My opportunity to conduct research in Japan

Name: Otilia Ojeda
School: Biosciences
Global Opportunity: Professional Research Year at Kumamoto University, Japan

What motivated you to take up a Global Opportunity?
I was motivated to take up a Global Opportunity because I’ve always wanted to learn Japanese. I had been studying the language in my own time but felt I needed language partners to truly improve. It was also a lifelong dream of mine to try living in Japan, and this opportunity gave me the chance to fulfil that. Most importantly, I wanted to prove to myself that I could make my own dreams come true.

What were your top 3 highlights from your time abroad? 

My top three highlights from my time abroad were incredibly meaningful.

The first was experiencing my first surprise birthday party, organised by my new friends—it made me feel truly welcomed and appreciated and realized how by travelling I could see there’s better things/people in the world if you explore than you could have imagined back at home.

The second was traveling across Japan, exploring its beautiful landscapes, culture, and history, which deepened my love for the country.

Finally, my leaving party was unforgettable; it was heartwarming to see all of my best friends together and hear how much of an impact I had on their lives. That moment genuinely boosted my self-worth and left me feeling deeply grateful.

What was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was making friends in Japan and using a new language in daily life. Cultural differences meant I couldn’t always predict what might upset someone or be judged differently compared to my home country. To overcome this, I focused on constantly learning, keeping an open mind, and staying adaptable. I also found that using humor and joking often helped break the ice and made cultural misunderstandings less intimidating, as people appreciated the effort and found it funny.

How has your placement been beneficial to your studies at Cardiff University or your future career?

My placement has been incredibly beneficial both for my studies at Cardiff University and my future career. It has given me a significant edge on my CV, as teachers and potential employers are immediately impressed by the experience. It demonstrates my resilience and ability to adapt to different situations and cultures, which are highly valuable skills. Additionally, the placement served as a refreshing break from my course, reigniting my passion and energy for my studies and future pursuits.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you left? 

One thing I wish I’d known before I left is that I should have studied the language much harder beforehand. It would have made settling in and communicating much smoother. I also learned the hard way that you need to be careful about VAT when sending things back, as it can add unexpected costs. Lastly, I discovered that planes are often cheaper than bullet trains, so I would have planned my travel more wisely if I’d known that earlier!

What would you say to a student that was unsure about spending a period abroad? 

I would say, you should definitely go! Spending a period abroad will not only change your perspective of the world but also of yourself. It’s a unique opportunity to discover who you truly are when you’re outside your usual environment and free from the pressures you’re used to. Plus, it can be a great mental health break, giving you the chance to refresh, grow, and gain new energy for your future.

What are 3 things to do in your host destination? 

Here are three must-do activities in my host destination:

Visit the One Piece statues: This unique and fun experience not only appeals to fans and regular travellers but also allows you to explore different areas of the prefecture and see how they shape the lives of the locals.

Go to cultural festivals and explore the countryside: Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture by attending vibrant local festivals, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and slower pace of life in the countryside.

Use your welcome passport: When you register to live there, the city hall provides you with a welcome passport, which gives you free access to various local attractions—a great way to discover what the area has to offer.

These activities will give you a well-rounded and memorable experience of life in Japan!

Share your top tips for thriving in your programme destination:

My top tips for thriving in your programme destination are:

1. Be present and engaged. Attend events, even if you’re nervous—it’s the best way to integrate into the community. As long as you’re kind and open, people will notice you and want to connect.

2. Learn the language. Making an effort to speak the local language goes a long way. People will appreciate it, and it helps you avoid coming across as disrespectful or disinterested in their culture.

3. Make the most of the beginning. Use your initial fresh energy to travel, meet people, and build friendships. The connections and support systems you create early on will be invaluable when challenges or low-energy periods arise later.

These tips will help you get the most out of your experience and create a strong foundation for your time abroad.

Please sum up your experience abroad in one sentence:

Life changing.