Language Exchange Community
Japanese and UAE students, learning together.
We pair university students from Japan and the UAE for structured 60-minute online sessions. Each partner teaches the other their native language.
20+
Students
6
Universities
2
Countries
UAE Universities
Japan Universities
Our belief
The fastest way to learn a language is to live it. We connect driven university students who are serious about cultural exchange, not just language practice.
How it works
Apply
Fill out a short form with your details, university, proficiency level, and weekly availability.
Get manually paired
Every 1st of the month, our admin hand-picks your partner based on interests, proficiency, and personality.
60-minute weekly chat
Connect on Zoom. 30 minutes in Japanese, 30 in English. Cameras on. Fluency over accuracy, always.
Every month is a new season with a fresh theme and syllabus. Pairings reset each season, or you can request to stay with your partner.
The golden rules
Sakura Oasis runs on mutual respect and commitment. These are not just guidelines. They are what makes the community thrive.
The 50/50 Rule
30 mins Japanese · 30 mins English
Every session is split equally. Both partners get equal practice time, no exceptions.
Reliability First
24-hour cancellation notice
Your partner is counting on you. If you need to cancel, give at least 24 hours notice. Respect their time.
Cameras On
Fluency over accuracy
Turn your camera on. Make mistakes freely. The goal is real communication, not perfect grammar.
Current season
Season 01
Now LiveGreetings
May 2026 · Season in progress
Applications open
Apply for Season 01Season 01 · Curriculum
Greetings
Season 1 runs across four weekly sessions, each building on the last. Expand any session below to see the vocabulary and activities for that week.
Before any Japanese is spoken, you take time to get to know each other as people. This session builds the foundation of your partnership and introduces the most essential greetings.
Get to know each other
- What is your name?
- What are you studying?
- What are your hobbies?
- What is the meaning of your name?
- Have you studied Japanese before? If so, how much do you know?
How the program works
- Focus is on oral communication. Written characters are not taught.
- Every lesson is practical and conversation-first.
- Lessons can be adjusted to your pace and preferences.
Vocabulary
- Greetings for meeting someone new
- Saying thank you and excuse me
- Asking how someone is and responding
Mock conversation
- Greet each other, ask how they are, and say goodbye at the end of the call.
Vocabulary
はじめまして
Hajimemashite
Nice to meet you
Used only when meeting someone for the very first time.
こんにちは
Konnichiwa
Hello / Good afternoon
こんばんは
Konbanwa
Good evening
ありがとうございます
Arigatou gozaimasu
Thank you very much
Formal. Use with teachers, strangers, and seniors.
ありがとう
Arigatou
Thanks
Casual. Use with friends.
すみません
Sumimasen
Excuse me / Sorry
Use when bumping into someone or getting someone's attention.
お元気ですか
Ogenki desu ka
How are you?
Best used when seeing someone after time apart.
元気です
Genki desu
I'm fine
Mock conversation
You are meeting your language partner for the very first time on a video call. Greet each other in Japanese, ask how they are, and say goodbye at the end.
Who is this for?
From Japan
Native Japanese speakers
University students based in Japan looking to improve their English through real conversation with a peer.
From the UAE
University students from the UAE
Students based in the UAE looking to learn Japanese and connect with peers from Japan. Our primary exchange is English–Japanese. Arabic–Japanese pairings are available upon request.
What members say
“Sakura Oasis provided me with the opportunity to learn Japanese through a structured and immersive program. I developed speaking skills that closely resemble those of a native speaker, going beyond what I had previously learned through self-study online. I gained the ability to use Japanese phrases naturally in conversation and became more confident interacting with locals. I also learned to read Hiragana, building a strong foundation in the language. In addition, the experience deepened my understanding of Japanese culture and values, while allowing me to form meaningful connections with Japanese peers.”
Apurba
Nepal
“I wasn't a fan of speaking English before, but this has actually become my favorite part of the week. My TOEFL score rose by 40 from my practices!”
Hana
Japan
The team
Meet the organizers
Keino
Organizer
Hi, I'm Keino, a Japanese student at New York University Abu Dhabi. I wanted to create this community because when I came to my university, I was so surprised that so many people could speak such good Japanese! I hope this community helps UAE students learn conversational and practical Japanese, as well as Japanese students to practice English.
Miharu
Organizer
Hello everyone, my name is Miharu, and I am a first year student at Keio University, majoring in NPO and business management, political science, and international relations. I love community building, and I hope to be a bridge between the Japanese students and the UAE students in order for this community to be an effective one that will help many students pursue their cultural and linguistic goals.
Keiko
Organizer
Hi, I'm Keiko, a Japanese student at Sophia University in Tokyo. I hope this community can be a place where everyone can learn and practice English and Japanese. And not only learning, but I also hope we can create many spaces where everyone can have cross-cultural learning and meaningful experiences.
Yuka
Organizer
Hi, I'm Yuka! A Japanese student studying at Waseda University! I was invited to this community by Miharu and Keino, both of whom I've been friends with since high school. I've always had an interest in interacting with people from different cultures and I hope this community can be a place where you can find new friends.