Details

• Japan
• MAEXINT-24
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Application process was very easy, also communication with host university Tips: Study a bit of Japanese before, makes life a lot easier, Travel: I paid less than 400€ for a flight with AirChina with stopover in Shanghai, Immediately after arrival in Japan, get a transportation card like Suica/PASMO on Apple Wallet or a physical one

2. Accommodation

I would recommend to stay at the student housing offered by the university as it's very cheap (about 170€ per month all included) and easier to connect with other students. Commute to university either by train or bike. I would recommend to get a 3-month commuter pass for the commute to the university, because it's still very humid and hot in September so biking isn't the best choice.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus has great facilities like, not as modern as compared to WU but still nice. A lot of sports facilities, a cafeteria, library and other useful facilities. Teaching style pretty similar to WU because of international lecturers. Course expectations were not always communicated clearly by the professors. Course offer was very limited for business administration and rather basic.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport is amazing and very reliable, but it's rather expensive because there are no monthly passes. Never felt any safer in a city as in Tokyo. Infinite amounts of activities/ events. A lot of sports options, also offered by the university, but it depends on the sport because they are organised by student clubs and in most of them, especially team sports, a certain level of Japanese is required. Tennis/boxing is possible with only English

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester was great. Living in a country which couldn't be more different from what I know really helped me grow. My highlight were the culture, food and beauty of Japan and the kindness of the people, although it was difficult to connect with locals without good knowledge of the language.