Overseas Students Column From Around the World to HU

Memories of Our Newfound Home

Last steps from the famous Ginkgo Avenue, the Faculty of Engineering welcomes us while carrying the compass as the centerpiece of our campus. Heading toward their faculties, an international student has a glimpse of another international student, sharing a common goal through the eyes of dissimilar cultures and sharing a new home, Hokkaido University. This place gave them a place to stay, a place to share food, and a place to achieve their goals.

Every day for the past 6 months, I saw those people with different names and faces experiencing, adapting, and welcoming their new home. While I was residing at the HU International House, I met friends from Egypt, Malaysia, Morocco, Kazakhstan and so more. They become my newfound family for my newfound home.

Each overseas student will tell their story accompanied by distinct moments, and their journeys with different characters in a place called Hokkaido University. In many years to come, we will continue our journey with the guidance of our university. I will end this article, with words of wisdom to future international students. On your down days, just take a walk to Ginkgo Avenue, and try to listen to fellow students as they speak about their journeys.