小林　加奈.pdf

I participated in the 2013 Kyungpook National University Summer School program because I wanted to take a new step on my own. For me, who had only been abroad on a high school trip, it was my first overseas trip decided by myself. When I heard about studying abroad, I had an image of it being a grand and impossible thing for me. However, in the process of making the decision, I didn't feel the weight of the matter, and the procedures were easier than I thought, making me feel closer to foreign countries.

During my two-week stay in Korea, there was one thing I regret not doing, which was not speaking foreign languages much. Since the Korean students who took care of me could speak Japanese, and the other participants from Kyoto University could speak Korean, I hardly spoke English or Korean. Although my listening ability in Korean improved over the two weeks, I don't think my speaking ability changed much. I often thought that I should have studied more before the program started.

Through this summer program, I gained many things. One of them is that global issues and personal exchanges are not closely related. Historically, there are several international problems between Japan and Korea, but I didn't feel any of those issues during my exchange with Korean students. I didn't experience any hostility from passersby because I was Japanese, and I was able to spend a pleasant day in Korea even on August 15th, which is National Liberation Day. Before being dispatched, I was sometimes saddened by the intense media coverage of anti-Japanese movements and worried that Japan's reputation might be declining, but in reality, there were no obstacles to my daily life.

Through this program, I felt that the world is close, and I would like to participate in short-term dispatch programs again if I have the opportunity.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the staff of Kyoto University and Kyungpook National University, other participants from different universities, the five students from Kyoto University, and everyone who took care of me. Thank you very much.