Lake Forest College, USA 2025
DODDAPANENI, RAGHAV VENKATA RAYUDU (Apr. 2025 - Aug. 2025)
1. Why did you decide to come study in Japan and choose Chukyo University?
I’ve always wanted to come to Japan as it seemed like such a unique culture and experience, a world so alien to where I’m from. I chose Chukyo because it was located in Nagoya, and had many facilities. I wanted to explore a city that was usually overlooked when it came to Japan.
2. How do you think you have matured through your studies at Chukyo? Please share your experiences, events, or feelings while studying at Chukyo University.
I’ve learned to somewhat interact with the Japanese people, learn their ways of life and aspects of their society. I also started learning a new language which works differently to what I am used to, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. I made many new types of friends, and explored many areas of Japan.
3. How do you hope to make use of this experience in the future?
I wish to come back to Japan in the future and not have language be a barrier. This journey started a path to understanding the Japanese. Learning another language and culture also has the added benefit of expanding my horizons, as I may approach multitudes of situations differently. Visiting other countries, especially Japan, helped me understand the variety of perspectives around the world and will prevent me from being close-minded in the future, and to not judge so quickly and harshly. People around the world can be wonderful.
4. Finally, please give a message to juniors who are considering studying at Chukyo University in the future.
Chukyo has an amazing faculty and amazing location. It is not too far from downtown Nagoya, and nestled between Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo which are all huge tourist destinations! I’ve learned a lot about the Japanese from my time here alone, as my teachers and the staff shared their anecdotes in addition to the classes. I would definitely tell my friends to start their “Nihongo” journey here!
