Exchange Report

I recommend attending the info sessions about the semester abroad, they explain the process clearly and make the application very straightforward. When choosing a partner university, I initially focused on selecting one that was definitely accepted within my master’s program. Looking back, and based on what I’ve heard, applying for other universities often works out as well. In my opinion, the most important factor is choosing the location that excites you most. You can also set up a call with former exchange students from your university to hear about their experiences and ask questions.

I was assigned to a student dorm and could indicate preferences beforehand (e.g., whether I wanted a private bathroom). In the end, I was placed in the International Residence on Port Island. The building itself was absolutely fine, and the dorm managers were very helpful and friendly. The rooms are quite small, but you get used to it quickly. Each room had a private bathroom and a small kitchenette, which was very convenient. Overall, I really liked it, especially because it was very affordable (less than €180 per month, all included). There was no need to arrange separate electricity or Wi-Fi contracts, as everything was already set up. Many other international students also lived in the residence, which made the experience even better. There were common activities, spontaneous meet-ups, and pre-drinks before going out, which created a very social and fun atmosphere. The dorm was quite far from the university (around 1.5 hours). Since I did not have to go to campus every day, it was manageable. However, transportation was relatively expensive, so each trip to campus added some extra cost. The area itself felt very safe, and I never had any concerns regarding safety.

Campus Facilities: The campus facilities are relatively old, and it can get quite cold inside the buildings, so definitely bring a sweater. However, the cafeteria was very good and affordable, which was a big plus. Another highlight was the nice view from the campus, which made spending time there more enjoyable. Academic Culture: The university (especially the KIMAP program) has many international professors from all around the world, which creates a diverse academic environment. Interestingly, there were hardly any Japanese students in my courses, as most classes were designed for international students. Overall, the courses were relatively basic in terms of academic level. You do need to study, but the workload is manageable. I did not particularly enjoy the academic environment itself. In some cases, I felt that certain professors were not very knowledgeable, and grading was not always entirely transparent or fair. Teaching Style Compared to WU Vienna: The teaching style was quite similar to WU Vienna. Most courses included a mix of exams, presentations, group work, tests and home-assignments. In most classes mandatory attendance was required. Course Recommendations: Courses I would not recommend: - Management Statistics The course was very basic and unstructured, with an unclear grading and performance system. Good / Recommended Courses: - Financial Management A tough course that requires consistent studying, but I genuinely learned a lot. - Introduction to Finance Similar in structure; interesting if you are interested in finance and have not had much prior exposure. - Service Management Taught by a WU professor and the best course of the semester. - Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management An easy course with good grades achievable. The content was somewhat basic and at times a bit boring, but manageable overall.

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Public Transport: Public transport was very punctual, safe, and convenient. Connections were reliable and easy to use. However, it is relatively expensive, so transportation costs can add up over time. Safety Situation: It is Japan! I felt completely safe at all times. I never experienced or witnessed any safety issues. Social and Leisure Activities: Most of my leisure time was spent traveling and exploring different cities and places. Japan offers a lot of opportunities for short trips, which made weekends especially exciting. Spending time on trying new food was mainly my favourite activity! Events: There were some official events, but many activities and gatherings were organized informally by ourselves, especially within the international student community. Sports Options: There are various sports options available. Some students went to the gym, others went running, and some joined activities like karate. It really depends on what you are interested in. Sports clubs are an option as well, but they are usually conducted in Japanese, which can be challenging if you do not speak the language.

My exchange in Japan was an incredible adventure, full of diverse experiences, from skiing in Hokkaido and scuba diving in Okinawa to city trips in Tokyo and cultural highlights like tea ceremonies in Kyoto and exploring the nature around Mount Fuji. Traveling and discovering the country with other students was definitely the highlight for me. While the academic side and administrative tasks (health insurance, rent, etc.) were not the best part and rather challenging, and I occasionally faced unkind attitudes of Japanese towards foreigners, overall it was an amazing opportunity to experience a fascinating country, enjoy affordable travel, and meet great people. I especially enjoyed the option to also see other nice places in Asia.