Topic:
Supporting Japanese Language Learners in China
Written by:
Qiyi Tu, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Science
Yuting Gu, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Science

On August 22, 2023, an exchange meeting was held for Japanese language students in China to alleviate their anxiety before coming to Japan. The exchange party allowed us to share our experiences as international students, introduce Okayama University of Science, and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and life in Japan. Finally, we shared Okayama sweets and had fun interacting with each other.

Through the exchange meeting, we understood the challenges of studying in Japan for the participants. For example, many students were concerned about their Japanese language skills.



Most of the students were beginners in Japanese, while Japanese universities require N2-level proficiency or higher in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test for enrollment.

We also found that Japanese language learners in China have raised their expectations of studying abroad. In the final satisfaction survey, 7 out of the 12 students indicated that the exchange event reduced their anxiety about Japanese culture and customs, and eight expressed that it increased their motivation to study Japanese. Eleven students expressed interest in Okayama University of Science, and we could answer their questions about higher education during the exchange meeting. In addition, six participants expressed interest in studying in Okayama because of the low cost of living there.



In the future, they would like to expand the possibility of studying abroad by actively participating in China-Japan exchange activities and sharing their own study abroad experience.