I decided to study abroad when I entered a university of foreign studies. That’s because there was an idea that I would like to visit once in the country where people speak the language I study. In addition, long-term study abroad is something that can only be done while in college, and the study abroad system of the university is in place. There is a lot of information on the study abroad, so I thought it’s helpful.

There are two main purposes for studying abroad. One is, of course, the improvement of language skills. If I study in Japan, I tend to rely on Japanese. I think it is very nice to be able to speak Russian 24 hours a day. The goal is to pass the top-level of the Russian exam as a result.
The other is to broaden my sense of values. As I learned Russian, I was very surprised to find out the differences in living and thinking between Japan and Russia. So I want to go out of Japan and see and hear things with my own eyes and ears and absorb them.

It has been four months since I came to Khabarovsk. Life in Russia is very different from Japanese life and it is exciting and full of things I wouldn't know without studying abroad.
Classes are held four days a week; subjects include English, linguistics, and international business negotiations in addition to subjects in Russian, my major at my home university. The task in class are often to recite about 10 sentences. I feel that my vocabulary and listening skills have been improved.
Most of my classmates are Chinese, and we have a good relationship with each other asking about each other’s culture and exchanging languages. Recently, a song and postcard contest for international students was held. We sang a Russian song together. The test period is coming soon, but it took us a long time to get the test dates. Not only this, but in Russia, there are many difficulties because information transmission is slow or things do not progress unless we act on our own.
Besides, I participate in a Japanese conversation club with Japanese learners, which is held once a month. There are many participants and I can talk with people of various ages. I go out to watch ballet, circus, ice hockey, walk around the city and so on with friends on weekends. On December 1st, I helped to supervise the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
It has been the below freezing point since November and it's hard to go outside, but I am planning to travel to Vladivostok at the end of December. For the remainder of my study abroad period here, I will continue to learn Russian and Russian culture.

After studying for seven months, I feel that I was able to fulfill my original purposes. First of all, in the language aspect. Although it was difficult to communicate with a series of words that I didn't know every day, I was able to utilize my motivation to learn it. I have a feeling that I was able to absorb a lot of vocabulary and unique phrases through classes and interaction with local students. Also, it was interesting to see how it is said in Russian, but how to say it in Japanese, Chinese and Korean.　
Second, in the mental aspect. Common sense in Japan did not work and there were many conflicts. Especially, I was most surprised when the construction of the bathroom was suddenly done. From there, I have a habit of trying to put my thoughts into my mouth and a habit of doubting common sense. It's a shame that I couldn't get through for 10 months, but I'm glad to see Russia with my own eyes. When asked what kind of country Russia is, I can now answer with confidence, including hands-on experience.
My future goals are still unclear, but first I want to remember what I experienced and felt during this study abroad. I believe that there are situations where it can be helpful.