One exchange student from the Graduate School of Katholic University Leuven, Belgium, Jorre DIERCKENS shared his experiences of life in Japan and at Waseda University.
Mr. Jorre DIERCKENS: Katholic University Leuven,
Q1. What made you decide to come to Waseda to study?
When my home University gave me the chance to do an exchange outside of Europe, there were 3 specific choices: Australia, Canada and Japan. Because of the big difference in culture, I decided to choose Japan, I believed it could’ve really helped my personal development. Next to this, Waseda has a very high reputation in and around Japan.
Q2. What are you currently studying at Waseda?
Sports Management
Q3. Please describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class.
One time I sat on the metro home back to Nishi-Kasai, where I lived at the time, when I noticed I was on the same metro as a professor of mine. The whole way we talked and laughed very hard. This is something I could never imagine in Belgium to happen, so for me this is a very memorable moment!
Q4. Tell us about your campus life at Waseda University.
The campus where I had class was located in Higashifushimi, a cozy suburb at +- 30 mins from the main Waseda campus. I did not have a lot of class, but I absolutely loved when I could go. Thanks to the small faculty and the little subscriptions in sports management, the classes are small, personal and interactive. Next to this, I spent a lot of time at the main campus of Waseda to study in the library of building 14 where a lot of my friends were studying.
Q5. What did you gain from studying at Waseda University?
Being mentored and educated by some of the best professors in their domain, surely helps my personal development and growth in my knowledge towards the understanding of sport management, but as well the political, social and psychological aspects that go behind sports management and sport marketing.
Q6. What advice would you give to students who are considering studying at Waseda University?
There is no one I would not advise to study here: the professors I met spoke all perfect English, which made the whole study process way easier. Organizationally and administratively, they exceed any university and school I’ve ever been to (which is quiet the number) and the atmosphere at all the faculty’s is amazing
Q7. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as an international student?
In the beginning it was quite hard, because I didn’t had a lot of international people in faculty. But thanks to some other international students in my dorm, I was able to build a beautiful friend group with whom I went on a lot of trips around Japan.
Q10. What surprised you the most when you came to Japan?
How amazingly friendly everyone is! When you come from Europe, you’re used to someone not being friendly or even not respectful on the street. While in Japan, people are always approachable and very helpful when you ask them something!
Q12. Did you or do you belong to any societies(circles) or participate in any club activities? Please tell us which clubs you belonged to and what kind of activities you were involved in.
I did join a football (soccer) group, called the Waseda Outsiders. This group were all Waseda students who wanted to play some football games in their free time. Next to the matches, training sessions were organized as well on a regular basis.
