In April 2023, I arrived in Hokkaido, Japan, in the city of Sapporo, located in the northern part of the country, to participate in an academic mobility program at Hokkaido University.

Hokkaido University, one of Japan's national universities, boasts a sprawling campus, a harmonious blend of nature and modern infrastructure, and a central city location. This is how my initial impressions of the university can be described. 

During my academic internship , I was enrolled in the Japanese Language and Culture Studies Program, also known as "Nikkensei." This program is designed for undergraduate students from foreign universities that have an agreements with Hokkaido University. It allowed me to study the Japanese language and culture. Additionally, I had an option to choose courses from either the English curriculum or the standard curriculum taken by Japanese students.

It should be noted that from the moment I applied for the program, until my return to Kazakhstan, the staff of the Academic Exchange Office, constantly supported and advised me

on any issues that arose. They ensured that all information, announcements, and news were accessible in both English and Japanese, contributing to the safety and comfort of my time in Japan.

As part of my program, my classes were conducted in Japanese. I also delved into Japanese history and joined courses alongside Japanese students, fostering a multicultural environment. Interacting with classmates from China, Italy, Canada, Switzerland, France, Vietnam, and more enriched my experience, making me feel like a genuine Japanese student. This immersion significantly improved my Japanese language skills.

Hokkaido University's student life is lively and dynamic. The bukatsu culture is a distinctive feature of the Japanese education system, which extends to all parts of the educational system. At the beginning of the academic year, each club or organization holds an orientation for incoming freshmen.  One of the most vivid memories of student life for me is the Hokudaisai Student Festival. On the second of July, we had an official day off in honor of the holiday, the university festival. Residents and students on that day, enjoyed a fun, festive atmosphere and time spent among friends and family.

In retrospect, my five-month internship in Japan was profoundly valuable. I made substantial progress in language acquisition, forged friendships with people from diverse backgrounds, and expanded my understanding of a country deeply relevant to my profession.

Aziza KABYSH

3^rd year student of Oriental Studies faculty