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On 13 November, we participated in Heidelberg University’s Institute for Japanese Studies’ Study Abroad Student Orientation for (undergraduate) students.
The event started with a welcome address by its current director Prof. Hans Martin Krämer, who stressed the importance of going to Japan not only to improve language skills but also to gain valuable cultural experience and networks e. g. by attending extracurricular activities. After this, the Japanese partner universities and funding opportunities were briefly presented.
In the following session, students talked about their experiences in various universities and how they financed their stay. Some received scholarships which are mainly provided by MEXT or JASSO. Others explained, how BAföG (federal German student loans) could be utilized to study in Japan.
In final part of the event students interested in going abroad could meet exchange students from each partner universities in breakout rooms. who we first met several years ago at the same event before at Kyoto University. Students asked us about necessary language skills, housing and living cost. Mr. Skubisz talked about his experiences with classes, clubs and the excellent food on campus. It was nice meeting some of the approx. 50 participating students despite the COVID situation and see their unbroken interest in going to Japan.
