Since I was a child, I have been interested in Japanese anime and manga, and that led me to become interested in the Japanese language, so I decided to study abroad because I wanted to know more about Japan and learn Japanese.

I did have several options, but I wanted to go to Tokyo. My major is translation and interpreting, so I thought it would be better to choose a university in Tokyo that offers many courses related to languages. Another reason was that there was a scholarship program from JASSO1) .

At TUFS, I am taking Japanese classes to improve my Japanese skills. Besides Japanese classes, there are also many classes in English, so I am taking courses like "Gender Studies" and classes that analyze Japanese as a language.
At Boğaziçi University, my major is translation and interpreting studies, so I have started by gaining knowledge and experience in translation. When I return, I will be in my third year, but I have not yet decided what to specialize in within translation and interpreting studies. At the end of the third year, there is an interpreting exam, and if I pass, I will be able to take interpreting classes, but I feel that translation is better for me.

Before graduating from high school, I had already decided that I wanted to study abroad in Japan. I felt that Boğaziçi University was a good choice because it offers many opportunities for exchange programs. For that reason, I studied very hard for the entrance exam. Even after entering university, I continued to work hard so that I could study abroad, and all of that exam preparation became part of my preparation for coming to Japan.

For me, it is more efficient not to set a fixed number of study hours per day, but instead to include study naturally in daily life. It is not about having the mindset of "Now I will study," but rather about small habits, like saying "I'm just going to watch a video" and then translating it into Japanese, or when reading before bed, choosing a novel in Japanese. By gradually bringing Japanese into everyday life, I feel this is the best way to learn.

I took the JLPT2) exam in July and received my passing result in September. At TUFS, there are many classes such as grammar and listening practice that help prepare for the JLPT, and through these classes I felt that I was able to grow. In the mock exams, I could try how it would feel if I were actually taking the JLPT. Thanks to that, when I took the real exam, I did not feel nervous and I was able to perform as usual.

I think kanji is difficult. Even when I know the words, I often cannot understand Japanese sentences because I do not know the kanji. That is why I feel that kanji is difficult.

Yes, I think it was the textbook "Shin Kanzen Master"3) that we used in the JLPT classes at TUFS. I felt that this textbook was really good. As for apps, I often use one called "Hiragana-Camera,"4) which shows furigana when you enter kanji. Another well-known app that I think is also good is "Anki."5)

Since I had never lived alone before, the moment I came here I suddenly faced two big challenges at the same time: living alone and experiencing university life in Japan. I went to classes and studied hard, and when I came back home I cooked and cleaned by myself. This process of becoming an adult was the most impressive part of my university life.

My hobby is "Oshi-katsu," so when I came to Japan I was really glad that I could support my favorite content and artists directly. I was very happy that I could go to concerts, join events, and buy goods.

There is something similar in Turkey, but I think the Japanese culture of hospitality, called "Omotenashi,"6) is really wonderful. When people come to Japan, being treated kindly creates a warm atmosphere, and it also makes it easier for me to live here, which I appreciate. Practices like "Sashiire"7) are also considered very important by Turkish people, and I think it is really great that such customs exist in Japan as well.

This is not something limited to Japan, but right now I do have the identity of being an exchange student. When I meet people, I introduce myself by saying, "I’m Hiba,"" these are my hobbies,"" I’m 21," but I am always asked, "Where are you from?" Of course, I also have the desire to be a bridge between Japan and Turkey, but I want people to understand that I am not here as a representative of Turkey. When making friends, if the conversation stops at 'I’m Turkish' and 'You’re Japanese,' it doesn’t go any deeper, and that has made it difficult for me to build closer relationships.

Well, for now, when I return to Turkey, graduating will be my top priority, and after that I plan to pursue graduate studies. If possible, I would like to continue my studies in Japan, and ideally at this university as a graduate student. At that point, when it comes time to find a job, I want to decide whether to work in Turkey or in Japan.

My advice is "Know others, and know yourself." In this case, "others" refers to Japan. It is important to gain a deep understanding of Japanese culture and language, and at the same time, it is essential to know yourself. By "yourself," I mean your own culture, your language, as well as your weaknesses, strengths, and hobbies.
To face challenges, you must first understand yourself. Once you do, it becomes equally important to understand "others"—in this case, Japan.
When facing challenges, I also believe that "Happiness" is crucial. To be happy, you need to enjoy what you do. Enjoyment does not simply mean studying; it also means integrating study into your daily life and finding ways to enjoy it without being overly conscious of it.
So let us continue to enjoy ourselves, deepen our self-understanding, and keep working hard together.