We, The Doshisha Student staff, asked the abovementioned question to 100 international students at Doshisha University. At the present time, there are 551 international students at Doshisha (May, 2008). The breakdown of the countries is more than 30 (China, Korea and others, May, 2008). There aren’t as many opportunities as most people think, for general students to meet international students. This survey allows one to see the truth of what was going on and how their daily life was like. I also think the general students will realize that the international students are not so different from them and that they actually have some things in common.
Some of the most answered statements were the following:
As one of the major cities in Japan, Kyoto can be known to be busy but also quiet. Kyoto is a wonderful city because it has traditional traits and modern buildings which harmonizes perfectly. (Taiwan)
Last year, I went to the special sightseeing of the Kiyomizu Temple. The temple and the rock path glittered underneath the night sky, and the moment I saw a maiko, my heart was attracted to Japan, as if I fell in love. (China)
The Gion Festival was the most memorable to me. It is known to be one of the three major festivals in Kyoto, which attracts many people from all over the world. In the evening, the street close down and is only allowed for pedestrians. (China)
As stated above, they were charmed by the traditional events and the way the city remained the same as the old days. There were many opinions on how it was a lot of fun participating in the Gion Festival and that it was one of the most exciting events. There are even Japanese students who come from different prefectures, hoping to experience Kyoto’s traditional history. I think it’s possible for both Japanese students and international students to participate in the same event and experience the excitement together.
All of the students...
I think Kyoto is a beautiful city. It is quite different from other cities, but it’s calming. I love Kyoto. I’m planning on going back home in August, but I hope to come back one day.
I think by seeing Kyoto, one was able to discover something new about themselves and think of the city as a second home. Kyoto also has an image of being a city filled with student life. To all the students that took interest in the traditions of Kyoto, I hope they have the best experience in both studying and meeting new people.
The next most answered statements were:
Doshisha is overflowed with academic atmosphere. I admire how the students are positive towards everything they put their mind to. If one says Kyoto is the city of studies, you can say Doshisha is the sacred place of academics.
The S-cube introduced me to an assistant, who came with me to class every week and helped me with my studies. I was touched at how well they treated me.
Doshisha University has a fine faculty for researching. I am excited to have the opportunity to spread my knowledge, since my professor has researched many different fields.
As mentioned above, there were opinions on how Doshisha was substantial in the field of studying. Like the survey, there are many events that support international students. With students worrying about living in a different country, it is important to have these support systems to help them feel comfortable, which will greatly change their impression of Japan in the long run. There were also opinions on how it was nice having a big campus and having good facilities. As an international university, Doshisha continues to evolve along the traditional city.
Well then, as students of a university that has been opened up to the world, how should we exchange with the international students?
The most memorable happening for me is all the friends I made at Doshisha this year. I will not forget them even when I go back to America.
I will never forget my professor’s kindness.
There were many students who stated that meeting new people was the most memorable thing. Spending time together and having to connect heart to heart in a different country is indeed a “once in a lifetime chance.” Even though one may have been brought up and lived in a different country, we are all human beings, and also students of the same school. There may be a wall between the two at first, but the difference each person holds may be turned into something fun. It’s important to be able to think from another point of view and to accept the fact people are different. Isn’t that what people are seeking? I also think its important for Japanese students to know more about themselves, their country, and their culture to be able to send the word out to others. I believe that is one of the good traits of foreigners. As a first step, having more chances to exchange with international students is needed.
The opinions that were brought up through this survey will deepen the cultural exchanges.