Hello everyone! This time, we spoke with an exchange students who studied abroad at J.F. Oberlin University through the semester exchange program (RJ program) .We heard about his various experiences – his participation in school activities and comparisons between his home country and Japan. Please read until the very end!
Self-Introduction
Hello! My name is Asa St. Aubin, and I spent my spring semester studying abroad at JFOU. I am 21 years old, from Brewster, Massachusetts, in the USA, and I attend Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. I study both psychology and music technology, and I hope to enter the field of music therapy or music production after I finish school. Outside of academics, I enjoy improv/acting, video games, hockey, nature, and photography.
Why did you choose to come to Japan?
The main reason I chose Japan was that I wanted to experience daily life in a completely different environment, not just as a tourist. As a psychology major and a curious person in general, I wanted to see how Japanese society compares and contrasts with my own. I’ve also always been interested in Japan’s nature and arts—especially its geography and music.
Why did you choose JFOU?
I chose JFOU because it offered the perfect balance between nature and remote areas, as well as the high-tech, bustling streets of downtown Tokyo. I wanted a place where I wasn’t surrounded by overwhelming crowds or tall buildings, but also not isolated in the middle of nowhere.
How do you feel about the academics?
I found the academics to be a good balance of challenging yet flexible. The workload was still at a college level, especially in the core Japanese classes, which had a fair amount of homework. This helped me strengthen my language skills effectively. At the same time, professors understood that study abroad students are here to explore the country, so they were flexible when it came to missing a day for trips or excursions.
Have you participated in any activities or clubs? How was the experience?
Yes, I participated in two activities during my semester: Brown Bag Café and Hanauta A cappella group. Brown Bag Café is a job where I spoke with local students exclusively in English to help them improve their language skills. It was very enriching, not only because I could help others, but also because I built strong friendships with my coworkers—some of whom I know will remain lifelong friends.
Hanauta A cappella was also a special experience. A cappella, which is singing without instruments, requires teamwork and attention to detail. I had already been involved in A cappella for two years, but joining this club gave me the unique experience of creating music with Japanese students in a non-academic, passion-driven setting. Communication could be difficult at times, but we learned and grew together, became close friends, and put on an amazing performance by the end of the semester.
What was the most memorable experience during your stay in Japan?
My most memorable moment was when my friends from home visited me in Japan, and I was able to show them around my favorite places. We went to Kamakura to see the Hokokuji Bamboo Forest and the Great Buddha, then watched the sunset from the top of the Enoshima Island Lighthouse. In that moment, I realized how special it was that even though I was halfway across the world, I could share such an incredible day with my best friends.
What are some differences (or similarities) between Japan and your home country?
There are both similarities and differences between Japan and my hometown. One major difference is population density: I come from a much less crowded area, where I drive everywhere and can easily find quiet spots in nature. Social interaction also feels different. In Japan, politeness and respect are central to daily interactions, while in America, authenticity, humor, and equality tend to be valued. To someone from Japan, American interactions might seem impolite or casual, but for us, it often means comfort and friendliness.
As for similarities, people in both countries are generally kind and willing to help others, including strangers or foreigners. I noticed that whether in Japan or America, people are happy to slow down and make sure others feel included.
Your message or piece of advice to future exchange students
My advice is to seize every day and take time to savor each moment—whether you’re in a bustling city, a quiet forest, a classroom, or by the beach. Doing so helps you connect with your surroundings and create deeper memories. I also encourage you to make friends with the people around you, even if communication is difficult. Most people will be eager to get to know you and share their world. Thanks to this mindset, I’ve made lifelong friends not only from Japan, but also from America, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong. Lastly, remember to have fun! Stay on top of your classes, but don’t be afraid to take a trip—you’ll find that professors are understanding and flexible.
Thank you for reading to the end! Asa also appears in the two posts below! Please check them out too!
・「Please also watch our interview with Asa!」
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP1CcooE653/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
・「Asa’s little lesson on popular slangs」
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ6XvDik4Ak/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
