I am enrolled in the Special Course for Global Human Resource Development (G Course), while studying tax law at the Faculty of Law. I had been planning to join a long-term study abroad program, but the program was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which was a huge shock as I had been looking forward to studying abroad so much. In order to improve my English, I took advantage of various opportunities even during the pandemic, such as joining an online English training session held by the university and attending L-café on the campus to chat with international students. One day, I was invited to join the Study in Japan Seminar for ASEAN students as an MC and presenter.
 At first, I was hesitant to accept as I was not confident about serving as an MC and presenter in front of many people, but I eventually decided to give it a go, encouraged by my instructor at the G Course, who said “If you’re interested, why not try it? It will be a good experience.”
 Preparations for the seminar were done in English, involving students from other universities as well. This was actually harder than I had imagined as many unfamiliar English expressions were used in conversations, and I struggled to convey what I really wanted to say. By practicing English communication, I managed to complete the preparations with the help of university staff. In preparing presentation materials to introduce Japanese campus life, I focused not only on showing the attractions of Okayama and Okayama University, but also on promoting Japan as a destination for ASEAN students to study.
 In the seminar, I was flustered by unexpected questions, but I managed to answer them with the help of other staff. But I think the experience of having to flexibly respond to participants’ reactions to my remarks in English helped me improve my practical English. It was also great fun to talk with more than 180 foreigners on a topic of common interest and forge relationships across national borders.
 Before joining this seminar, I had thought the best opportunity for international interactions was to study abroad. But the seminar taught me that working with foreigners online also gives us opportunities to grow as a person, talk with people from various countries, and improve our practical English. I am now determined to promote international interactions utilizing resources available at present. I would still like to study abroad in the future, but for now I will continue with international exchanges in Japan as best I can, while looking forward to the day when the travel restrictions are lifted and I can fulfill my dream.

As of January 2022