[Special Feature] JIU Hirayama Sisters

Hirayama Yasumu (right: fourth-year Department of International Exchange Studies Faculty of International Humanities) and Hirayama Homu (third-year Department of Inter-cultural Studies Faculty of International Humanities) are sisters and are studying at Josai International University.
Both sisters are interested in languages and spoke about their experiences studying abroad, their daily lives as close sisters, and their university life.

What motivated her to apply to Josai International University and why she and her sister chose the same university

Neimu-san: I've been attending English conversation schools since I was a child, and I wanted to study English seriously at university. I was also interested in studying abroad, so I was strongly attracted to Josai International University, which offers a solid international education program, and its J Scholarship Program. When I was preparing to take the entrance exams, I had already passed the Eiken Grade 2 exam, thanks to the support of the English conversation school, so I tried to take the J Scholarship Program and was successfully accepted.

Homu-san: I wanted to study Korean, and when I was looking for a place to go to college, I found out about Josai International University, where my older sister attends. We went to the same school for elementary, middle, and high school, so I was a little worried that it might be weird to go to the same university, but my sister said, "Let's go to university together," so I decided to enroll. My older sister also came with me to the open campus event I attended in high school, which was very reassuring. My family was happy to see me off, saying, "It's safe with your older sister there," and now I live with my sister.

The Hirayama sisters talk about their university life

Each other's study abroad

Neimu-san: Even before I enrolled, I had dreamed of studying abroad in an English-speaking country, but after I enrolled and started learning French as a second foreign language, I realized how interesting it was. I then took advantage of the J Scholarship Program and studied abroad in France for nine months during my second year of university. In France, everything from the culture to the architecture was different to Japan, and every day was a new learning experience.

Homu-san: After enrolling, while studying Korean, I felt that I needed to study abroad in order to gain a deeper understanding, so I studied in Korea for six months from February to August this year. While studying abroad, I kept in frequent contact with my sister, who would often call me when I had free time and send me photos. In particular, I was able to ask my sister for a lot of advice, as she has experience studying abroad, and I was able to get a renewed sense of the comfort of having a senior colleague close by that I could rely on.

Sisters' Campus Life

Neimu-san: We introduce each other to our friends, and our friendships naturally expand. The Faculty of Faculty of International Humanities has many cheerful and friendly students, and many of them are easygoing regardless of year, so they remember our faces after meeting us once, and we often exchange greetings when we pass each other on campus. My younger sister's friend once called out to me, "You're my older sister, right?", and I realized just how extensive our connections are.

Homu-san: Thanks to my sister, I know many of the seniors, and I often feel reassured. Although we are in different departments, she has taken me out to eat, and I am very happy to be able to interact with so many different people. My connections with people have expanded so much that my friends have even told me, "You have a lot of friends."

Neimu-san: Through our mutual connections, I was able to meet international students. This increased interaction has broadened my circle of friends and given me more opportunities to speak English, so I feel that this is a very grateful environment. Once you enter the workforce, I don't think you'll find an environment where you're surrounded by so many international students, so I feel that this is the perfect environment to improve your language skills and broaden your perspective.

Homu-san: What made a particularly strong impression on me was when three friends I met at university came to stay at our parents' house this New Year's holiday. One was a Korean international student in my sister's seminar, the second was a Korean international student I became friends with through another seminar member and my friend, and the third was a Japanese student in my sister's seminar. They actively communicated with our family and told me about the university in Korea where I was planning to study, which became a very fond memory. I'm very happy that we were able to build a relationship as a family.

The Hirayama sisters are always smiling

Mutual respect

Neimu-san：She is dedicated to the things she loves and wants to do, and she puts in all her effort. She has said that she wanted to study Korean for a long time, and she has been proactive in learning about Korea and has even studied abroad. I admire her straightforward approach to everything.

Homu-san：I am currently serving as the seminar leader of a seminar with over 30 students, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility. I admire the warmth of the way I act in all aspects, thinking of the best for everyone. I am also proud of the fact that I am trusted by the professors.

Future goals

Neimu-san：As the seminar leader, I want to ensure the success of the mock stalls at the university festival in November and the oral presentations for the study Research activity grant project that each seminar is Research. I also want to take the English and French proficiency tests before graduating.

Homu-sanI returned to Japan from studying abroad in August, so I'm working hard to make sure my language skills don't deteriorate, and I'd like to take the Korean language proficiency test. I'm also struggling with English, but with the help of my sister, I'm trying to overcome that and aim to take the TOEIC exam.