If my exchange taught me one thing, it would be the joy that comes from learning about new countries and sharing about your own. These conversations became common motifs during my Japanese exchange, and I loved every moment of them. Living and studying with people from all around the world is a whirlwind. One minute, you will try to understand a new worldview, and the next, you will try to explain your own. In a span of just a few days, I would try obscure snacks from the Netherlands, watch Japanese TV shows, try Spanish dance moves, hear English views on Brexit, and learn about the Karaoke scene in Taiwan. In doing so, I would find openings to share and compare my experiences as a New Zealander. I had so much fun talking about my home at the bottom of the world. Not to mention the many times I had to explain the New Zealand slang I frequently used (turns out if you say either ‘togs,’ ‘jandals,’ ‘wop wops,’ and or ‘glad wrap’ to Europeans, you will be on the receiving end of blank stares). Although I was studying in Japan, I was constantly absorbing ideas worldwide. An exchange is not just an exchange of physical location but of values, stories, and teachings.
My cousin gifted me a Māori Koru to wear during my exchange; it represented growth and new beginnings. I wore it every day as it made me feel like I had home with me. However, it served a whole other purpose. My Koru was a catalyst for numerous conversations about New Zealand. Although many people asked me if the necklace referenced the Moana movie, I happily transitioned the conversation into discussing Māori culture and art. Slowly but surely, those around me learned more and more about New Zealand.
Through expressing my love for Aotearoa, I gained an appreciation for my country. However, the more I shared, the more apparent my knowledge gaps about New Zealand’s culture and history became to me. Monolingualism was rare in my international student house, most could speak their home language alongside English. Although English is one of the national languages of New Zealand, I could not help but dwell on my lack of proficiency in Te Reo Māori. As I gained more confidence in my ability to speak Japanese and spoke to local people I began to imagine the fruits I would gain if I became more confident in Te Reo in New Zealand.
Even through my study in class, I created connections with Aotearoa. I took a course called “Interpreting Industry of Japan,” where I had the opportunity to research interpreting in New Zealand, especially for Te Reo Māori. I introduced the Treaty of Waitangi in a class presentation. To many listening, it was their first time hearing about it. This bred the realisation of the responsibility that exchange students have in representing their country and how their country will be perceived by other internationals. As I became more passionate about New Zealand, I gained the passion to learn about Japan as much as possible. I realised that my actions of sharing my New Zealand experiences in Japan would be repeated and vice versa when I returned home. On my return to New Zealand, I will gain the responsibility of sharing Japanese values, customs and traditions. This turned into me exploring as much of Japan as possible to learn and experience everything new and alien to me.
So, when future students think about their upcoming exchange, remember that the people you meet and the stories you share create your experience. I encourage you to be a sponge before and during your exchange. Gain as much knowledge of your own country as possible and be ready to share when you arrive. In addition, once you are on exchange, absorb as much as you can before you leave. This will fashion numerous valuable connections with people from all corners of the world and grant you a greater understanding of your own home. And who knows, the word togs might catch on in Europe.
