Details

• Japan
• BBE-18
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

Book your flight as early as possible, as prices increase significantly closer to the departure date. If you are flying from Austria, also check flights from Budapest. They are often much cheaper than departures from Vienna. Consider connecting flights through China, as they are frequently one of the most affordable options. Make sure you complete all required vaccinations well in advance. Depending on your travel plans and personal circumstances, vaccines such as Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B may be recommended. Some vaccines require multiple doses, so it is important to start the process early. Consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic before departure. Bring enough money to cover your first weeks in Japan, as setting up a bank account and receiving any financial support may take some time. Cash is still widely used in Japan, also apple pay is not working everywhere, order revolut. Pack lightly. Most everyday necessities can be bought easily in Japan, and you will probably want extra luggage space for things you buy during your exchange. Learn a few basic Japanese phrases before arriving. Even simple greetings and polite expressions make everyday life much easier and locals appreciate the effort.

2. Accommodation

The university guarantees accommodation in the student dormitory. It is relatively affordable, but the location is quite far from central Tokyo. If your budget allows, I would recommend choosing a more centrally located dorm, as it will save you a lot of commuting time. Most Japanese students living in the dorm tend to keep to themselves, so you will probably spend most of your time with other exchange students. Public transportation in Tokyo is excellent but quite expensive. Unlike Vienna, there is no unlimited student semester ticket. Most people use a Suica card, which can be added directly to Apple Wallet (Apple Pay) or Google Wallet, making it very convenient to pay for trains, subways, and buses. However, you pay for each journey separately, so transportation costs can add up quickly if you travel every day. Even though my dorm was outside the city centre, the area felt very safe, and Japan in general is one of the safest countries I have visited. If you plan to explore Tokyo frequently, keep transport costs in mind when choosing your accommodation, as living closer to the city centre can sometimes save both time and money.

3. Academic life at host university

My favourite course was Comparative Economic Development. In general, I found the master's courses much more interesting and engaging than the bachelor's courses. One of the most memorable parts of studying at Hitotsubashi University was taking part in the Japanese university festivals I highly recommend applying for the Host Family Programme. It was one of the best parts of my exchange, as it gave me the chance to experience everyday life in Japan and learn more about Japanese culture beyond the university environment.

5. Every day life in the host country

japan is really safe, only things is japanese people are not really open but they are very polite -big minus, after midnight there is no option of transport, keep it in mind (only taxi, to the uni dorm from shinjuku/shibuya it was 150 euro) - great museum, i had great seminars at uni

6. Testimonial

My exchange at Hitotsubashi University was a unique and very rewarding experience. The smaller class sizes made it much easier to participate in discussions and get to know classmates and professors. Japan is an amazing country with a rich culture, beautiful nature, and fascinating traditions, but socially it can be more challenging than some other destinations. If you are a very extroverted person who enjoys meeting new people quickly, you may want to consider whether a more outgoing culture would suit you better. However, I eventually found my own group of friends, and by the end of my exchange I truly enjoyed my time there and made many unforgettable memories.