Q:   First of all, congratulations on receiving this scholarship. What a fantastic achievement!
A:    Thank you very much!

 

Q:    So, where are you going and how long will you be there for?
A:     I will study at a university called Egmonthojskolen in Denmark for one year from August 2023 to August 2024.

Q:    Why did you decide to apply for this program?
A:    Well, トビダテ！留学Japan is a scholarship support organization that does not require repayment. They select high school and university students enrolled in Japan with dreams of studying abroad and they give financial support for various types of study abroad. It has an extensive network of students who have studied abroad, so after I return to Japan, I will be able to draw on this network to make new friends who support each other’s dreams beyond age and university.

 

Q.    This sounds great! So why did you choose Denmark? Did you have any particular reason?
A:    Actually, at first I wasn’t planning to study in Denmark. I was planning on studying in Finland as Finland is said to have the best Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) education in the world.  However, my study abroad should not only be meaningful for me, but it also should be shared with those around me, so I thought that Denmark which is similar to Japan in that it does not yet have a perfect D&I environment, might be a better choice for me. So, I changed my place of study to Denmark, and through my own university, I was introduced to professors who specialized in sociology in Northern Europe and it was then I discovered the University of Egmont and decided to study abroad there.

Q:   I see, and what do you hope to achieve during your abroad?
A:   During my year abroad I would like to absorb the skills and ideas of environmental construction to make a good D&I environment while experiencing a life in which disabled and non-disabled build equal relationships using their minds and bodies.
Specifically, there are four things I want to achieve; first, I want to gain the necessary ideas, experiences and problem solving skills of D&I where individuality is respected and mutual help is offered. Second, to consider multicultural symbiosis from the standpoint of living as a minority. (foreigners who can’t speak the local language, being culturally different, exclusion) Thirdly, to connect with friends who share the aspirations through my homepage and Instagram. Finally, to get a lot of information on the direction of learning, activities and values, including future major changes.

Q: Wow, it certainly sounds like you have a lot planned for your year! Are you going to study Danish as well?
A:  Of course I am! English is used for conversation at universities, but Danish is the main language used in meetings and classes. We use translators to learn, but some of the students only speak Danish, so they need Danish for help and assistance and for interaction. In Denmark, there is a system that allows foreign students to learn Danish for free from the local government. I also have my residence card and medical card number issued by the city hall and I use that number to take Danish lessons online. It has only just begun, but sometimes I feel tired and don’t want to hear English or Danish. There are times when I feel happy speaking Japanese to other Japanese members at the university. I’m gradually realizing how comfortable listening to my mother tongue is and how easy it is to connect to my will!

Q:  After you return to Japan, what do you hope to do with the experience you have gained in Denmark?
A:  I hope to help create inclusive educational fields or workplaces where people who need special consideration fit, and increase social productivity through the chemistry of human resources. I’d like to continue to share my experiences through events and workshops at volunteer locations, universities and local governments while deepening my understanding of D&I.