Returnee Students Testimonials

The following comments have been sent to AIIU from past students who have participated on the AIIU Exchange to Japan.  For further information of students experiences please register and read Newsletters. 

Testimonials

2008

"After 3 months in Japan, I found my self esteem is much better, I have more confidence in handling situations myself and I depend less on other people. I feel that I've grown a lot during my exchange for the better. I experienced so many things and learnt a lot from so many great people during my exchange that I can't even begin to describe. Going to Japan on exchange would have to be one of the best decisions I have made, it has definately changed my life. Ever since I came back my plans for the future are a lot clearer. I now hope to go to University to study Japanese and to have a good job there one day. None of this would have happened without the support of AIIU. I truely thank you for everything!!". (3 months, 2008) 

2007 

"My Japanese has improved so much that i decided i wanted to continue it further and pursue a career in translation. Although, my dream is to come back to Japan is 2009 and become a Famous Actress. Basically, through this exchange i have decided my future is with Japan! Thank-you AIIU". (10 months, 2007)

"Through AIIU I have a greater knowledge of Japan, Japanese people and the culture. I've also become fairly fluent in the language and have become stronger in my love for Japan. I have become a more independent person and feel confident enough to do so many things I never felt I could before. I have also made many great friends in Japan with whom I still stay in contact and email regularly. Through AIIU I have also been able to get a good job where I get to continue using my Japanese, which is awesome. There are so many things that have I gained through AIIU exchange that I would never have the time to write them all down". (10 months, 2007)

"My 3 months on exchange in Japan was magnificent. By spending 3 months virtually alone from everybody back home in Australia, I had my very own fantastic experience, and now I have many great memories of the Japanese culture, my great friends at school, learning the language etc. There are too many to list. I also feel that I have become more independant because of this exchange. I managed to spend 3 months doing things like resolving issues and conflict, and time management, self-study, transport etc. by myself. It was without a doubt the best experience of my life, and I plan to go back there as soon as possible. Thanks AIIU!!" (3 months, 2007)

"My participation in the AIIU program increased my knowledge of Japan and it's culture. My language skills improved drastically. I made lots of friends in Japan. Being an exchange student made me more mature, and independant." (5 months, 2007)

"Being an exchange student to japan i felt that i have grown as a person being able to look after myself in a different country for 3 months was a life changing experience and i will never forget my time in Japan"         (3 months, 2007)

2006

"One of the greatest benefits of my participation in the AIIU exchnge program was the independance and understanding that i gained while learning to navigate and enjoy a culture and country so different from my own. Whenever i look back on my experience i can\'t imagine were i would now be in life and who i would be as a person if i hadn\'t participated and i can\'t wait to enrich my understandings of other cultures and myself as a person with even more travel in the future" (5 months, 2006)

2006 Nick D'Ademo

Nick received the "Endeavour Cheung Kong" scholarship for a semester exchange to Seikei University, Tokyo, Japan in 2009.

("Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong scholarships are provided jointly by The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and the Cheung Kong group of companies, based in Hong Kong and with significant investments in Australia.")

"My exchange to Japan for 10 months in 2006 with AIIU was, without exaggeration, the best 10 months of my life and has also got me to where I am now. At the moment I am nearly at the end of a semester long exchange at Seikei University in Tokyo studying Japanese language.
 
The AIIU Japan exchange no doubt helped me with my high school and also current university study, however, it was also rewarding in ways that are hard to put into words.
 
Exchange to a foreign country really does change your outlook on life. Thanks to AIIU, I learnt so much about Japan’s culture, people and way of life, and therefore gained an appreciation of a culture other than my own – something I wouldn’t have been able to do normally. Looking back now, I realize how amazing it is that lifelong friendships can be made despite language and huge cultural differences - this to me, is the most rewarding part of any exchange program.
 
Exchange programs to foreign countries like AIIU’s really do make you a noticeably more mature and independent person I believe. They also demonstrate your willingness and initiative to try new things despite the fact that you may face many obstacles along the way – qualities I believe that are very attractive to many potential employers.
 
I feel my world has become bigger thanks to AIIU because of the many bonds and connections I have to Japan now. The AIIU exchange experience will stay with me for a lifetime and I feel will open up many more opportunities in the future."
 

2005

"Most of alll I gained a lot more self confidence and I was also really pleased with my Japanese improvement. But the best thing I brought home was terrific memories of good times and great people".       (3 months, 2005)