When selecting my classes at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies (NUFS), I wanted to create a schedule that would give me as much free time as possible on weekends. This would allow me to explore Japan, practice Japanese, pursue hobbies, and experience more of the country. Combined with a lighter schedule than I typically had at Arkansas Tech University, I have had a considerable amount of free time during my exchange.
As mentioned in a previous blog, I bought an electric guitar in Japan. This is the first instrument I have ever owned, so much of my free time recently has been spent learning music theory and practicing songs that I have always wanted to play. Because I am highly motivated to learn guitar right now, three hours of practice can feel like thirty minutes. One thing I need to start thinking about is buying a case and shipping the guitar back to the United States. Since it is the first guitar I have ever purchased, I want to keep it for the rest of my life as a reminder of my time in Japan (Picture of my guitar or me practicing).
Another way I have spent my free time is learning Spanish. Since I have already gone through the challenges of learning Japanese, I have developed routines and study methods for learning vocabulary and grammar. Because Spanish is much closer to English than Japanese is, I thought it would be a good opportunity to begin learning another language. However, my motivation to learn guitar has been much stronger recently, so Spanish has taken a back seat for now (Picture of Spanish study materials or language app).
Traveling around Japan will likely take up much of my free time as well. So far, I have traveled to Okinawa and Osaka, and both trips were great experiences. In the future, I plan to visit places such as Tokyo, Gifu, and possibly Fukuoka, especially areas known for nature and scenery. Traveling is something I have not done much of in the United States. Most of my travel experiences were trips to cities for football tournaments. Because of that, it has been exciting to spend my free time exploring different parts of Japan and experiencing places I would not normally have the opportunity to visit (Pictures from Okinawa, Osaka, or future travel destinations). Having more free time during my exchange has allowed me to rediscover hobbies, pursue new interests, and experience parts of Japan that I may never have seen otherwise.
