Written by: Huang Tingting

The Kokugakuin Short-Term Exchange Program (K-STEP) is an immersive outbound mobility program hosted by Kokugakuin University, Tokyo, Japan. This program aims to provide students with a comprehensive academic and cultural experience, fostering cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives. The 2024 cohort consisted of 14 students from Malaysia, France, Italy, Spain, Vietnam, and Taiwan, engaging in both structured coursework and experiential learning activities.

My motivation for joining K-STEP was twofold: academically, I aimed to conduct an autoethnographic study comparing Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) in Japan’s monolingual environment with English as a Second Language (ESL) in Malaysia’s multilingual setting. On a personal level, I sought to enhance my Japanese proficiency, deepen my cultural understanding, and broaden my cross-cultural experiences. This report outlines my academic engagements, cultural immersion, and key takeaways from the program.

I successfully completed a beginner-level Japanese course, attending four daily classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. As a result, I significantly improved my listening and speaking skills, gaining confidence in basic daily Japanese conversations. The structured curriculum and interactive teaching approach facilitated my learning, allowing me to apply my knowledge in real-life situations.

In the Japanese Religion course, I explored the traditions of Shinto and its associated terminologies. A highlight was visiting Enoshima Shrine, where I gained firsthand insights into the spiritual and cultural significance of Shinto practices. My reflections on this experience culminated in an essay examining the philosophical and historical aspects of Shintoism, enhancing my understanding of Japan’s religious landscape.

As part of a group project, I delivered a presentation on Japan’s food culture, focusing on bento (弁当). This exploration of Japanese cuisine later extended to cross-cultural exchanges, including enjoying Chinese hot pot and sharing my hometown’s signature dish, fostering lasting friendships. Discussions in this course provided deeper insight into Japan’s societal norms and cultural symbolism embedded in food practices.

Our group presentation for the History of Modern Japan course examined Japan’s “Lost Decade”, a period of economic stagnation. The collaboration with peers, including an Italian teammate renowned for exceptional presentation design skills, made the experience both intellectually enriching and enjoyable. This course provided a critical understanding of Japan’s economic history, policy shifts, and long-term societal impact.

I experienced two major tea ceremony schools—Omotesenke (表千家) and Urasenke (裏千家). While their rituals, matcha preparation, and formal kimono attire were similar, the differences in sweets and tea bowls highlighted the nuanced aesthetics of Japanese tea culture. The ceremony’s tranquility reminded me of the famous Chinese poem by Tao Yuanming, “采菊东篱下, 悠然见南山”. This experience deepened my appreciation for the philosophy of wabi-sabi and the intricate artistry of Japanese tea traditions.

With a deep appreciation for traditional attire, I had the opportunity to wear a kimono and attend an insightful lecture on its cultural significance. This experience further deepened my admiration for Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. The history and symbolism behind the kimono’s patterns, fabric, and accessories reflected Japan’s rich cultural heritage and meticulous attention to detail.

I participated in five Kyudo sessions, striving to master the bow. Although I did not hit the target, the patience of my instructor and the shared camaraderie with classmates made the journey rewarding—like an arrow that found its mark in the heart rather than the target. The discipline, focus, and precision required in Kyudo mirrored the philosophical depth of traditional Japanese martial arts.

My host family provided warmth and care beyond words. On Coming-of-Age Day, we made dumplings together, and I had the privilege of wearing my host mother’s kimono. She attended every event I participated in, and though our time together was brief, the love and memories will always remain with me. The experience allowed me to observe and appreciate family dynamics in a Japanese household, fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding.

The K-STEP program was more than an academic exchange; it was a transformative journey of cultural discovery and self-growth. Through academic coursework, cultural immersion, and personal interactions, I developed greater linguistic competence, cross-cultural awareness, and confidence in navigating new environments. The structured learning combined with experiential activities reinforced the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness.

Given the profound impact of this experience, I sincerely hope that similar opportunities can be extended in the future, perhaps with longer program durations or follow-up activities to deepen the learning and cultural engagement. Having the chance to participate again or continue this journey in some form would be incredibly valuable for sustaining the growth and connections fostered through K-STEP.

The K-STEP outbound mobility program has been a profoundly fulfilling experience. I sincerely extend my gratitude to I-PUTRA, FBMK, and Kokugakuin University for this invaluable opportunity and their thoughtful arrangements. My deepest appreciation also goes to my supervisor, Dr. Hazlina, as well as the K-STEP instructors, host parents, fellow participants, dormitory parents, and my family. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping this enriching journey.

Beyond academic and cultural knowledge, this experience has granted me newfound confidence, meaningful connections, and cherished memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. I look forward to applying the insights gained from this program to my future academic and professional pursuits.

Date of Input: 22/05/2025 | Updated: 15/07/2025 | nurulshabila