Kim Jiyoon, School of Human Cultures_Eng

Study Abroad in Japan ; Through the Eyes of a Korean Student
Kim Jiyoon, Department of Intercultural Communications

Hello! I'm Jiyoon from South Korea. It has been eight months since I came to Japan. During my time here, I have traveled to many places, met many people, and spent truly happy days.

Hikone, where The University of Shiga Prefecture is located, is a very beautiful city. Surrounded by nature, Hikone offers stunning scenery. The view of Lake Biwa that I saw on my way to school is something I will never forget. Hikone was especially beautiful in summer. Although the humid heat made it tough to bike to campus, the blue sky, green trees, and vast Lake Biwa were breathtaking. The summer festivals also became wonderful memories. The fireworks festival held in Ōtsu was crowded and made even more challenging by heavy rain, but the fireworks reflected on Lake Biwa were the most beautiful I have ever seen. I've heard that Hikone in winter, when it snows, is also beautiful, so I'm looking forward to it. In Seoul, where I live in Korea, it hardly ever snows. That's why, on a snowy day in Hikone, I want to make a snowman with my friends.

The University of Shiga Prefecture is located in the Kansai region, making it easy to travel to many areas. You can take the train to places like Fukui, home to the famous Dinosaur Museum; Tottori, known for its sand dunes; Kobe, a port city; and Nagano, where Lake Suwa--the setting of the film Your Name. --is located. The university's convenient location allowed me to travel to many places.

As a Korean student, my study-abroad life at The University of Shiga Prefecture was incredibly enjoyable. I worked as a TA for Korean language classes in the Department of Intercultural Communications, and I became close friends with Japanese students who were interested in Korean culture. We had a great time talking about K-pop, dramas, and the cultures of both Korea and Japan. Working as a TA for Korean at The University of Shiga Prefecture was a wonderful experience.

Whenever I saw characters in anime working hard in their club activities, I always thought, "If I study abroad in Japan, I want to join a club too." So I joined the "Ami-Ami Club," which my Japanese tutor recommended. Making knitted crafts was difficult, but I met kind Japanese friends. I also joined a volleyball circle--something I had only seen in anime. I could feel the passion my Japanese friends had for their club activities, and I really enjoyed it.

I also think The University of Shiga Prefecture is very welcoming to international students. There are classes that allow us to experience Japanese culture and classes to improve Japanese language skills. The kind teachers are always willing to help. When I struggled with insurance or moving-related issues, the teachers helped me a lot. There are always teachers willing to listen whenever international students face any problems.

The time I spent at The University of Shiga Prefecture was incredibly precious to me. It is an unforgettable and wonderful memory.

(December, 2025)