Elise Lacourt is in her second year of pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in law at our faculty. She was among the top 10 students at the University of Luxembourg’s three faculties, who were selected to take part in a three-week summer school in Asian studies at Sophia University in Tokyo in 2023. We had a chance to talk with Elise and hear about her recent experiences in Tokyo upon her return.
You have just returned from the Japan summer school. How did it go?
The amazing month I spent in Tokyo went by so quickly! Between attending classes and visiting the largest city in the world, I didn’t have time to get bored! My head is filled with great memories, from my desperate late-night attempts to improve my Japanese accent before class to evening walks through the city’s flashing neons with friends from Uni.lu and other universities that I met during the exchange.
Elise LACOURT is on the right holding the flag of Sophia University.
What courses were included in the program, and which classes did you particularly like?
We had the choice between a Japanese language program or an East Asian studies program for which I opted. I particularly enjoyed studying Japanese popular culture and analyzing how trends always reflect society’s values and beliefs.
The «First Steps in Japanese» class was challenging, but I loved experiencing the Japanese way of teaching! Also, being able to use and understand a few sentences during my stay in Japan felt really rewarding!
How did you experience student life in Japan? What was the most exciting part?
From what I experienced, studying in Japan implies an important workload, but Sophia University also organises many activities to help us connect with other students. For example, we attended the yearly organized Yukata day, and wore this traditional outfit along with the regular students who helped us to put it on!
In my opinion, the most exciting part was meeting summer school students, teachers and locals who each had a different background, but who all got together respectfully and with an open mind!
Would you recommend the program to future students, and why?
Definitely! Whether you are a Naruto, Haruki Murakami, or Edo period fan, or whether you feel concerned about environmental issues and want to learn more about sustainability practices in Japan, you will find a class you’ll enjoy. Even if you don’t have a huge prior knowledge of the country but are curious to experience a totally different culture and make friends with people from all around the world, this program is ideal.
Do you have any advice for future participants?
Of course, you should be willing to adapt to Japanese customs, respect their traditions and rules even if they sound strict or weird compared to our Western way of life, and maybe learn a few words of Japanese in order to have the best possible experience with locals! Always be curious about places, people… and food.
PS: get some good walking shoes and a factor 50 sunscreen!
All images ©Elise Lacourt
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Sophia University and the University of Luxembourg signed an agreement in 2008. The initiative came from the Archbishop of Luxembourg, Father Hollerich, at the time Vice-president at Sophia University. Since then, several young bachelor’s and master’s students have participated in exchanges between Sophia University and the University of Luxembourg. Many students in Luxemburg are interested in going to Japan for their mobility semester, and many already know some Japanese and have insight into Japanese culture. Learn more about Sophia University Luxembourg Office.