A Classroom Without Walls: Kayla’s Study Abroad at Tokyo Metropolitan University
Some of Kayla Salsabila’s lessons in Japan took place in a classroom. Others took place at a tea ceremony, on the trails of Mount Takao, and behind the scenes of student events. During her study abroad at Tokyo Metropolitan University, Kayla, a Creativepreneurship student at BINUS @Bandung learned that learning is never limited to the four walls of a classroom.
In the Classroom
Kayla found herself in a culturally diverse learning environment. She studied not only with Japanese students, but also with international students from many different countries. Classes were highly interactive, as students often held discussions and shared about the cultures of their home countries. Each exchange opened up new perspectives.
In the Field
Beyond studying business, Kayla took the chance to explore Japanese culture firsthand through the course Introduction to Japanese Studies. Built on a fieldwork-based learning method, the course took students beyond theory and into direct observation at various locations.
She joined a tea ceremony to understand the philosophy of hospitality, known as omotenashi, and the values embedded in Japanese tradition. She also learned about Satoyama, the concept of a harmonious relationship between people and nature that serves as an important principle in Japanese life. At Mount Takao, Kayla observed nature conservation practices and tourism destination management, and saw how Japan successfully balances environmental preservation with tourism development.
In the Community
Kayla’s experience extended into campus life as well. She became a member of HANDs, an organization that connects Japanese and international students through events. There, she helped organize events and created advertisements for social media. She even had the opportunity to serve as a judge for a debate competition held by ESS, a student debate club.
Through these experiences, Kayla built a network of friends from different countries, learned about cultures from diverse perspectives, and gained experience in organizing and collaborating in a multicultural environment.
Beyond the Journey
Interacting with people from around the world, facing life’s challenges independently, and adapting to a new environment have shaped Kayla into someone more open, independent, confident, and appreciative of diversity.
For her, this study abroad experience has become a valuable foundation, both for personal growth and as preparation for an increasingly global world of work.