Student Voice: Find our “piece” of Akita. – Zachary KOI, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

Zachary KOI, The University of Western Australia, participated in the short-term program in the summer of 2025. We would like to share his experience at AIU.

Throughout the duration of this summer program, there was an overarching theme assigned to us, to find our “piece” of Akita. Initially, I was intrigued; would this “piece” come to me gradually? Or would I discover it like some lost treasure at the end of the rainbow?

The highlight of this program, to me, was not the gorgeous cliffs of the peninsula, the breathtaking scenery of Lake Tazawa, or even Sugawara Sensei’s “mega gorgeous” prizes. Rather, it was the lifelong bonds of friendships I was able to make along the way.

Throughout my journey, I have encountered some of the most genuine and amazing people. Having the privilege of living day to day life with these people allowed me to forge beautiful, unforgettable memories which I will surely treasure forever.

*? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Bus trip to Oga peninsula*

If there was one piece of advice I would give to students embarking on this program, it would be this; cherish every moment as if it was your last day, because when that last day comes, you will surely wish you had. Make an effort to reach out and get to know the people around you, for you will find each person holds a beautiful treasure within for you to discover. Hold the memories dear to your heart, and you will find something truly magnificent.

*? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 　 A beautiful day at lake Tazawa, featuring my program bestie*

The answer to my original question has become clear to me throughout these 6 weeks: what I found was not just one piece of Akita, but rather, so many different fragments of memory, with each beautiful person’s voice I’ve met adding to a resonating cacophony to which I will fondly look back on for the rest of my life.

To all my lovely 友達, I love you all. またね！