Difficulties I faced in coming to Japan

About half a year after coming to Japan, I started working part-time at a hotel, because I didn't want to burden my parents financially. But at that time, I couldn't speak or understand Japanese very well, so it was really hard. It also took time for me to accept the differences in the quality of service between China and Japan. I was scolded all the time, and I was irritated with myself for not being able to do the job. But as I started learning the job one by one, I gradually started getting used to things.

About student life

When I look back at my life in Kansai University, I was working so hard every day at preparing for and reviewing my classes, doing my part-time job, and cooking my meals, so that my student life passed by really quickly. In the beginning, I would actively talk to people in class because I wanted to make Japanese friends. Right now, I am the only international student in my research seminar, and I have made many Japanese friends. I've also taken weekend trips.
Kansai University has an especially strong support structure for international students, and offers many different activities. I learned English from a different student at an English class offered by a foreign language conversation exchange program hosted by the Division of International Affairs. I've also participated in this program as a Chinese language teacher. As for financial matters, the school offers scholarships and tuition reduction systems, giving students an environment where they will be recognized for the amount of work they put into their studies. Thankfully, I was able to receive scholarship for three years, and have been able to minimize the time spent in doing part-time work.

About my studies

Right now, I am specializing in business accounting at my research seminar. During my first year, it was difficult to memorize the technical terminologies. But after I acquired basic knowledge, I challenged myself to acquire a 2nd grade level in the Official Business Skills Test in Bookkeeping in order to deepen my understanding of the subject. I was really happy when I finally managed to pass the test at my third attempt. Right now, I am writing my graduation thesis on "noren shokyaku" (amortization of goodwill) which is a practice that is unique to Japan.

About searching for employment

I wanted to find employment in Japan, but I first needed to get used to the Japanese-style job search activities. I was very anxious, because I had less knowledge about Japanese companies compared to the Japanese people. Also, unlike studying, this is not something where you will always be rewarded for the amount of work you put into it. It was very difficult until I received the acceptance letter, but I thought of it as a battle I was fighting against my own self, and kept on advancing, believing in my own potential.
I visited the Career Center almost every day in order to talk about job searching activities, and the staff there gave me their support. For example, the entry sheet is uniquely formatted for Japan, so I think many international students would find it difficult to understanding how to input them. The staff at the Career Center took me by their hands and showed me how to do everything—from how to input into the entry sheet, to how to phrase my words, and how to practice for the interview. For people thinking about working in Japan in the future, I think you will find Kansai University's generous support very reassuring.
After graduating, I have received acceptance to work in a major manufacturer in Japan. I will work hard, hoping to become a business person that is able to work actively at a global level.