Details

• Japan
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Pack thoroughly, the winters are pretty harsh and even March/ April / May can be chilly. Additionally prepare well for immigration (QR code, documents) this will save you a lot of time. I landed first in Tokyo and then flew to New Chitose and took the Rapid Airport train to Otaru Station and went by Taxi (~1100yen) to the University. Keep in mind that the airport New Chitose is pretty far from Otaru, there is a rapid train but it doesnt run 24h as well as the University is located a 30min walk uphill from Otaru Station.

2. Accommodation

It is provided by the University, is located on Campus and costs about 12.700yen a Month (Around 80€). It is pretty safe and 5 min walk downhill the the University. I would have liked to have known that some things are not provided for example pillows, kitchenware and bedsheets so you need to buy a lot (you are free to use the things left behind by the past internationals, but be quick about it). Also important is: you need to open an acount for Gas and Electricity which you have to pay seperate monthly (you can put it on your card), you have to pay your waterbill in cash at the convienience store (like the rent) and you have to pay your health insurance per cash at the municipal building. This is pretty confusing so make sure, that your tutor helps you and you organize well.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus facilities are pretty close together, there is a library which also has some foreign language books and mangas. There is also a gym which is free but a bit shabby. The classes are pretty fun, the teachers focus on project work and participation. In contrast to WU they are rather strict with attendance so if you miss to many classes your grade could be lowered. The class schedules is pretty set, so the day is seperated into different periods where everyone has class (like a highschool schedule) and for the YOUC Programm all the classes are pretty good, depends on your interest and needs.

5. Every day life in the host country

The Public transport is pretty good, Otaru is well connected to Sapporo and they are trains frequently. Busses run everywhere and easy to use with the IC Card. Hokkaido is pretty safe and the people are accomodating. If you speak japanese or want to involve yourself into local culture and life, I would recommend you join a club, even if they might not speak english well they will try to communicate. There is always something going on either in Sapporo or local smaller events in Otaru, there is the school festival in summer, diverse shrine festival, sports competitions and pop ups.

6. Testimonial

I really liked hanging out with the local students, I joined a club and tried a lot of new things. Most of the things to do at Uni are pretty cheap and the people are really friendly and encouraging. Through my club I even took part in a Redbull event, watched a competition and made really cool friends and experiences.