Three students newly accepted for the Autumn 2025 semester completed their exchange program and returned to their home countries in August. Their stay was made possible thanks to the generous support provided through the crowdfunding campaign conducted at the end of the 2024 academic year. The students who returned after approximately ten months of exchange study were two from the Protestant University of Rwanda (Mr. Victor and Mr. Ade) and one from the University of Yaoundé I in the Republic of Cameroon (Ms. Aurélie). Ms.Suzzy, who fulfilled her dream thanks to a donation from Toyota Ghana, has also completed her one‑semester exchange program and returned home. Ms. Linda and Mr. Daniel, accepted in Spring 2025, completed a one‑semester exchange period, while the three students mentioned above stayed for two semesters. Many of our exchange students express a strong desire to study in Japan again, and some are expected to return for further studies, such as in our master's programs. We hope that they will continue to play an active role as bridges connecting Africa and Japan in the years to come.

Ms.Mpesse Messina Grace Aurelie, our former exchange student from University of Yaunde Ⅰ, who studied in Japan from September 2025 to July 2026 wrote an essay of her stay in Japan. Please check it out!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hello! My name is Mpesse Messina Grace Aurelie, and I am a master's student in Development Anthropology at the University of Yaoundé 1 in Cameroon. I recently had the incredible privilege of spending ten unforgettable months as an exchange student at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS), from September 2025 to August 2026. My time in Japan has been one of the most transformative chapters of my academic and personal life. I am deeply grateful to the Croud Funding Contributors who funded my round-trip airfare from Cameroon, and to JASSO for generously sponsoring my living and education expenses. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Student Exchange Division, the International Student Support Association (ISSA), and the African Studies Center for making me feel so incredibly welcome and supported throughout my stay. My Academic Journey: Culture, Identity, and Language As an anthropology student, my academic interests naturally center on how people construct identity and experience culture. My coursework at TUFS allowed me to dive deep into these themes, exploring the nuances of Japanese society and cultural expression. Of course, understanding a culture goes together with learning its language. My linguistic journey was divided into two distinct, rewarding phases: First Semester: I took Integrated 101, which gave me a solid, structured foundation in the basics of the Japanese language. Second Semester: I shifted my focus to interactive communication, taking dedicated Oral Communication and Japanese Listening classes to help me connect more naturally with the people around me. Adapting to the Japanese university style was a bit of a whirlwind at first. I wasn't quite used to the weekly cadence of tests, assignments, and constant in-class participation. However, I quickly grew to love this dynamic style of learning. Having to constantly practice sentence patterns and speak with my peers and Sensei built my confidence rapidly. The best part was stepping outside the classroom and realizing I could hold conversations with people in local shops and on the streets of Tokyo! Fors future anthropologist, being able to engage with a community in their own language was an incredibly fulfilling milestone. Life in Tokyo: Connections and Culture Beyond the classroom, my social life was filled with warmth, discovery, and laughter. I was fortunate to meet so many kind-hearted Japanese students who went out of their way to make Tokyo feel like home. Together, we explored historic treasures like the beautiful Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, and I was lucky enough to witness the breathtaking cherry blossoms painting the city pink during the early spring. Food also became a wonderful medium for friendship. Sharing my very first bites of Japanese cuisine with a diverse group of Japanese, international, and fellow African students is a memory I will always cherish. Navigating the Challenges Naturally, moving across the world came with its share of hurdles. Adjusting to the unspoken social etiquette of Tokyo--like learning the quiet, orderly ways people queue at train stations, shops, and museums took some careful observation. Navigating Japan's advanced technology, especially when the interfaces were entirely in Japanese, was a daily test of patience! And, like almost every newcomer to Tokyo, I found the massive, sprawling railway system incredibly intimidating to navigate alone at first. Yet, looking back, these challenges were exactly what helped me grow. They pushed me to think on my feet, become more independent, and find creative ways to solve problems. My admiration for Japanese culture and language has only deepened through this experience. As I return to Cameroon, I am excited to bring the unique perspectives, academic insights, and personal resilience I developed at TUFS back to my country, University of Yaoundé 1. Thank you for everything.

Mr. John Gaipai Victor Salah, our former exchange student from University of Rwanda, who studied in Japan from September 2025 to August 2026 wrote an essay of his stay in Japan. Please check it out!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exchange Program Report My name is John Gaipai Victor Salah, a student of Peace and Conflict Studies in the Faculty of Development Studies at the Protestant University of Rwanda. From September 2025 to August 2026, I had the privilege of participating in a one-year exchange program at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) in Japan. Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to the people who took part in the crowdfunding that helped me to come and study here, and also give my thanks to the JASSO scholarship program for supporting my study program in Japan. Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to the African Study Center at TUFS for their continuous support and guidance towards my stay at TUFS. So, looking back, I can confidently say that this exchange program has been one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my academic and personal life. One of the greatest strengths of my exchange experience was the opportunity to study a wide variety of interdisciplinary courses. Coming from a background in peace and conflict studies, I found that TUFS offered courses that not only complemented my academic interests but also challenged me to think more critically about international issues and contemporary global challenges. And in that case, I took so many courses such as Global and Local Society, International Cooperation II: Migrations Today, International Cooperation II: Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA), Aspects of Japanese History II, and several interesting courses that expanded my academic horizon. Moreover, something interesting that I learned was that the course introduced me to new perspectives, insights, and different points of view on global affairs and how students can examine complex issues based on their understanding and possibly propose a solution on how complex matters can be handled. Additionally, although academics formed the foundation of my exchange program, some of the most valuable lessons I learned also came from experiences outside the classroom. Studying here was not only about attending lectures or completing assignments; it was also about engaging with people, participating in community life, and experiencing a culture from within. At the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS), I was fortunate to have many opportunities that enriched my understanding of Japan and strengthened my connections with people from different parts of the world. So, beyond academics, I also participated in extracurricular activities that helped me feel connected to university life. One of these was joining the university soccer club. Football has always been more than just a sport; it is a universal language that brings people together regardless of nationality or language. Whether playing indoor matches or practicing with fellow students, I found out that sports created friendships naturally, and it was actually easy for me to make friends. Even when we could not communicate fluently in the same language, teamwork, encouragement, and shared enjoyment on the field allowed us to build meaningful relationships. Lastly, the Student Exchange Division at TUFS organized several cultural and social activities that enabled international students to experience Japanese culture beyond the university campus. One memorable activity was the Jindaiji Walk, which provided an opportunity to explore one of Tokyo's historic areas while learning about its cultural significance. Walking through peaceful streets, observing traditional architecture, and enjoying conversations with fellow students allowed me to appreciate a quieter and more traditional side of Japan that differs from the fast-paced image often associated with cities like Tokyo. To conclude, as my exchange program at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies draws to a close, I find myself reflecting not only on the places I have visited or the courses I have completed but also on the person I have become throughout this journey. So, looking back to the day I first arrived in Japan, I realize that I came with curiosity, hope, and a desire to learn. And today, as I prepare to return home, I carry with me something much greater than academic credits. I leave with new knowledge, lasting friendships, broader perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose. Which will therefore prepare me to confidently engage with society in a more open-minded way, I also believe that this knowledge will highly contribute to my future career and community engagement. Therefore, I'm true greatful for all the time that I spent here, studying and meeting with some nice people to the end that I have been and creating everlasting memories.

Mr. Ngwa Gerlad Ade, our former exchange student from University of Rwanda, who studied in Japan from September 2025 to August 2026 wrote an essay of his stay in Japan. Please check it out!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ IntroductionMy name is NGWA GERLAD ADE, a Cameroonian student currently studying at the Protestant University of Rwanda. I had the privilege of participating in an exchange program at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) from September 2025 to July 2026. Traveling to Japan and studying at TUFS has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey. I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this opportunity possible. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Crowd Funding Contributors, whose generosity provided me with a round‑trip air ticket from Rwanda to Japan. I also thank JASSO for supporting my education and living expenses throughout my stay. My gratitude goes to the Student Exchange Division, the International Student Support Association (ISSA), and the African Studies Center for their continuous guidance, cultural support, and warm hospitality. Academic LifeAt TUFS, I took courses under the Faculty of Liberal Arts where I studied Peace related issues. It demanded both intellectual discipline and constant engagement. The learning environment was highly interactive, with frequent class presentations that pushed me to articulate complex ideas clearly and confidently. Assignments were sometimes difficult, often requiring critical analysis of conflict dynamics, peacebuilding theories, and real world case studies. These continuous tasks not only strengthened my research and communication skills but also deepened my understanding of how peace is studied, practiced, and sustained within diverse communities. Social LifeMy social life in Japan was full of exploration, excitement, and cultural discovery. I spent time visiting iconic places like Sensoji Temple, where I enjoyed traditional snacks and tried omikuji fortune‑telling, a small moment that felt both fun and meaningful. I also experienced the breathtaking views from Tokyo Sky-tree, wandered through Ueno Zoo, and even traveled beyond Tokyo to places like Shiga Kogen, where I saw the famous snow monkeys and tried skateboarding in the snowy landscape. Along the way, I tasted authentic sushi, joined lively festivals, and embraced the rhythm of Japanese culture I also visited Nikko and got to take pictures and experience the richness of the culture in that area, not forgetting the famous "Nikko Bridge", also known as "Shinkyo Bridge". Altogether, these experiences made my social life vibrant, adventurous, and deeply enriching. ChallengesI faced a few difficulties that shaped my experience but never overshadowed the good moments. Navigating the train system was confusing at first, especially during the first week or two, when everything felt fast and unfamiliar. Managing dormitory life and handling bills also required adjustment, as budgeting in a new country came with its own pressures. At times, the weather added another layer of challenge, whether it was unexpected cold, intense heat, or sudden rain. Despite these hurdles, I adapted quickly, learned to manage my routines, and ultimately had a fulfilling and enjoyable time throughout my stay. Despite these difficulties, each challenge taught me resilience, adaptability, and creativity. I learned to observe, ask questions, and adjust quickly, skills that will benefit me throughout my life. ConclusionIn conclusion, my time in Japan was a meaningful blend of academic growth, cultural immersion, and personal discovery. Through peace related coursework, constant presentations, and challenging assignments, I strengthened my analytical and communication skills. Beyond the classroom, I explored vibrant social spaces from temples and festivals to snowy mountains and city landmark-search experience deepening my connection to the culture. Even the challenges, like navigating trains, adjusting to dorm expenses, and adapting to the weather, became valuable lessons that shaped my resilience. Altogether, these moments created a transformative journey that broadened my perspective and enriched my life in lasting ways. Although it is sad that my time in Japan is coming to an end, I do hold a lot of memories and I do hope I get to return soon because there is so much to explore. Thank you.