Irene Iradukunda, our former exchange student from Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR), who studied in Japan from September 2024 to July 2025 wrote an essay of his stay in Japan.
Please check it out!!
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Report on My Experience as an International Exchange Student in Japan (October 2024-July 2025)
INTRODUCTION
皆さんこんにちは (minasan konnichiwa), My name is IRADUKUNDA IRENE, I am a student from Protestant University of Rwanda and my major is Peace and conflict studies. My journey to Japan as an international exchange student has been a transformative experience, both academic and personal growth. My interest in coming to Japan was fuelled by a desire to understand cultural perspectives on peace building and conflict resolution and post conflict development strategies. This opportunity to study at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies(TUFS) has not only enriched my academic knowledge but also allowed me to immerse myself in a vibrant culture, fostering personal growth and international friendships. Every moment was enriching.
Gratitude and acknowledgements
Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Japan Student Services Organisation(JASSO) for their scholarship, which supported me through financial facilities and allowed me to focus on my studies. Additionally, the Yazaki Cooperation's support through the interuniversity exchange project, which provided all support for this program.
Also, I am so grateful to the professors, students and departments at TUFS for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my academic journey. Their encouragement played a crucial role in helping me achieve my academic goals. I would also like to thank my home University, the Protestant University of Rwanda, particularly Prof. Kazuyuki with his family and former Japanese exchange students: Ayumi San and Kana San for their assistance in the document process and follow-up after I arrived in Japan.
Lastly, I appreciate all my friends from all over the world, Japanese families who made my time in Japan memorable. Their kindness and hospitality have left a lasting impact on my life.
Academic achievement
During my time at TUFS, I engaged in diverse coursework related to peace studies, international relations, languages and Japanese history. The seminars and workshops I participated in enhanced my understanding of conflict resolution strategies in global context. I also participated in extracurricular activities such as cultural exchange programs at Japanese high school, volunteer internships.
In the details, I have had the privilege of participating in an exchange program with Japanese high schools on three different occasions so far. This experience has allowed me to engage with Japanese high school students in various schools in Tokyo and Saitama prefecture, where mostly I provided teaching that reflected the history of Rwanda. On the other hand, I also got the opportunity to use my Japanese language skills. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am engaged in a volunteer internship at International Student Support Association (TUFS-ISSA). I was excited to gain field experience in this humanitarian sector because this host organisation support students from different countries to make a comfortable life in Japan either giving them direct support in terms of direct support and also giving them opportunity to explore Japanese culture in various forms like participating events and organising hangouts. This role has not only enhanced my organisational skills but also deepened my understanding of humanitarian efforts in a global context.
Furthermore, our course at TUFS was not only theoretical but also practical, that is why during my course related to Japanese film analysis, we created a fiction short film and our lecturer sang for us after watching our films.
Most importantly, I have developed my academic advancement as learning outcomes that I truly agree that it established a strong foundation in research domain, comparative analysis and gives my language aspect in Japanese language.
Social life achievements
Socially, my time in Japan was equally rewarding. I actively participated in cultural events and festivals, which deepened my appreciation for Japanese tradition and customs. Not only that, I participated in a musashino family program where I met a Japanese family and additionally I worked with my colleague to organise film screening where I shared documentary film with the TUFS community particularly and also there were other Japanese communities who joined us.
In March 2025, I had the honour of performing Japanese songs at the Sakura Festival folk dance parade in Fuchu. This folk dance performance allowed me to know Japanese songs, how to dance and enjoy native Japanese culture. I appreciate ISSA for their assistance in this journey. Additionally , through my participation in the musashino family program, I was matched with a Japanese family which provided me with additional opportunities to practice language and make strong friendships with Japanese people and also visit different places with them.
Truly, I appreciate my Japanese family and till now we are still connected. Lastly, I had the honour of screening my documentary film during an event known as African week here at TUFS, together with students majoring in African Area Studies, we organized a showcase that reflected Rwanda culture. I really appreciate Prof. Takeuchi, head of Africa Study area who welcomed our guest speaker from Rwanda embassy in Japan and I really appreciate everyone who participated and contributed his energy in this event. Not only that, I got the opportunity to participate in a radio program show on Fuchu Fm, where our commercial advert passed through every Tuesday. As someone who has a basic knowledge about journalism, I was very much excited because to participate in this program and I also speak only Japanese was a dream come true.
Additionally, I got an opportunity to visit Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) at their branch in Chofu. This study trip empowered me with a lot of knowledge and skills about aerospace field work and more experience in these sectors.
Lastly, I participated in local and international events, I invited my friends and visited many historical and beautiful places here in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures. My experience as an international exchange student in Japan has been remarkable, and skills I have gained will undoubtedly contribute to my future endeavours in peace and conflict studies. I am glad to everyone and the African study Area for the great souvenir they gave me during my period in Japan.