This is an English translation of the original Japanese text (please refer to the German website) using AI.

• What was your general impression about this exchange program?

It is difficult to pinpoint one specific aspect, but spending approximately ten months immersed in a different environment and culture allowed me to gain a more objective perspective on the values and assumptions I had developed during my life in Japan. I feel that the experience stimulated not only my interest in my research, but also my personal interests, curiosity, and broader perspectives on life.

Another aspect that left a strong impression on me was the difference between Japan and Europe in terms of attitudes toward learning and conducting research at university. Through conversations with local students, I learned that the barriers to entering university are relatively low and that it is quite common for people to obtain a degree after entering the workforce. Compared with Japan, where universities are increasingly becoming places for career development and preparation for entering the workforce, I felt that in Europe there is a stronger underlying emphasis on the enjoyment of deepening and pursuing knowledge for its own sake.

• What was difficult for you or what was easier than you expected?

The discussions in class often dealt with difficult topics for which there was no single predetermined answer, and it was extremely challenging to process and express my thoughts on these topics in English. One of the reasons was that I often had to translate my thoughts from Japanese into English before speaking, which created an additional layer of mental processing. I would like to continue practicing this even after returning to Japan so that I can respond more spontaneously in English.

• How was your interaction with local students and teaching staff?

It was difficult to make friends through classes alone, but through opportunities such as tandem learning and parties held before and after the semester, I was able to make friends with whom I also spent time outside of class. My academic supervisor was very supportive and kindly took the time to discuss and advise me on a wide range of matters, including my research. The JASEC staff, including Yukiko, were also very helpful. Since I regularly worked at the JASEC office, I was able to consult them about a wide range of matters, from administrative procedures such as applying for a residence permit to everyday issues.

• Was it good to have other Japanese exchange students around?

Having other Japanese exchange students around was a very positive aspect of my experience. We were able to talk about events and places to visit in Vienna, as well as topics related to our classes and research, which made it a very supportive environment. I am also glad that I was able to make friends with whom I have continued to stay in touch even after returning to Japan.

• Was it helpful for you to have a home base at the JASEC office?

Having a place where I could work outside of my home was helpful, but even more importantly, the JASEC office provided a place where I could meet and spend time with JASEC staff and other Japanese exchange students. I was also able to use equipment such as monitors and printers, which made it a very comfortable and convenient place to work.

• Did you get sufficient support when you needed help?

During the initial stage of my study abroad, the JASEC staff were extremely helpful with various administrative procedures, including those related to my residence permit. When I became ill, I was also able to receive appropriate medical care by following the guidance provided by JASEC and the support available through my health insurance.

• How was your experience in the student accommodation?

Overall, I had no major problems and enjoyed a comfortable life in the student accommodation. I shared the bathroom, toilet, and refrigerator with another person. At first, I thought that sharing these facilities might help us become closer, but our daily schedules rarely overlapped, so we had very few opportunities for everyday conversation. As a result, our communication remained limited to what was necessary.

• How was Vienna and Austria for you?

I found not only Vienna but Austria as a whole to be very safe and comfortable to live in. In Vienna, there are not only well-developed railway and public transportation systems, but also shared bicycle services and dedicated bicycle lanes. This made it easy to get around comfortably on foot and by public transportation. I also purchased an annual museum pass, which allowed me to enjoy the unusual experience of casually viewing paintings by artists such as Vermeer and Bruegel on my way home from university. Overall, I was able to enjoy a very high quality of life during my stay.

• What did you do in your free time (travelling, sightseeing)?

On weekends and other days off, I explored Vienna and took day trips to nearby cities. In Vienna, some of my fondest memories are attending traditional events together with other Japanese exchange students, such as a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic at Schönbrunn, the Christmas market in front of the City Hall, and ice skating. During longer holidays, I also travelled to various cities across Europe. And maybe other information you can think of that would be useful for future students to know. I found that becoming part of a community and regularly participating in social activities is a good way to make friends with local and international students. In my case, I was able to meet and interact with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through a group that brings together people who have an interest in or connection to Japan. Through these encounters, I was able to learn about many different perspectives and ways of life and broaden my horizons. There are also various things that are worth obtaining early if you are staying for an extended period, such as annual museum passes and ÖBB discount passes. In retrospect, I wish I had researched these options more carefully before leaving Japan.

© Kyushu University|K.O.

Mit den JASEC-Kolleginnen und -Kollegen Eis essen gehen.

Mit den JASEC-Kolleginnen und -Kollegen Eis essen gehen.