are already well along the way, I wish you all the best, and hope you will make the most of your time there.
