Home University:
Kobe City University of Foreign Studies
Year of Study Abroad:
Full academic year 2024/2025
I am from:
Hyogo, Japan
I study:
Communication Science
I chose to study at VU Amsterdam because:
I thought this university is the best choice for me to study abroad. First, it is said that the Dutch speak a high level of English as a second language. Second, this uni offers many programs and courses in English, which makes it easy for exchange students to study here. Finally, it has a high academic reputation internationally and offers a wide range of disciplines, allowing me to pursue my chosen field of study.
My favourite course at VU Amsterdam was:
The course: "A Broader Mind." This is an extracurricular and interdisciplinary course that is open to VU students from all faculties. The curriculum focuses on personal development and engagement with societal issues through discussion and self-reflection on several themes. Sometimes I have difficulty discussing certain topics because my English is not perfect, and I am too shy and unconfident to share my opinion with others. But I have found that having discussions in a very diverse classroom with students from many different countries and fields of study is a special experience. Furthermore, we are given many opportunities to reflect on our own ideas about the issues and write them down, which brings us more self-improvement.
Hobbies and Interests:
Taking a walk and eating. When the weather is nice, I usually take a walk in the park just south of my dormitory, only a few minutes away on foot. It’s one of the best ways to refresh and have a rest from busy university life.
Also, I like eating. The central area of Amsterdam has a lot of Asian restaurants, such as Japanese and Korean. I often go to such places with my friends on the weekend. Although these restaurants are usually pricy, these meals bring me back the memories of my home country and evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Something about me:
I would say that my personality is introverted and earnest. But I enjoy talking to people who have different traits from me.
Golden tip for prospective students:
I recommend participating in events or trips offered by the Semester in Amsterdam team. During the semester I studied abroad, I joined on the overnight trip to Texel, an island in the north of the Netherlands, an ice-skating event, and a visit to some museums in Amsterdam. Through these events, I was able to make friends, so participation will help you socialize. Also, we can go to these events for free. There's no reason not to join!
