Students in the Department of International Studies were asked to share their thoughts about the university. The second question presented to the students is:

“What did you learn during your first year at the university?”

Student responses are as follows:

I am enrolled in the Multicultural Communication Department. In my first year, I can start learning the basics of English and Chinese. The teachers are very supportive, so I can steadily improve my language skills. There are also classes that help me prepare for the Eiken, Chinese Proficiency Test, HSK, TOEIC, etc., and I can also learn about Christianity. I did not go to Chinzei High School, so my knowledge of Christianity was shallow. However, I can enjoy learning about the history of Christianity, so I am making many new discoveries.

In addition, there are classes that allow you to interact with the local community. There are also things that allow you to participate in volunteer work for people in Nagasaki City and Isahaya City, and to interact with people in the town, so I think you can also hone your humanity.

And to digress, I think that first-year students have a chance to make friends even in class. In university classes, there are many classes where you listen to the teachers, but there are also opportunities to take classes in groups with various students, such as group work. If you make a lot of friends in your first year, you can enjoy your university life more in the future. You will also be able to learn a lot about human relationships through classes.

私は多文化コミュニケーション学科に在籍しています。１年生になると英語、中国語の基礎から学ぶことができます。先生方も手厚い指導をしてくださるので、語学力を着実に上げることができます。そして英検、中国語検定、ＨＳＫ、ＴＯＥＩＣなどの対策も授業内でおこなってくれる授業もあるので、

そして、キリスト教についても学ぶことができます。私は高校は鎮西ではなかったので、キリスト教についての知識は浅いほうでした。しかし、キリスト教のたくさんの歴史を楽しく学ぶことができるので新しい発見がいっぱいあります。

さらに、地域と交流をもつ授業もあります。長崎市や諫早市の方々へのボランティアに参加したり、町の人とかかわりを持てるようなものもあるので、自分の人間性も磨くことができると思います。

そして話はそれますが、１年生は授業の中でも友達を作るチャンスがあると私は思います。大学の授業では、先生方の話を聞く授業もたくさんありますが、そのほかにもグループワークなどいろいろな学生の方とグループを組み、授業を受ける機会などもあります。１年生のうちにたくさん友達を作ると、これからの大学生活をよりよく楽しむこともできます。授業を通して、人間関係に対してもたくさん勉強できるでしょう。

A.S.

 

私が大学1年目の時に学んだのは、ベトナムやネパール文化です。

私は大学に入って言語の勉強に力を入れることを目標にしていました。

鎮西学院大学では年に数回留学生が自分自身の国について発表する機会があります。

まずこのようなイベントがあることを知りませんでした。

私は、大学生になるまでベトナムやネパールの文化や伝統も知りませんでした。しかし、鎮西学院大学に入学し、ベトナムやネパールのイベントに参加することによって今まで知らなかったことを知ることができました。また、伝統料理の紹介だけでなく、実際にご飯を食べることができるので味も自分自身で知ることができます。

他にも、有名な場所の紹介や伝統的なダンス、歌や劇を見ることもできます。私はこの発表を見て知識が増えました。大学では言語以外にも文化や伝統を直接その国の人から学ぶことのできるチャンスもあることを知りました。

大学生は環境が変わって学ぶことが多かったけれど、このことが一番印象的です。

My first year at the university is Vietnam and Nepal culture.

I made a goal that put effort into learning the language after enter the Nagasaki Wesleyan University.

In Nagasaki Wesleyan University, several times a year, international students have the opportunity to present themselves.

First of all, I didn’t know that Nagasaki Wesleyan University have this event.

I didn’t know Vietnam and Nepal culture and tradition until I became a university student too.

However, after I entered Nagasaki Wesleyan University, I took part in events about Vietnam and Nepal, and I was able to learn things what I didn’t know before. After that, not only we listen to introduce traditional food but also actually we were able to eat this food, so we are able to know taste by ourselves. In addition, we were able to watch to introduce famous places, traditional dances and plays. Also, we were able to listen to that country’s music. I increased knowledge from watched this announcement. In Nagasaki Wesleyan University, I knew that we were able to learn other than language, has chances to learn culture and tradition from that countries people.

University student changed situations, so I have to learn more things, but this is my most impressive thing.

S.S.

 

I’ve learned that make effort and review my actions during my first year at the university.

The campus life is different from high school’s one, I must choose my classes in the semester by myself. Also, must be careful of the kind of them to keep the timetable’s balance to graduating university. First time when I’ve attended the class, I’ve felt confusion for a long minute. At the time, we couldn’t imagine that I can graduate this school to increase something what I must be done. So that decided to make more effort than the three years of high school.

During the first year I was careful to attend all classes and get a high score on the credits to keep the time. Because, I planned to have survey to cure my left ear and must get license such as driving or TOEIC on the next year.

Also, I’ve faced any problems during the group work on the first semester. On the day, I was boarding the JR train from Nagasaki to Isahaya, this train has delayed by heavy rain. So, I walk hard to be at the class on time—actually, the one departed before 10 minutes has already arrived. I realize that I must choose the train depart earlier when the weather is unclear.

For those reasons I continue to be aware of two things to live a good campus life.

Y.M.

 

大学1年目に多文化コミュニケーションを学んだことで、異なる文化背景を持つ人々とのコミュニケーションにおいて重要なスキルや考え方を身につけることができました。具体的には、以下の点を学びました。

1. 文化の多様性の理解
   多文化コミュニケーションの学びを通じて、文化とは単なる言語や食文化だけでなく、価値観や行動様式、社会的なルールにまで広がるものであることを理解しました。それぞれの文化がどのように個人や集団の思考、振る舞いに影響を与えるのかを学び、文化的背景の違いを意識することの重要性を実感しました。
2. 異文化間のコミュニケーションの障壁
   異なる文化の人々との交流には、言葉だけではなく、非言語的な要素（ジェスチャー、表情、態度など）や社会的背景の違いによる誤解が生じやすいことを学びました。例えば、自己主張が強い文化と控えめな文化との間で意見の交換がスムーズにいかない場合があるため、相手の文化に配慮し、柔軟な対応が求められることを知りました。
3. 共感と尊重の大切さ
   異文化交流では、相手の文化を理解し、尊重することが円滑なコミュニケーションを築くための鍵であることを学びました。文化の違いを尊重することで、お互いに理解を深め、信頼関係を築けることが実感できました。
4. 異文化適応力
   文化的な違いを受け入れるだけでなく、異なる文化に適応するためのスキルも学びました。異文化の環境において、自分の価値観や習慣に固執せず、柔軟に対応することで、より円滑にコミュニケーションを取ることができるようになりました。

C.D.

 

私は、経済政策学科の経営コースに在籍しており、大学一年目には、企業の仕組みや企業の本質について学ぶことができました。また、バドミントンサークルに入って改めて体を動かす楽しさを学ぶことができました。

I am enrolled in the management course at the Department of Economics and Policy Studies, and during my first year at university, I was able to learn about the structure and essence of companies. Also, by joining a badminton club, I was able to learn the joy of moving my body once again.

T.H.

 

During my first year at university, I learned a lot about both academics and personal development. Academically, I gained a deeper understanding of my major through foundational courses, which sharpened my critical thinking and research skills. I also took general education courses that expanded my knowledge in subjects like history and sociology, helping me build a well-rounded perspective.

Personally, I learned valuable lessons in time management and self-discipline. Balancing assignments, extracurricular activities, and social life was challenging at times, but it taught me how to prioritize tasks and stay organized. I also realized the importance of seeking help when needed, whether from professors, classmates, or academic advisors. Additionally, meeting people from different backgrounds helped me improve my communication skills and broaden my worldview.

Overall, my first year was a time of growth, where I built a solid foundation for my academic journey and developed skills that will serve me throughout my life.

S.J.

 

 The most difficult part of my university life was studying Japanese. I had just arrived in Japan and had only studied Japanese for three months, so my Japanese was very poor, I couldn’t understand anything, I didn’t want to go outside, I didn’t want to talk, I thought it would be hard to study Japanese, I thought no one would be my friend. But when I moved to Nagasaki, every day when I went to school I met an old man. I was very touched by this old man, who always smiled and said good morning and told me to do my best to study Japanese. Since then, I started talking to my grandfather every morning, and along with my studies at school, my Japanese has gradually improved, and although I still can’t express myself well, I can now understand a lot of things. Thanks to this old man’s encouragement, I began to feel more confident about studying Japanese and interacting with people around me. Gradually, I started going out more often and making an effort to speak Japanese, even if I made mistakes. My classmates and teachers were also very supportive, patiently listening to me and helping me correct my errors.

K.C.

 

During my first year of university in Japan as a Vietnamese international student, I grew significantly both personally and academically. One of the most profound lessons was the importance of adaptability in a new cultural and educational environment. Being exposed to a different learning system that emphasizes teamwork and participating in group activities required me to adjust my study habits and communication skills. I realized the importance of time management. I created a schedule that helped me stay organized and balance lectures, assignments and social activities. I learned to express my thoughts in both English and Japanese, which not only improved my language proficiency but also gave me more confidence in expressing my personal views and opinions. 

In addition, I discovered the importance of networking, building relationships and the value of having foreign friends. Making friends with international students and local people helped me feel happy and adapt to the new environment more easily. We shared experiences about life and study, culture, customs, creating a long lasting bond and mutual support. 

Furthermore, through participating in festivals and events, I became more aware of Japanese culture, traditions and customs. Thanks to that, I have a better understanding of cultural nuances and cultural differences. Overall, my first year of university taught me a lot about communication skills, adaptability and the importance of maintaining cross cultural relationships, which shaped both my academic and personal development.

T.G.

 

The first year of university is a meaningful transitional period that helped me grow both academically and personally. Time management was the most important lesson. I learned to organize tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and use tools like digital calendars to avoid procrastination. Adapting to the new environment was also challenging. University required me to adjust to different teaching methods, heavier workloads, and diverse interactions. Another major lesson was the importance of relationships. Joining clubs, making friends, and engaging with professors expanded my network and helped me feel less isolated. Additionally, I realized that self-discipline is key to success. I took the initiative to study independently, find resources, and participate in academic support sessions. Lastly, I understood that self-care is essential. Balancing academics with mental and physical health allowed me to maintain energy and focus. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness became crucial habits. These lessons have laid a strong foundation for the years ahead.

H.T.

 

I studied three main languages: English, Chinese, and Korean. Since I was in high school, some classes were exempted because I had studied these three at school and had certifications in them. Half of the English classes were conducted entirely in English, and the other half involved studies such as phonetics and TOEIC preparation. In the Chinese class, I was able to spend an intense time not only learning the language but also hearing about Chinese culture and the teacher’s experience studying abroad. The Korean class was a very large group of students who all loved Korea. The teacher was very cute and funny, so even beginners could enjoy learning Korean. Now in his second year, he focuses on English and Chinese and is actively working to obtain certifications in both languages. 

However, the class that left the greatest impression on me was the omnibus class focusing on symbiosis and multicultural society. In that class, I was able to learn about various teachers’ and outsiders’ ideas and approaches to society, which still remains very interesting and memorable to me a year later, as I am interested in the SDGs and  international cooperation. 

The first thing that surprised me when I entered the university was how humorous and kind all the teachers were. It was a year of classes that were very enjoyable and allowed me to learn about a world I didn’t know.

N.Y.

 

I learned to do my own thing during my first year. As a university student, I started using the money I earned from my part time job to buy things I needed for myself and to pay for entertainment. University students have more scope to do what we want to do than high school, and we can work part time since many fresh-man year students start having part time. Working and getting a salary lets us give us a sense of responsibility and a sense of how hard it is to earn money. Also, as I mentioned earlier, we must do our own things such as manage own assignments. In university, we have a freedom to decide what classes we want to take, while we have to take responsibility for managing it ourselves. Unlike many high schools, if we can not get credit, we are on our own. In my first year, I studied a lot of liberal arts subjects and was never given too hard assignments. However, as the year progresses, there can be more and more assignments, so I thought it is important to prioritize and make it a habit to work on things. 

K.T.

 

During my first year of university, I learned many things, influenced by the new environment I was given and the new people I met. The most important one was the importance of time management. Unlike high school, university gave me more freedom, but with that freedom came the responsibility to manage my schedule. I had to strike a balance between attending classes, completing assignments, and making time for social activities, such as part-time jobs and volunteer work. Academically, I learned the importance of independent study. I was an English major, but I also needed to study welfare for my future dream. Because it was a field outside of my field of expertise, I had a very difficult time understanding the content of the classes. Therefore, I learned that preparing for and reviewing my weak parts made it easier to understand the class content. I also learned that if I didn’t understand something, I could ask a friend who could understand deeply. I also became more confident in interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. By making new friends, not only those in my department, but also international students and people from other departments, and talking with them a lot, I have been able to broaden my perspective and understand different points of view.

S.K.

 

私が大学一年間で学んだことは、「何事も疑え」ということです。これは、神田先生から教わりました。神田先生は授業の中で「大学の教授のいうことはすべて正しいとは限らないし、意見は人の数だけある。自分の強い意見や意思を持て」と言いました。それを聞いた日から私は変わったと言えます。それまでは、人の言葉に流されやすく、すぐにいうことを聞いたり、逆らえなかったりするところがありました。

私の人に流されやすい性格とは例えば、アドバイスされた通りにしてしまったり、質問に対して自分の意見がないので、「これだけは譲れない」というプライドが無かったり、とにかくマイナスに働きます。でも、大学に入ってからその言葉を聞いて、自分だけの強い意志・考えを常に持つようになりました。それから、どんな言葉も「いやそんなことないぞ」と受け入れないでみると、少し強くなれた気がして流されにくくなりました。

私はこの一年で人に流されやすかった自分の性格を克服することができました。

 

What I learned during my first year at university is to “be suspicious of everything.” I learned this from Mr. Kanda. Professor Kanda said in class, “Not everything that university professors say is correct, and there are as many opinions as there are people. Have your own strong opinions and will.” I can say that I have changed since the day I heard that. Until then, I was easily swayed by other people’s words, and I had a tendency to listen to what others told me to do and not be able to go against it.

My personality that is easily influenced by others is: I did what I was advised, and I didn’t have my own opinion on the question, so I didn’t have the pride to say, “This is the one thing I can’t compromise on.’” Either way, it works negatively. However, after entering university, I heard those words and began to always have my own strong will and ideas. After that, when I tried not to accept any words as “No, it’s not like that,” I felt that I became a little stronger and became less easily swayed. 

Over the past year, I have been able to overcome my tendency to be easily influenced by others.

A.K.

 

First of all, I learned various things about languages during my first year at Chinzei Gakuin University. I took some classes of English and Korean during the first year. Actually, I had only learned English until high school. However, as a university student, I started learning Korean as well, and I was able to learn about the various differences in grammar and pronunciation among these languages, including Japanese, by comparing them. Additionally, I was able to learn these languages more accurately and experience great learning because both of English and Korean classes were taught by native professors.

Also, during my first year of the university, I joined the student council and was involved in some events, as well as participated in the cultural festival executive committee, where I carried out various activities as a member to organize the festival. I had never participated in these activities before entering the university. Therefore, I had many new experiences for the first time, and through them, I learned how to handle various problems and it is important to have frequent communication when I work with other people. 

These things I learned during my first year at the university are still helpful to me now as a second-year student, and I hope to continue using them effectively in the future. 

Z.K.

 

There are four things I learned during my first year of college.

The first is that I made a lot of friends in terms of relationships. At first I didn’t have any friends and was worried about it, but by actively communicating with others, I was able to find friends who are now very important to me. I could feel the importance of communication.

Second, I was able to learn how great my parents are. While many people live alone, I learned that it is difficult to live on your own. This is the first time I realized the greatness of my parents. The most difficult thing for me was the food aspect. I was not accustomed to cooking, and I kept making mistakes and could not cook a decent meal. So now I am learning to cook hard.

Third, I felt that it was important to interact with foreign students. Until high school, English conversation was between Japanese people, but as a university student, there were international students from various countries who came to Japan to study, each speaking a different native language. I was especially aware of our lack of English ability. I realized how difficult it is to learn a language because my listening skills are not good enough to keep up with conversations. So, I would like to put more effort into improving my English in the future.

Finally, I was also able to learn about Christianity. Our university values religion, and I have had more opportunities to learn more about it since I enrolled. Since I did not have the opportunity to learn about religion in depth until I was in high school, I am very glad that I entered this university and became aware of new things.

Therefore, I was able to learn four things.

M.K.

 

Basically, I have been learning English because I want to become an English teacher, so I need to improve my English skills. I have attended some all-English classes, which helped me improve my listening skills. I also took some classes related to English, such as phonetics. These were interesting for me because I had never studied in such classes before.

I also participated in some teacher training programs in English. I gained a lot of knowledge from these programs. They were tough but always very interesting. I really enjoyed these classes. Apart from these classes, I also learned many things through volunteering, participating in the school festival committee, and so on. These experiences were valuable and worth learning from. Specifically, I learned how to plan events, interact with children, and other skills.

I think my first year at university was a great one, but I didn’t study very hard. Everything seemed to happen automatically. In other words, I feel like I didn’t make much effort to study. I really regret this. Since university life is limited, we need to study hard while we are students. I am determined to study more and become a better person!

Y.I.

 

During my first year at the university, I learned how to live independently. At first, I found it difficult to take care of myself. I had to cook, clean, and manage my daily life without help from my family. Slowly, I got used to it and became more responsible. Living on my own taught me the value of hard work and organization.

Second, I learned how to study more effectively. In high school, I just memorized things, but in university, I had to think and ask questions. Group discussions and presentations taught me how to share my ideas clearly.

Lastly, I met new friends from different places. We helped each other and shared our cultures. This made me more open-minded.

My first year was full of challenges, but I grew a lot. These experiences helped me prepare for the future. I am excited to learn more in the coming years.

I.M.