Student Voice: Embracing Culture and Nature at AIU – Helen ATSPOL, Tallinn University, Estonia

Helen ATSPOL from Tallinn University, Estonia is participating in our exchange program for Spring 2024. We would like to introduce her experience at AIU.

Being very interested in Japanese language and culture, I have been dreaming of studying in Japan for over a decade or so. It felt very unreal when this dream of mine finally came true.

When it came to choosing which university to go to, one student from my university recommended AIU to me, which is how I found out about it.

My main goal for coming to AIU was to practice Japanese and learn more about Japanese culture, which I am able to do here.

?I like how AIU organizes bus trips to different places in Akita, making it easier to explore the prefecture and its culture. Also, AIU has Japanese arts courses where students can learn about Japanese arts and culture in even more detail.

During my exchange here I took part in a Japanese tea ceremony course, where we learn about tea in Japan and how it is connected to various Japanese cultural aspects such as religion, history, other arts, etc.

Going on the bus trips and taking the tea ceremony course made learning about Japan more interesting and exciting.

Another aspect that I like about AIU is the environment on campus. Since AIU is located in a rural area, it is surrounded by a lot of nature, which I find very quiet and peaceful. Moreover, this kind of setting is very calming and makes it easier to focus on studying.

Also, everyone on campus is very friendly and always ready to help. I don’t think I have ever met so many people in such a short period of time in my entire life. Making friends on campus is very easy and makes life on campus more fun.