You are about to embark on an incredible adventure. You’ll achieve things you didn’t think were possible, meet amazing people, and emerge a changed person. The experience will shape you in ways you can’t yet imagine.

Before I get too sentimental, here are some pieces of advice to help you make the most of your time:

Speak Up and Connect: Talk to as many people as you can. I arrived in Matsuyama with decent Japanese skills, but I found myself anxious and self-conscious at first. After about a week and a half, I realized how unnecessary my worries were. Most of the time, my Japanese was better than the locals’ English, and they appreciated my effort to communicate in their language. In fact, some of my closest friends were made through casual conversations. Even if you’re shy or introverted, challenge yourself to reach out—doing so in another language is incredibly rewarding!

Breakfast before day two at the CNDS Conference in Taipei. I was lucky enough to sit and connect with very kind-hearted and established representatives from around the world!

Befriend Older Locals and your Neighbours: Older folks are often the best conversationalists. They’re usually patient with your Japanese and love chatting with younger people. An easy icebreaker is the weather—just saying 「暑いですね」(It’s hot, isn’t it?) or 「寒いですね」(It’s cold, isn’t it?) can open the door to wonderful conversations and possibly even lifelong friendships.

My last meal with my Neighbour Yamazaki-san! She showed me so much love throughout my internship and a piece of her will always be with me ◡̈

Discover the Stories Around You: Everyone you meet will have something unique to share. Take the time to get to know your neighbors, local shopkeepers, or the regulars at your favorite café. These connections will not only enrich your experience but also leave you with stories and friendships to treasure. Personally, I found so much comfort in visiting local shops when I was feeling down. Knowing I’d see a familiar face and have a friendly conversation always brightened my day. These small, meaningful connections can make all the difference!

Observe and Learn: Take time to be aware of your surroundings. What can you learn from watching and listening? As a guest in Japan, you’ll need to respect local customs and adapt to the rules. I learned so much simply by observing how people behaved in different situations.

Be Present and Journal: The time will fly by—trust me. Keep a journal to capture your thoughts, experiences, and special moments. It doesn’t have to be perfect or polished but having something to look back on will be invaluable.

Be Adventurous with Food: Even if you’ve grown up eating Japanese food like I did, there’s always something new to try. During my internship, I had the chance to eat pufferfish (fugu) and horse meat (basashi). Keeping an open mind made these experiences unforgettable. Try everything at least once and aim to finish what’s on your plate—it’s a simple way to show respect for the culture.

Basashi from Kumamoto!
Fugu from Matsuyama!

Trust the Community: The people in Matsuyama are warm and kind. Your neighbours, landlord, and the community are always ready to help. If you ever feel lost or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. And if you’re reading this and need advice, know that I’m here for you too! :)))

Even the deer are welcoming!!!

Learn Key Phrases and Maybe Even Some Iyo-ben Dialect!: Matsuyama has its own regional dialect (Iyo-ben). While standard Japanese is widely understood, learning a few local phrases can delight the locals and deepen your connection to the community. I am now going home with「やけん」 and「けん」in my vocabulary, and it brings me so much joy whenever I say it. Each time it reminds me of all the beautiful people that have shaped me and my language abilities during my internship.

Get Involved in Local Events: Keep an eye out for festivals, cultural workshops, or volunteer opportunities. Participating in these activities is a fantastic way to meet people and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. During my internship, I attended several local events, including the Omikoshi Omatsuri, local markets, street concerts, bar concerts, etc.. These experiences became some of my fondest memories and allowed me to connect deeply with the community. Don’t hesitate to join in—you never know what unforgettable moments await!

Me and some friends after a Karaoke Event!!!

Take Care of Your Health: Adjusting to a new environment can be challenging for both your body and mind. Remember to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and establish a routine that supports your well-being. I noticed that I was eating almost twice as much as usual because my brain was working overtime, processing everything in a second language all day! If you’re feeling unwell, don’t hesitate to visit a local clinic or pharmacy—the healthcare system is generally very efficient and supportive.

Some medicine along with a note from Shiba-san.
He was kind enough to drop off some goods for me!

Be Patient With Yourself: OH MAN DID I LEARN THIS THE HARD WAY! There will be times when you feel homesick, frustrated, or unsure of yourself—and that’s completely normal! Growth happens outside of your comfort zone, so be kind to yourself and celebrate every step forward, no matter how big or small. Remember, you’ve chosen to do something most people can only dream of—moving to a foreign country in your 20s. That’s a huge accomplishment in itself. You’re doing great, and you should be proud of how far you’ve come!

These guys were my support system from beginning until end : , )

Shiba-san is the Best: You might wonder, how much could I—a 21-year-old psychology student—possibly have in common with Shiba-san, an acclaimed associate professor with an extensive background in disaster prevention? The answer might surprise you: SO MUCH. Shiba-san is incredibly kind-hearted, full of fun energy, and always ready to support you. I feel so fortunate to have studied under him and to have had him as my mentor. The skills I’ve gained, the life lessons I’ve learned, and the memories we’ve created together are treasures I will hold onto forever. 芝さん、どうもありがとうございました！お世話になっております！

Shiba-san and I having a lovely time in Taipei!

Over the past three months, I’ve learned so much about disaster risk reduction (Bosai), the resilience of myself, how much I value living in a collectivistic culture, and how much I cherish deep connections with people. I reconnected with my cultural roots, refined my Japanese, made life-long friendships, and grew in ways I didn’t think were possible. Looking back, I didn’t realize how much I needed this experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a deeper understanding of myself. Matsuyama and its people hold a special place in my heart, and I’m so excited for you to experience this incredible city and community.

Cherish your time in Matsuyama—it will become a part of you just as it has become a part of me. Although I’m writing this from Victoria, not a day goes by that I don’t wish I were back in Matsuyama.

Enjoy every moment, future intern. You’re about to have the adventure of a lifetime.

With so so much love,

Julia ❤️