By Holly Riley

My name is Holly, and I’m currently in my 2nd year at the University of Waikato, studying a Bachelor of Design with a major in Communication Design and a minor in Japanese. I decided to go on a student exchange because I’ve always wanted to broaden my perspective, experience new cultures firsthand, and apply what I’ve learned in a real-world international context. Studying abroad is an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, develop independence, and gain creative inspiration from different cultural environments—all of which are incredibly valuable for both my personal and professional growth.

I chose Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan because of its strong academic reputation and vibrant international program, as well as my long-standing interest in Japanese culture and language. Having studied Japanese for several years, I wanted to immerse myself in the language and explore everyday life in Japan beyond the classroom. Kwansei Gakuin’s location, supportive campus environment, and commitment to international exchange made it a great fit. Through this experience, I hope to deepen my language skills, make meaningful connections, and gain fresh creative insights that I can bring back into my design work.