Exchange Students

SOUBIES MAËLINE LOULOU CLAUDE (Sep. 2025 - Feb. 2026)

1. Why did you decide to come study in Japan and choose Chukyo University?

I decided to study in Japan because I was curious about the country and wanted to experience a culture very different from my own. Studying at Chukyo University was not my first choice at first, as I was initially more attracted to Tokyo. However, looking back, choosing Nagoya and Chukyo University was one of the best decisions I made. After traveling back and forth to Tokyo several times, I realized that Nagoya is much more pleasant to live in, with less crowds and less tourism. It also has a very central location in Japan, which allowed me to travel much more easily and at a lower cost. Chukyo University also stands out for the quality of its support for international students. From visa procedures to housing, administrative steps at the city office or opening a bank account, I was accompanied throughout the entire process. The staff is extremely helpful and responsive, which made my experience in Japan much smoother.

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.

My time at Chukyo helped me grow a lot. Living in a new country pushed me to become more independent. I learned how to adapt to a different culture, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and be more open-minded. The VOICE association and all the events they organize helped me meet a lot of people and quickly build strong friendships, both with VOICE members and other exchange students. It created a very welcoming atmosphere. If I had one piece of advice, it would be to join as many events as possible at the start of the exchange, because it makes meeting people much easier. The class schedule was also very flexible, which gave me a lot of freedom to travel Japan and countries around.

3. How do you hope to make use of this experience in the future?

I plan to use this experience in my future studies and career by applying the skills I gained, such as adaptability, independence, and intercultural communication. This experience also made me more confident about working or studying in an international environment and encouraged me to stay open to opportunities abroad.

4. Finally, please give a message to juniors who are considering studying at Chukyo University in the future.

If you are considering studying at Chukyo University, I would highly recommend it. Studying there was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. It allowed me to grow a lot and Chukyo University offers a very supportive environment for exchange students, which makes a real difference when living abroad. The staff is helpful and present, and the campus life makes it easy to meet people and build friendships. Living in Nagoya also adds a lot to the experience: it is a comfortable city and very well located for traveling around Japan. Looking back, this experience shaped me in many ways and gave me memories, friendships, and perspectives that I will carry with me long after leaving Japan.