Details

• Japan
• MASCM-21
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

To prepare for the semester abroad I recommend talking to other students who went on exchange to the same university. It is important to keep track of all emails and deadlines as those can help you stay on track and make sure you complete and sent out every required document. the visa application for Japan was pretty smooth and quick but I suggest starting as early as possible to avoid delays later on or missing other deadlines. I also scheduled my flights to Japan as soon as i knew the university beginning date, in order to pay less and secure an optimal trip schedule. Finally, you will be matched with a Japanese student from Kobe University, who will be your tutor and guide you through more challenging procedures. I highly recommend establishing a relationship with this person as they represent a major asset for you and besides helping you with specific things, they can be an opportunity to learn more about the Japanese culture and university system.

2. Accommodation

I didn't have to look for any accommodation as Kobe University has multiple dormitories available and simply assigns you to a specific one. You will be able to give some preferences in the application process but I believe the allocation is random. I stayed in the International Residence Dorm, in Port Island. The dorm is in a nice area, very safe, but slightly far from University, as I had to take three different transportation means for a total of 45/50 minutes travel. However, the dorm is closer to Kobe city center so depending on how many times you have to be in person in school the location can be more or less optimal. The Kobe University International residence is a pretty good accommodation, I was assigned to a smaller room but had no problems with it and adapted quickly. In this dorm you will mainly find only other international students who are on exchange at Kobe University and the rent is very cheap.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus facilities are divided in different campuses, but you will probably mainly stay in the main one which hosts the Business Administration and economics offices. I had almost every lecture in the same classroom ,where most english taught classes where held. This campus also has a convenient store and a great cafeteria. The teaching style highly depends on the professor but I didn't have problems adapting as it was similar to what I was used to. I can definitely recommend any finance course taught by Professor Tongurai, as well as Service Management and servicizing with professor Taudes, and Organizational Behavior and HR Management with professor Oh.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport works very well but it is pretty expensive as it is not possible top get a student semester ticket. One round-trip to school from the International residence is about 8 euros so depending how often you will go to school every week, it can get expensive. Life in Japan is great, especially if you get to travel around and explore it. The university organizes some events to get to know better some sides of the Japanese culture, such as mochi making and rice harvesting and I highly recommend participating in these activities as it gives you the opportunity to learn more about Japan and immerse yourself in the culture. The university also offers sports options but I never signed up so I don't have more informations about it. However, Kobe it is a great place to do some outdoor activities such as running, and it is extremely safe.

6. Testimonial

My exchange experience in Kobe, Japan, represented a great opportunity to explore, learn and grow. It was a safe environment that allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and grow academically and personally. I loved exploring the Japanese culture for its uniqueness as well as the country's beautiful cities and nature. This semester was an amazing experience and I will cherish these memories forever, I am most of all grateful for the people I met along the way that I am now lucky to call friends.