By Henry Haswell

Hi! My name is Henry, and I am a final-year University of Waikato student completing a Bachelor of Laws with a second major in Strategic Management.

I chose to participate in an exchange because I have a strong interest in working as a commercial lawyer in Tokyo in the future. Studying overseas will allow me to experience Japan beyond the perspective of a visitor and gain a better understanding of its academic, professional, and social environment. I selected International Christian University in Tokyo because of its strong reputation, international outlook, and recognition both within Japan and overseas. Its diverse student community and broad range of internationally focused courses make it an ideal place to continue developing my legal, business, and intercultural knowledge.

During my exchange, I hope to determine whether living and working in Tokyo is a realistic long-term goal for me. In particular, I want to learn whether I can adapt to the pace and expectations of daily life in Tokyo and better understand the opportunities and challenges involved in pursuing a legal career in Japan. I also hope to develop my Japanese-language ability through regular interaction with local students and participation in everyday life. Beyond academics, I am looking forward to meeting people from different backgrounds, becoming more independent, and gaining a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture. I expect the exchange to challenge me personally and academically while helping me make more informed decisions about my future career and where I may choose to live after graduation.