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Choosing a study abroad destination starts with your own interests.

First, please tell us what sparked your interest in studying abroad and why you chose your study destination.

Kikuchi

Kikuchi: I participated in a two-week short-term study abroad program, but I was more interested in studying at Oxford University than in the study abroad program itself. A childhood friend of mine was a regular student at Oxford, and I kept hearing from her that "the classes are tough but interesting." I really wanted to take classes, so I searched around and found a short-term study abroad program.

Ando: I wasn't interested in studying abroad at all, but what sparked my interest was a course I took during the summer break of my second year. Hirotaka Matsuoka The professor (Professor Faculty of Sport Sciences) will be giving a lecture in the United States. Theory and Practice of Global Sport Management "I heard from the president of a local professional basketball team that it's important to broaden your perspective globally in business, and I wanted to do the same. Also, I'm majoring in sports marketing at university, I wanted to experience college sports in the United States, which has the largest market, and I wanted to join a powerhouse in American football. University of Mississippi I chose this.

Katsuno: I was born and raised in Tokyo, and I've always wanted to see the outside world. Even after entering university, I felt that there were many people around me who had grown up in similar environments, and I thought that the only way to meet people with different values was for me to go outside. Instead of going to a major study abroad destination, I chose the University of Copenhagen in Scandinavia, which I had the impression was advanced in welfare and education. I thought that if I went somewhere different from everyone else, I would see a different and interesting landscape​.

What was the process like from when you first started thinking about studying abroad, through the application process, and up to your departure?

Ando: I took the course in the US that sparked my interest at the end of September, and the application deadline for studying abroad was in mid-October, so it was a very close call. I didn't have any TOEFL or other scores at all, so I took the exam as soon as I returned to Japan. If I had more time to prepare, I think I could have broadened my options for destinations. Once you've decided on your study abroad destination, the procedures for visas and accommodation begin, so it's important to start those early as well.

Ando-san

Kikuchi: For me, the most difficult part was the procedures required to travel to the UK. I had to handle the applications and prepare the documents myself, and I was cutting it very close several times. It's really important to act early!

Katsuno: Unlike the US and the UK, there's not much information available online about applying for a residence permit in Denmark, so I struggled to gather information. What helped was being told about an Instagram DM group made up of Waseda University students and seniors who were studying in the same country. Exchanging information about the time it takes to apply and the necessary documents was very helpful.

Before giving up because of the cost, explore the options.

How much did it actually cost, and how did you manage to finance it?

Kikuchi: The two-week language training cost about 1.1 million yen. In addition to the training fees at Oxford University, it included a single room in a dormitory, three meals a day, and airfare, so I think it was reasonable, but it was certainly not cheap. However, depending on the program, there are some that offer stays of nearly a month for around 400,000 yen, so it seems that the cost of short-term language training varies greatly depending on the university and country. In addition to my own savings, I also used the Tokyo Club International Exchange Scholarship (short-term), and my parents covered the rest.

Ando: Including travel expenses, living expenses, and entertainment expenses, it came to about 3.5 million yen for one year. I think it could be reduced even more if you live in a university dormitory. I covered the expenses with the Okuma Memorial Scholarship, and my parents also provided support.

Katsuno-san

Katsuno: Denmark is said to have a high cost of living, but the expenses were about the same as Ando's. In addition to my parents' support, I was able to finance it using Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)  Overseas Study Support Program (Agreement-Based Dispatch) Scholarship.

Do you have any advice for people who are hesitant because of the cost?

Kikuchi: With short-term study abroad programs, I think the real value lies not so much in dramatically improving your language skills in a short period, but in the experience of learning in the local culture and interacting with the people. I understand your hesitation regarding the cost, but if you have a strong desire to go to a particular university and have a specific experience, I would recommend it.

Kikuchi took a class at her dream university, Oxford University.
Left: A student attending a lecture on Oxford-educated writers in an English literature class.
Right: A photo taken with the teachers at the gala party on the last day after all the classes were finished. Kikuchi is in the center.

Katsuno: Of course, there are limits to what you can spend money on, but I also feel that it was worth more than the money spent, as there were things I could only learn by being there, and people I met because I went.

Ando: Another thing to consider is using Scholarship. If you look around, you'll find that there are surprisingly many Scholarship that can help with studying abroad, so I recommend consulting with Center for International Education.

Overcoming difficulties is one of the great things about studying abroad.

Have you encountered anything that surprised you when you actually lived there?

Katsuno: When I first arrived, I got homesick... Even studying abroad, which seems so fun, has its ups and downs. But as time went on, I started to enjoy life there. Now I love Denmark so much that I want to go back. As for language, the locals are fluent in English, so I didn't have any problems. However, the signs in the supermarket were in Danish, and I did have trouble distinguishing between chicken and pork (laughs).

Ando: I wasn't confident in my English skills, but when I told Professor at my study abroad destination that I was an international student and not confident in my language abilities, Professor all helped me out by saying, "If you don't understand something, you can come back and ask later," which was a huge help.

Ando studied sports management in the United States, where it originated.
Left: You can learn about the production processes of Japanese companies in a practical way. Visiting a university lab as part of a class
Right: On my day off, he drove to Memphis, Tennessee, USA with a friend from his study abroad program.

Kikuchi: In my case, it was only two weeks, so I didn't have too many problems with daily life, but the classes were tough. On the last day, we were given a presentation on a topic of our choice, but I struggled because I was repeatedly criticized for the content.Even in short-term programs, you are sometimes required to work hard on assignments and presentations, so I think that if you participate with a strong desire to learn, you will have a more fulfilling study abroad experience.

Studying abroad broadens your future options.

Have there been any changes in your graduation date, career path, or future plans since studying abroad?

Ando: I gained confidence that I could actually live abroad. I also started considering working overseas, which broadened my career options. By the way, due to my Bachelor's Thesis, I'm planning to graduate in my fifth year of university.

Kikuchi: I used to vaguely think I'd always work for a Japanese company, but now I've started considering working abroad for a certain period, like being on an overseas assignment. After living abroad for two weeks, I realized that living overseas might actually be manageable.

Katsuno: Me too! My values have changed significantly. In Denmark, people value family and private time, and it's common to see fathers picking up their children from daycare after finishing work around 4 pm. I was inspired by these adults who take pride in what they value and work hard, realizing that there are other ways of living as well.

Katsuno also enjoyed her private life in Copenhagen.
Left: A picture taken when I joined a local running team with friends from my study abroad destination.
Right: Rice paper dumplings made with ingredients from an Asian supermarket. Apparently, she mainly cooked her own meals while studying abroad.

Finally, do you have a message for Waseda University students who are undecided about studying abroad?

Kikuchi: If you're hesitating for reasons other than cost, you should definitely go. For example, if you go 10 years from now, you don't know if you'll be able to perceive the study abroad experience with the same sensitivity as you do now. I want you to follow your heart while you're still fresh as a university student.

Ando: I believe that people can grow, whether they succeed or fail, as long as they take on challenges. If you're struggling, please take on the challenge.

Katsuno: I've grown to love Copenhagen more than I ever imagined. Having a place outside of Tokyo that I want to return to, and making friends there, is truly invaluable. Even if it's not a popular university, going there will surely become a place that's worthwhile for you!

Interview and text by: Yuki Yamadai
photograph: TORI

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