Introduction: Hu Yuxuan, graduated from No. 6 High School in Xiamen; enrolled in China-Japan program at XMU International College in 2007; began to study in the department of intelligence at Shizuoka Sangyo University as an international information major for the last two years’ bachelor courses and achieved scholarship for privately financed international students provided by the Japanese Student Service Organization; currently a senior student in Japan.

Q: Why did you choose the China-Japan program in XMU International College after graduating from high school?

Hu: I wanted to explore more about the world after the Higher Education Entrance Exam, so I chose this program. My family in Xiamen didn’t want me to live too far away from home and they suggest me select a country close to home. I saw the student recruitment pamphlet of XMU International College and acknowledged that I had a chance to study in Japan. After talking with my parents, I decided to learn a new language, Japanese, and began to plan for my study in Japan. I wanted to experience the secrets of this developed country and realise my dream of going abroad to know more about the world I’m living in.

Q: What gains have you got from the two years’ study at the International College?

Hu: These two years is the most unforgettable period of time in my life. Other than trying hard to learn Japanese, I was planning for my better future. The Zhangzhou campus of XMU is like heaven. Every graduate are reluctant to leave because the life there if fulfilling and feels like youth, which laid a firm foundation for my future study in Japan and made me more confident.

Q: You were awarded scholarship. Could you tell us more about it?

Hu: After the first semester at Shizuoka Sangyo University, I won scholarship for privately financed students, which is awarded by Japanese Student Service Organization with my academic results and performance. It’s a scholarship offered for all privately funded international in Japan. It provides 480,000 yen per month for 1 year, 576,000 yen in total.

Q: How is your study at Shizuoka Sangyo University?

Hu: It’s free and happy. We choose classes we’re interested in and arrange them by ourselves. We can select what may be helpful to improve our skills based on our majors.

Q: What have impressed you the most during two-year study in Japan?

Hu: The life here is colourful. It’s difficult but we have achievements. Studying abroad is not as easy and comfortable as some people think. The reality you have to face is that you need to take care of yourself and rely on yourself. You have to solve any problem that turns up whatever it may be. Part-time job is very helpful because the service industry in Japan is the best. This is because Japanese are meticulous. You won’t have this feeling if you don’t have a part-time job. Meticulosity is their secret to success.

Q: What activities have you participated in after class?

Hu: The international center of the university organizes after-class activities regularly which allow international students know better about Japanese culture and customs. The most important is to improve your Japanese. They also have Japanese debate contests which makes your life more colourful.

Q: What kinds of change has overseas studying brought you?

Hu: Studying abroad is a difficult road with thistles and thorns, but once you go through it, you will become stronger and overcomes a lot of problems on your own. Studying itself is not hard. You can do it wherever you are. What’s really difficult is to improve yourself via learning outside the classroom. I didn’t know that armed with knowledge only is not enough. Only by experiencing the difficulties on your own can you understand the preciousness of comfortable life. You need to keep yourself occupied using every second. Study abroad means a lot to me. The values and world views I had have changed as I see and hear abroad. Studying abroad makes me know better about the world where I live.

Q: What’s your plan after graduation?

Hu: I’m planning to work in Japan to improve myself, and then applying for courses of Master’s Degree to continue my journey overseas.