Student Stories
Even before arriving, I felt welcomed by ICLC. Learning Japanese was challenging but meaningful, helping me reconnect with my Uchinanchu roots. With support from teachers and friends, I grew personally and culturally. I'm deeply grateful for this life-changing experience. Okinawa will always stay in my heart.
Miwa
"This journey was more than learning a language or living abroad. It was a journey of rediscovery — of myself and my roots."
Miwa Teruya
A WARM WELCOME AND A COURAGEOUS DEPARTURE
Even before arriving at ICLC in Okinawa, I already felt welcomed. The staff was always very kind and helpful from the beginning, explaining how my new life in Okinawa would be. Every message and every bit of guidance made me feel like I was going to a place where I would be well received. That brought me great comfort and helped me emotionally prepare for this very special journey.
My decision to come to Okinawa was filled with challenges and expectations. I knew I would have to relearn Japanese, since I had forgotten most of it and only remembered the basics. On top of that, my English was limited, which made me feel insecure. Still, I believed that this experience would be life-changing. When I left São Paulo, my heart was torn between fear and excitement.
ARRIVAL AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS
But once the plane landed in Okinawa, the anxiety started to disappear. The most memorable moment of my arrival was seeing the sign めんそーれ (“welcome”). Something so simple, yet so meaningful, made me feel like I was finally coming home. In that moment, all my doubts and worries faded, replaced by a deep feeling of belonging.
However, starting my studies was not easy. My Japanese was very limited, and I struggled to understand what the teachers were saying. They did their best to speak in simple words, but I still needed to use a dictionary or a Japanese-Portuguese translation book to follow the classes. Often, when I wanted to ask something, I used my phone’s translator to communicate. This language barrier was frustrating, but it also motivated me to keep improving.
PROGRESS AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Over time, I began to notice my progress. Words that once felt difficult started to make sense, and I could follow the classes more easily. The biggest victory was when I could talk to the teachers without using a translator. That was a turning point for me — a clear sign that all the effort was worth it.
The ICLC teachers played an essential role in this process. They always encouraged me, especially when it came to the JLPT N4 test. At first, I didn’t believe I could pass, but they never let me doubt myself. With patience and care, they helped me overcome my language struggles and supported me through moments of discouragement. I never felt alone in this journey — and that made all the difference.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES AND GLOBAL FRIENDSHIPS
Beyond the language learning, Okinawa gave me unforgettable personal and cultural experiences. I met people from different countries, each with their own culture, customs, and life stories. This exchange was enriching and taught me to value differences even more. I made friendships that I will carry with me forever.
The cultural events in Okinawa were another highlight. Every festival, performance, and celebration brought me closer to the local culture and made me admire the beauty of this place even more. Whenever I see the pride and joy the people of Okinawa have in their traditions, I feel deeply connected to my own roots.
REDISCOVERING MY ROOTS AND LOOKING AHEAD
As a descendant of Uchinanchu, especially from the Oroku region, being here was more than just an exchange program — it was a reconnection with my ancestry. Walking the streets of Okinawa, feeling the climate, seeing nature, and interacting with people made me feel like I was living part of my ancestors’ story. Many times, I felt their presence with me, as if they were guiding and supporting me at every step — in the hard times and in the joyful ones.
This journey was more than learning a language or living abroad. It was a journey of rediscovery — of myself and my roots. Being in Okinawa, where my family’s story began, was an indescribable experience. Every moment here — in class, in friendships, and at events — will forever be in my heart.
Okinawa is a uniquely beautiful place, full of history and meaning. I will carry everything I experienced here with me and share the magic of this place with others. I know many people don’t realize how rich Okinawa is in culture and natural beauty, but my greatest goal is to show that Okinawa is a wonderful place to study Japanese and experience a deep cultural journey at the same time.
This experience has transformed me in many ways. Okinawa taught me how to overcome challenges, value my origins, and grow as a person. I will always be grateful to everyone who was part of this journey — especially ICLC, for giving me this opportunity to study here. And from the bottom of my heart, I thank my parents and ancestors for their love, wisdom, and strength. Without them, none of this would have been possible. I am eternally grateful for their roots and the foundation they gave me.