The most defining experience of my life

I believe World Campus Japan is the most profound and comprehensive exchange program to experience and learn about Japanese culture. Since I wanted to experience Japan and its culture, I joined WCJ in 2019 where I participated in the first session of its Japan summer program which took place in Kyushu. At WCJ I was part of a group of diverse young people frow all over the world with whom I shared enthusiasm for Japanese culture. With these amazing young people, I made one of the strongest and closest friendships in my life, and we stay in contact and meet up even now, 2 and half years later.

The number of cultural activities and events in WCJ is enormous. I got to experience Japanese martial arts like kyudo, kendo, karate or shorinji kenpo. I was amazed to witness the environment and flow of Japanese education through several interactive visits of elementary schools, high school and even a university. I could also feel Japanese spirituality through various shrine and temple visits and many other activities like learning about Japanese traditional theatre. The activities of WCJ are incredible not only for its content but more importantly for the wonderful warm interactions with local communities which was unapparelled.

The activity program was simply amazing, however the thing that had the largest impact on my life was the time spent with Japanese host families. The wonderful families I stayed with embraced me as if I was their own child and treated me with such kindness I didn’t know existed. Even though I did not know Japanese language, I created the strongest and deepest relationships in my entire life, particularly with one of the families. These interactions changed my life in unimaginable ways and showed me what life is truly about, those beautiful human interactions. WCJ completely changed my view on life and world and defined me as a human being. The values I have now were born from that unforgettable life-changing experience. Thanks to WCJ I understood who I am and what things are important for me in life. In other words, I found myself through that experience.

WCJ is the most amazing program in terms of feeling and getting to know Japan and Japanese culture. It is also best in nurturing beautiful and lasting relationships and connections all over the world. I can honestly say that WCJ was the most meaningful and best thing that happened in my life. The things that are my greatest happiness now were all born from that very experience.