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In Fall 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in an APU exchange program at Leiden University in the Netherlands. At the time, I was so excited yet nervous. I had never been outside of Asia for a long period of time like this, and I was intimidated by the difference in cultures.
The first few months were difficult. I had to start from scratch for everything. Friends, classes, and a totally different campus. The city of Leiden was beautiful, but it felt like a waste if I couldn’t share that feeling with someone else.
To overcome this, I joined many events organized by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), which plans trips and activities for all students in Europe. Through these events, I met and found confidence in belonging to a different environment. As I started building a foundation, I realized how many doors had opened for me.
I joined student organizations, completed an internship, traveled, visited museums, and met APU alumni. Through challenging myself over and over, I was able to feel like I belonged, which made Leiden and Leiden University all the more special to me. So, it was a strange experience to go back to Japan after 1 year of building myself in a new country. I was happy to meet my friends again and go back to my home, Beppu.
But something similar happened when I arrived in Leiden; I felt lonely.
Though that only motivated me to try my best in my last year of APU. I wrote my thesis, joined the 2026 TEDxAPU team, competed in the ICRC role-play competition and most of all, I made new friends. I had assimilated back in Japan, but Leiden was still calling me. So, I tried applying to their master’s program and I got in! So, I will be going back to Leiden University this September.
Recently, I participated in a GPI Workshop, which is available to all students who have participated in an exchange program through APU.
GPI (Global Perspective Inventory) is an assessment used to measure students' growth through their study abroad experiences. By comparing participants' responses, it evaluates changes in areas such as identity development, knowledge, and social interaction.
I found that it was very insightful and accurately measured my growth after my exchange. I found that I have solidified my identity and became more open to different experiences and people.
Reflecting on my journey, I realized that each challenge led to the next, continually encouraging my growth. This exchange experience not only broadened my perspective but also gave me the confidence to pursue new opportunities. I was extremely grateful for this exchange opportunity, and I do not hesitate in encouraging other people to do the same!
Hello, everyone! I’m Zera from Indonesia. I am in my 4th year of APS, majoring in CSM. I’m still relatively new to APU student life so that will motivate me to experience more things and make new friends! Of course, I won’t forget to write about it for you all!
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