Deepening learning and practical experience

I have always had a strong interest in consumer behavior and have conducted research focusing on sustainable consumption behavior, which has been gaining attention in recent years, particularly collaborative fashion consumption (CFC). I believe that academic analysis of behaviors such as renting clothes and purchasing second-hand goods can contribute to a sustainable society.

Hoping to deepen my research from a more international and practical perspective, I decided to study abroad at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy in the spring semester of 2025. Milan is a global fashion center, and Bocconi University, under the slogan “Be responsible, be sustainable, be safe,” delivers education with a focus on sustainability. My research theme and the university’s policies resonated strongly, and I thought it would be the perfect environment to take on challenges.

Each subject at Bocconi University was taught in two 90-minute blocks, and depending on the subject, the two blocks might be consecutive, or they might be split over two days. During my time abroad, I took the following three classes:

-TOURISM INDUSTRY AND SUSTAINABLE DESTINATIONS
With the theme of tourism and sustainability, the participants visited restaurants and bars attached to hotels and train stations to learn about the challenges they face on the ground.

-INNOVATIVE RETAIL DESIGN
With the theme of improving sales floors at a major supermarket, we held numerous tutorials with company representatives and created proposals, some of which were ultimately adopted.

-MANAGEMENT OF FASHION AND LUXURY COMPANIES
We had guest speakers from companies such as L’Oréal, and through around five lectures over the course of the semester, we were able to learn about the latest insights into the fashion and luxury industry.
All of the classes are not limited to theory, but also emphasize collaboration with companies and practical application, which has given me the perspective of giving back my knowledge to companies and society.

International perspective and personal growth brought about by study abroad experience

In terms of daily life, the past six months have also been an unforgettable experience. On weekends, I took advantage of my hobby of mountain climbing and ventured into the Alps, summiting three snow-capped mountains. After the semester ended, I left my luggage at a friend’s house and traveled around Europe with just one backpack.

The people I met from all over the world along the way gave me new values. Through interactions with energetic friends who truly enjoy nature and life, I was able to distance myself from the “uniform value of success” that is perceived to be deeply rooted in East Asian society and reexamine my own way of life. Rather than striving for perfection, I learned to simply enjoy each and every scene and encounter, and this gave me a more mature perspective.

Through this study abroad experience, I gained strength and flexibility beyond my expectations. Physically, I repeatedly challenged myself to exceed my limits, and mentally, I overcame loneliness and anxiety, developing the ability to regulate my emotions and solve problems. Every moment of this experience has been deeply engraved in my heart, and I hope to use it to create new value and knowledge in both my academic pursuits and my practical career.

LINK

• About Inter-departmental Study Abroad Programs (Japanese Only)