weitere Erfahrungsberichte für Japan
Land:
Japan
Universität:
Kansai Gaidai University (KGU)
Semester und Studiengang:
3. Semester Bachelor International Management
Aufenthalt:
wintersemester 2016
Über die Universität:
I studied in KGU for my IM3 and IM4 semesters from September 2016 to May 2017.
The Asian Studies program offers a rather limited but good set of courses in business as well as an extensive number of cultural and arts courses. It would be recommended to look into the available courses in detail before deciding on the university, as Japanese language is mandatory every semester and accounts for 5 credits (~10 ECTS) out of the maximum 20 credits you can take in a semester. This means you can take up to 5 more courses (3 credits each) on top of Japanese language every semester. Professors are generally very communicative and try to help out in every aspect of the study abroad.
Everything in Hirakata (approx. 410,000 inhabitants) is within biking distance, but difficult by walking. The location is great for travel as you can go to Kyoto and Osaka within 30 minutes for about 3 euros, and Nara and Kobe in about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 mins for about 5~10 euros.
There is a direct Airport bus about 10 times a day from KIX (Kansai International Airport) to Hirakata station for about 16 euros one way, which takes 1 hour 30 mins.
Betreuung vor Ort:
For accommodation, there are three options: student housing, homestay, and renting. I rented an apartment, but this is not recommended if you don't have anyone to help you in Japan. It is very different and bureaucratic in nature, requiring many forms and formalities, like everything else in Japan. That said, the student housing has visitor curfews and I hear the internet is very poor. Hoemstays would be great for people who want to learn the language quickly and live with a family, even if it means being a bit far from the university.
There is help from the university for everything like banking, phone internet, and bicycles during the orientation period at the start of the semester, so people who aren't familiar with Japan do not have to worry. Also, if you need help you can ask the staff and they will help you out.
Tipps:
Japan has a very unique culture and this can make it fantastically great or absolutely terrible depending on the type of person you are. It is a very contextual culture and things said are not what they mean most of the time. If you are able to adapt to this, it will be a great experience.
In terms of living costs, it's not very different from Germany. Many shops are open very late and there are convenient stores open 24/7 nearly at every corner of the country. Things are on time and people are on time.
There are many traditions and etiquette that should be kept, but for foreigners, people are very lenient towards mistakes in this matter, which is good since you are bound to make many mistakes.
Overall, if you do your research and have a Japanese friend to ask about the little things like subtle cultural differences, it won't be difficult to adapt and it will be fun.