Jyuji Nakashima, an exchange student from Waseda University, is completing his academic year program at FSU. Waseda University offers many options to its outbound exchange students, but he chose FSU primarily due to the climate. “Unlike other parts of Florida, it has an extremely cold winter,” said Jyuji. I personally enjoy the shifts of the season, so I immediately decided to apply.”

During his time here at FSU, Jyuji has learned a lot, not only in the classroom but also from his new friends. When asked about interesting observations he’s made during his time here, he said, “I realized that students here have much more school spirit than what we do back in Japan. The sense of just being a member of FSU, or we might call it being a NOLE, makes a bond between students, which I think is awesome.” Jyuji has been able to become more involved at FSU through his participation in the FSU Rugby Club, which is one of his favorite things of his time at FSU. “I experienced a feeling of being included just by showing up to practice and talking with my teammates. Spending time with my lads after playing in a rugby match was the best treat after a tough day. Some bonfire and good music would heal any pain from the match,” said Jyuji. He especially hopes that he and his team will win the Florida State Rugby Championship.  

Academically, Jyuji noticed similarities and differences between FSU and his university in Japan. “I was surprised when I finished my first class here. People were already prepared to leave, and they all rushed out when it was 10:30. However, I also learned that students from both Japan and the US love the adrenaline surge that comes from last-minute assignment submissions (I do as well),” said Jyuji.  

When reflecting on the cultural differences on campus, he was surprised by quite a few things. “College fraternities and sororities are something I will probably never understand, being born and raised in Japan.” Along with the concept of Greek Life in America, Jyuji was also surprised by certain vernacular: “There’s not much language barrier, I guess. One word that absolutely melted my brain when I got here was, ‘Word.’ I still don’t know what it means, but it’s probably an expression used when agreeing or acknowledging someone’s opinion,” said Jyuji.  

Despite the differences he’s had to adjust to, he’s also immersed himself in many new experiences during his time here, including trying new foods. When talking about his favorite food here, he said “Buc-ee’s for sure. I had the opportunity to have a brisket sandwich on the way back from our Nola Tour for rugby. My mouth is watering as I write this.”  

Jyuji is one of five students from Waseda University currently on a Global Exchange at FSU, and nine FSU students will be studying at Waseda University from April to August. Overall, his time here has been a positive experience, and he wants other students to consider FSU as their exchange destination. When asked what he would tell someone who was considering FSU for an exchange he said, “If I had another chance to go to FSU, I’d take it.” If you are interested in experiencing an opportunity of a lifetime like Jyuji’s, look into our Global Exchanges program. You can learn more by going to https://globalexchanges.fsu.edu/ or following Global Exchanges on Instagram and Facebook.