Name: Chinatsu YAGI (Outdoor Education)
Host University: Chiang Mai University
Program: Exchange Program based on the Agreement on University
Study Abroad Period: Nov. 2023 - Oct. 2024




1. About the University

Chiang Mai University (CMU) is a national university in northern Thailand. The campus is vast--about 58 times the size of the Matsumoto Campus! It has 17 faculties and 107 departments, offering both Thai and international programs.

I studied in the international program from the Faculty of Social Science. Most of my classmates were from Myanmar, along with students from Singapore, Nepal, China, and Thailand. Their diverse backgrounds made class discussions engaging and insightful.




2. Academic Experience

Adjusting to different English accents and grammar was challenging at first, but I learned to listen actively and express my thoughts without worrying about mistakes. (It took time, but no worries--you'll get used to it!)

The reading and writing workload was intense, but I developed strategies to manage it. Unlike at Shinshu University, discussions were frequent, so I made sure to prepare my opinions beforehand. (It was super fun!)

Group work often happened at the last minute, but I adapted by planning ahead.




3. Daily Life

- Clothing: I wore T-shirts year-round, but indoor spaces--especially classrooms and trains--were freezing. Always carry a jacket!

- Food: Chiang Mai is a paradise of garlic, spice, and tropical fruits! Beware--when locals say "a little spicy," it's usually VERY spicy for Japanese tastes. Fruits are incredibly cheap and delicious. Once you try them, you'll never want to buy tropical fruits in Japan again hehe.

- Housing: I lived in an apartment five minutes from the university gate. My unexpected housemate? A gecko! Most student dorms don't have kitchens or laundry facilities.

- Transportation: Chiang Mai has almost no public transport. I mostly used bike taxis via the InDrive app (cheaper than Grab), สองแถว (songthaew--red shared pickup trucks), and long-distance trains. If you take a bike taxi, always try to wear a helmet!




4. What I Gained

- Mental Changes: I embraced the mai pen rai (ไม่เป็นไร) mindset--things will work out. I also became more open-minded, realizing that different backgrounds shape unique perspectives, making life both complex and fascinating.

- Academic Skills: Reading academic papers significantly improved my vocabulary and writing. I became more confident in searching for sources and structuring arguments.

- Thai Language: Thai is such a cute language! I enjoyed its complex tones, extra vowels, and beautifully spiraled characters.

- Another place to go back to: Chiang Mai is somewhere to go back to.




5. Advice for Future Students

- If you're interested in studying abroad, apply--don't hesitate! Everything will work out.

- Take an English proficiency test early. (I only had TOEIC, and many universities don't accept it.)

- Be patient--time moves differently here and there. If needed, negotiate deadlines.

- Try new foods and meet locals--culture is people there.

- Make local friends!

- Be open to challenges and enjoy every moment of your journey!