Gohar Khojayan, a fourth-year student in Japanese studies (Department of World History and Foreign Regional Studies of the Institute of International Relations and Socio-Political Science at RAU) participated in the Japan Foundation’s program "Japanese-Language Program for Overseas Students (Outstanding Students)." This program is held annually in fall, lasts for two weeks, and provides students learning Japanese with the opportunity to visit Japan and become acquainted with its culture and traditions. 

 

The program participants visited Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, receiving a unique chance to live with Japanese families. Gohar said that she stayed with a family from the city of Sakai: the Japanese family showed her local sights, including ancient burial mounds called "kofun," and demonstrated how Japanese green tea and dishes such as sukiyaki and sushi are prepared. 

 

"I was impressed by the harmony between traditions and modernity. In Japan, you can see ancient temples and gardens, and next to them are skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology. I was also deeply moved by the Japanese people's respectful attitude toward the environment and each other. My advice to students of Japanese  is to be active so as not to miss the chance and participate in various contests and programs. After all, thanks to such projects, you can visit Japan and discover many new and fascinating things," she said.

 

It should be noted that RAU students can take part in such contests and exams to be granted an opportunity to visit Japan or study at one of the leading Japanese universities. 

 

 

Translated by Meri Gspoyan,    
I year Master’s Student in Translation & Interpretation, RAU