Sayaka Iwata, Ayako Kase and Ryoya Oyama are three Bachelor students from Sophia University in Tokyo, one of the University of Luxembourg’s partner universities in Japan, and they have just finished an exchange semester at the University of Luxembourg. Sayaka and Ayoko study French Literature, while Ryoya majors in International Relations at Sophia University. Read what they have to say about their experience in Luxembourg.

Why did you decide to spend your mobility term abroad and why particularly at the University of Luxembourg?

Ayako: I Initially wanted to go to France, because I wanted to learn French, but then I changed my plans, as in Luxembourg I could learn more languages and experience different cultures.

Ryoya: Luxembourg was my first choice because people in Luxembourg speak German and French. I speak German as well and I wanted to learn French in addition.

Did you already know Luxembourg before coming here?

Sayaka: No, actually I first thought Luxembourg was a city in Germany and I was not aware about the existence of the country. But now I like this country, as there are is such a mix of different cultures and languages. It is very interesting for me, because in Japan everyone speaks only Japanese, but here it is very diverse.

What were your first impressions when you arrived in Luxembourg?

Sayaka: What surprised me most was the mix of languages that I heard everywhere. For instance, at the university cafeteria, I heard students speaking in at least four different languages. This would never happen in Japan.

And what was your impression of the University of Luxembourg?

Ryoya: I was surprised by the very modern infrastructure on Campus Belval. I think in the coming years it will be a great place!

What do you think about the courses and professors at the University of Luxembourg?

Ryoya: All of my lecturers were really nice, even though I could not speak French fluently, they helped me a lot. Sometimes professors switch languages in class and this was pretty surprising.

In how far has living in Luxembourg changed you?

Sayaka: I have experienced positive aspect of different cultures, which has been very enriching. Besides this, in Japan I used to be busy all the time and here I have learned to enjoy life more.

Ryoya: I have definitely improved my cooking skills (laughing)

What are your plans for the future?

Ayako: I would like to work as a publisher. I like books and Japanese anime a lot. 

Ryoya: I had a chance to meet and talk to refugees in Luxembourg. This experience inspired me to work for refugees in different countries or to help people who are living in poverty in the future.

Thank you for the interview and all the best for the future and the rest of your studies!

Picture (from left to right): Ryoya, Sayaka and Ayako at the International Relations Office