A once-in-a-lifetime exchange to Japan

For BA (Hons) Illustration student Anna, choosing the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ came down to one incredible opportunity: the chance to study in Japan
For BA (Hons) Illustration student Anna Hewett-Rakthanee

A once-in-a-lifetime exchange to Japan

For BA (Hons) Illustration student Anna, choosing the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ came down to one incredible opportunity: the chance to study in Japan
After hearing about the exclusive exchange programme at an open day, Anna knew she had to study at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ.
"I became a Student Ambassador, worked the open days, and threw myself into the course to give myself the best possible chance."
The dedication paid off! After a portfolio review and an interview with lecturers, Anna and her classmate, Tilda, secured the only two sought after spots to study at Bisen College in Hokkaido, Japan.
BA (Hons) Illustration student Anna Hewett-Rakthanee

The opportunities ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ has given me have been amazing - genuinely one of the best experiences of my life. It's taught me how to walk into environments where I donÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™t feel comfortable, throw myself in, and come out with a professional career.

Anna - BA (Hons) Illustration student

Japanese alphabet drawing class with paintbrush - stock photo
Cityscape of Sapporo at odori Park, Hokkaido, Japan - stock photo
Traditional paper flower decorations at a Japanese Buddhist temple - stock photo

Diving into Japanese culture and craft

Supported by an £1100 grant from the university, alongside funding from her church and the host college, Anna arrived in the snowy city of Sapporo. Living in a catered, all-girls dormitory, she and Tilda quickly adapted to a new rhythm of life.
At Bisen College, Anna explored traditional techniques, including ceramics, metal craft, and painting using mud paint, alongside a highly valuable portfolio-making class ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“ something she can take forward to promote her work in future. The cultural enrichment extended beyond the studio with lessons in flower arranging, tea ceremonies, and calligraphy.
The transition was made seamless thanks to a strong support system. The college's point of contact, Miyazaki sensei, provided weekly language lessons and cultural trips to local shrines, while her lecturers back in ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ maintained regular video calls to offer continuous guidance.
"The Japanese people were so friendly and encouraging," Anna reflects. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that massively increased my confidence. It opened my eyes to international opportunities I never thought possible before."
Upon returning to ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, Anna turned her adventure into academic success, delivering an assessed presentation and a 5,000-word essay blending her personal experiences with observations on Japanese society and politics.
BA (Hons) Illustration student Anna Hewett-Rakthanee's artwork Anna Hewett-Rakthanee

From global studies to live briefs

Back on campus, Anna channelled her newfound confidence into the courseÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s Professional Practice module. Working to a live client brief, she collaborated with the charity , creating a ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ-specific piece around migratory birds. Guided by the courseÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s ethics seminars, Anna learned how to thoughtfully navigate sensitive client needs.
This real-world focus has rapidly built AnnaÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s professional client base before graduation. By actively sharing her live projects on LinkedIn, she caught the attention of major organisations. She was invited by the organisation Find Me Again to a live-scribing event in Croydon, where her work caught the eye of the local councillor and potential future clients. A company also spotted her work on LinkedIn and approached her for a commercial animation project.

Building a creative business

Now heading towards her final year, Anna is utilising The Cube ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“ the UniversityÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s independent business start-up service ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ“ to master invoicing, copyright, and building a professional business pack. She is even putting these skills to work running a student pop-up shop at the Year 1 and 2 exhibition.
"The opportunities ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ has given me have been amazing," Anna says. "Genuinely one of the best experiences of my life. It's taught me how to walk into environments where I donÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™t feel comfortable, throw myself in, and come out with a professional career."
Workshop at The Cube
 
 
 

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