For Aulia, Japan is her first experience living abroad. “It’s so different from Indonesia, and Japan is very caring toward its foreign residents, in every detail. It’s very convenient.” That doesn’t mean Japan is without its challenges, however. “Since I’m from a tropical region, after coming here, the four seasons are difficult for me. For each change in season, I have to adapt.”
But that’s all part of the experience, as Safira added, “I find it beautiful because we can see the changing scenery throughout the year. Like for me it's really exciting; I experienced my first snow."
Another challenge this group had to overcome is the language barrier. Delis told us, “Since at first I had no plan to come here, my biggest shock is the language barrier. Right now I live in a government building and there are a lot of documents I have to write.” Despite that, the support system around her has made life much easier. “My Japanese friends are so kind and welcoming, so they help me correct my documents.”
Hifdza faced a different challenge of her own: trying to raise a family. While this can be tough no matter where you live, let alone in a foreign country, she told us, “Japan treats us like real residents here, so they support me even in a health insurance and especially in education, so my daughter can attend a local nursery school." Even after daycare hours are over, her lab has got her covered. “My colleagues also always play with my daughter if I have to do the next part [of an experiment]. Our professors say that she’s the youngest researcher.”
Religious aspects of daily life are also very manageable in Kobe, with its rich history of multiculturalism and dedicated places of worship, such as the Kobe Muslim Mosque. Aulia told us about how she is able to continue to practice Islamic traditions while living in Kobe: “I’m Muslim, so once I found places that sell Halal food and provide prayer rooms, I was so grateful for that.” In fact, Kobe University COOP offers a significant selection of Halal food in its cafeterias and stores. Fransisca is also able to stay active religiously while in Japan: “Outside of school and the laboratory, I joined a community at my church here. They invite me to join many events so I’m quite happy.”
What’s true for all of the students is the welcoming atmosphere that Japan has provided them during their time here. “The Japanese people around me are so kind and polite. My next door neighbor even gave me a flower to welcome me to my new home,” smiled Delis.
Now that the group has told us what brought them to Kobe University and how life is treating them here, we’ll hear more about their future plans in part three of this interview series. See you next time!
