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Exchange to Japan with English: Dzakwaan's Journey at Tohoku University
Ahmad Zakwaan Haniif Herefa
IELS Circle

Ahmad Zakwaan Haniif Herefa

IELS Circle Member · Aerospace Engineering, ITB

Exchange to Japan with English: Dzakwaan's Journey at Tohoku University

Sendai, Japan · October 2025

2 Months

exchange at Tohoku University

🇮🇩 → 🇯🇵

engineering exchange

01

A Childhood Dream of Japan

Ahmad Zakwaan Haniif Herefa, an Aerospace Engineering student from ITB, is pursuing his long-time dream through an exchange program at Tohoku University, Japan. "I admire Japan's clean cities and advanced technology. I really wanted to experience living and studying here."

02

Two Months In

After spending nearly two months in Japan, Dzakwaan describes the experience as eye-opening. He's built friendships with international students at Tohoku University, strengthening his global communication skills and appreciation for Japan's culture of discipline.

“English skills are the key to unlocking global opportunity.”

— Dzakwaan

03

Studying Entirely in English

Despite having limited Japanese proficiency, Dzakwaan found that English played a far more crucial role — from administrative requirements and registration to classes, research, and social interactions.

✍️ Written by Valerine Aubrey Surjadi · 🎨 Design by IELS Creative Team

Through the Journey

Moments from Ahmad's experience.

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Photos from Ahmad's journey coming soon

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Photos from Ahmad's journey coming soon

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Photos from Ahmad's journey coming soon

Connect with Ahmad

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Meet more SEAblings

This story is one of many journeys happening across Southeast Asia.

Practice English. Meet people from Southeast Asia. Exchange experiences. Discover opportunities.

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