Details

• Japan
• MASCM-21
• Graduate
• WS 2024
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

I did not prepare specifically for the semester abroad, but I have also lived in Japan before. If anything, I polished up on my Japanese language.

2. Accommodation

I stayed at the dormitory and can recommend it. The university allocated, not based on student preference. I lived on Port Island in the exchange student only dorm, where I had my own small kitchen, internet, cheap laundry, and common areas. Safety was not an issue at all. Almost all exchange students live in dorms. Finding something locally is not common. My one tip would be not to be nervous about not being allocated something by the university.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus is on the side of a mountain, so to get there is a train + walk situation. It is very beautiful though. Teaching style is focused on lectures + homework more so than WU. The course content is generally on the easier side, as both bachelor and master students take the courses together. One part of academic life I was very happy with was the opportunity to take Japanese courses. took advanced Japanese courses while at Kobe. It was free as I attended as a special audit student, with the caveat that I was not able to get credit. I took about 5 courses per quarter which was a lot but still manageable. Especially the course on academic writing in Japanese were super helpful, and a solid contributor to me passing JLPT N1 while in Kobe. In case you want to take the JLPT, you need to apply for a spot before going to Kobe due to the deadlines. Set the address as the dorm you expect to be allocated to (likely Port Island).

5. Every day life in the host country

Train is convenient and on time. Look out for the last train though! In my case, there were no trains to Port Island between 24:15 and 05:40. Otherwise, Kobe is a very walkable city. Right outside the university, there is a café run by students called Shirucafé. It was the centre of my exchange, and I spend everyday there with my friends studying while receiving free coffee and snacks. The staff is super friendly. I cannot recommend it enough! I participated in the volleyball circles trainings from time to time. Otherwise, running is possible. I also did ceramics and singing in my sparetime. Safety is not an issue at all - also at night. Only exception is clubs especially in Osaka, where women need to be a bit careful.

6. Testimonial

Going on exchange to Kobe University has significantly supported my future ambitions of building a career in Japan. I felt truly alive there, and spent 5 wonderful months with a mix of Japanese and international Japanese-speaking exchange students I met at a local studying café and in my Japanese courses. The exchange experience in Japan is definitely a highlight of my studies at WU.