Details

• Japan
• MAECO-22
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

To apply for the student visa you need to send some information to Keio and they will provide a certificate of eligibility (COE). I received it in the beginning of August so make sure to have some time for going to the embassy before your flight. I choose direct flights between Vienna and Tokyo with Austria (around 900€ round trip)

2. Accommodation

I stayed in a share-house in Hiro-o area from the company Sakura House. It was conveniently close to the university (25min walk) and very central to reach major places like Ebisu, Shibuya and Shinjuku. The rent was around 600€ per month. The dorms of Keio are mostly outside of Tokyo (closer to Hiyoshi Campus, but all Master Economics courses are at Mita Campus which is a 30+min train ride) but therefore slightly cheaper.

3. Academic life at host university

Mita Campus has many buildings but facilities are not as good as at WU. There are multiple cafeterias with tasty and affordable Japanese and international foods. Some of the master courses are mixed with bachelor students (e.g. Labour economics), therefore the contents are very basic and not that interesting. I recommend taking some seminars such as Labour Economics Seminar and Applied Economics Seminar as there you mostly have presentations and discuss about your own or others research.

5. Every day life in the host country

Tokyo has a very extensive public transport system, it is rather expensive though compared to Vienna. Mostly you pay for each ride (you can use a transport card in the Apple wallet so you don’t need to charge it with cash) which is 1-3€. It’s very safe everywhere in Tokyo. There are many bars, restaurants and cafes to go to. The prices are definitely lower than in Austria, with most meals being 5-7€, drinks in a bar 2-4€ and coffee around 3€.

6. Testimonial

I had great time in Tokyo, enjoying the amazing food and many fun memories with new friends! Keio is definitely a great choice for the exchange semester. With its great location it’s perfect to explore Tokyo and Japan.