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Take a step into the world by studying abroad
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Take a step into the world by studying abroad

Tue, Apr 11, 2017
Take a step into the world by studying abroad
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Under Waseda Vision 150, the strategic plan implemented in 2012, Waseda University has been carrying out reforms to compete internationally with top higher education institutions in the world. As part of the plan, Waseda aims to have all its students study abroad by the year 2032 to train globally-minded leaders in this diversifying international community.

In the academic year 2016, there were 3,691 Waseda students who studied abroad, showing that study abroad is now starting to become a more common thing to do. For interested students, preparing themselves beforehand will become a very important step. The situation, however, is that many students do not know where or how to start the application process.

2017留学フェアThe Center for International Education holds study abroad fairs every spring and autumn. Last year, approximately 4,200 students participated. In this year’s study abroad fair, which will be held on April 14 (Fri) and 15 (Sat), there will be information sessions on different exchange programs, establishing your educational and career goals after studying abroad, and scholarships available. Additionally, university representatives from abroad, students with study abroad experience, and university staff will be ready to answer questions and provide all kinds of information for students considering studying abroad.

Below, two students share their experiences.

Rina Okamatsu
4th year student, School of Political Science and Economics
Global Leadership Fellows Program, University of Washington, USA (September 2015 – June 2016)

I had always wanted to study abroad ever since I was a high school student.

The study abroad fair helped me answer so many questions about the different programs and how to apply to them. After understanding the overall application process, I visited booths of different universities. This was a great way to explore my options because I had the chance to talk directly with university staff from respective universities and ask questions which cannot be easily answered online, for example, about what it would be like to live and study there. As I went around different booths, I was able to realistically envision myself abroad compared to before. The study abroad fair turned my vague feeling of wanting to go abroad into a strong will.

留学中写真_岡松While abroad, I decided to enjoy my limited time to its fullest, so I did various things like visiting Alaska and Canada and dancing soranbushi in a Japanese cultural event. In the beginning, living alone and overcoming language barriers were tough, but after a year, I became a stronger person.

In the end, I have made lifelong friends, and Seattle became my second home.

Tōki Yanagi
4th year student, School of Political Science and Economics
Double Degree Program, Peking University (September 2015 – July 2016)

I was already determined to study abroad, but because I knew almost nothing about how to apply or the options available, I went to the study abroad fair lightheartedly to get more information.

At the fair, I was able to gain much more than what I was looking for. I remember a staff member from the School of Political Science and Economics told me about how to get credits for courses, and a student with study abroad experience gave me great advice. Not only did I meet representatives from host universities, but there were so many students with all kinds of study abroad experiences. I felt that this fair helped me picture me studying abroad closer at heart.

留学中写真_柳In the beginning, there were times when I became ill because I had a hard time adjusting to a new culture and lifestyle, but I got used to things as time passed. In fact, I actually met and spoke with a professor I met at the fair, which was very encouraging. The fair I attended lightheartedly turned out to be crucial to realize my dream to study abroad.

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