[Study abroad experience] Ms. Nanako Sasanuma, XNUMXth year student in the Faculty of Science and Engineering

Nanako Sasanuma, XNUMXth year in the Faculty of Science and Engineering
[Destination] University of Oaxaca Autonomous Benito Juarez (Mexico)
[Study abroad period] February XNUMX, XNUMX to March XNUMX, XNUMX (XNUMX weeks)
[Type of study abroad] Short-term study abroad at a partner university

Please tell me about the university and classes

　Many of the international students were from the United States, and when there was something I didn't understand in class, I asked questions in English, and there were many occasions when the students talked in English with each other.The professors at the university were very friendly and listened to what I had to say.

　There were two Spanish classes: grammar and conversation.The classes were small, with one teacher and five students.The exam was in the last week, and the content was a summary of what I had done so far.After the exam, we were able to check each other's mistakes and ask the teacher questions.

how was the homestay

　One month has passed in the blink of an eye because I was treated like a real family.They took me on walks in town and sightseeing spots in the suburbs, and taught me various things.When I couldn't understand, I asked them to speak Spanish slowly and help me with my school homework.

Are there any recommended sightseeing spots?

　A place called Teotitlan that I went to on the weekend was very interesting because it is a village where you can see the whole process of spinning wool, dyeing it, and weaving a carpet.Hierve el Agua, about two hours from the center of town, offers a unique landscape where rocks have petrified over the years and look like waterfalls.I will never forget the scenery I saw with the sunrise.

Please tell us what you remember

Everywhere in the town, I saw people singing songs with musical instruments in one hand, and desperately trying to earn money to live for the day by selling the fabrics they had made.Although it is not often seen in Japan, I realized that there is a clear gap between rich and poor.

Have you learned anything through studying abroad?

　The people of Oaxaca were very considerate of others, and even if they had only met for one day, they would soon become friends.I felt that the reason why these people were able to have such bright hearts was because they had an environment where everyone from the young to the elderly could enjoy participating in festivals and traditions that have continued for many years.I thought that Japan should also cherish the numerous festivals and ceremonies, and pass on the thoughts of our ancestors to the next generation.