Why did you choose to study abroad in Japan?

Studying abroad is not like going on holiday! It is a unique opportunity to get out of your comfort zone. I wanted to see if I could live in a place where I did not speak the language and in an environment that was very different from my comfortable student life in Bern. I am fascinated by the Japanese culture, the rich diversity of the country and the Tokyo metropolis.

What was your best experience studying abroad?

Keio University has a buddy system for exchange students through which I was matched with Chisato Todaka. When we met, she told me that she had been an exchange student at the University of Bern and immediately the ice was broken. She taught me so much about the Japanese culture, I met members of her family, and we went skiing together in Hokkaido. She also took me to her uncle’s sushi restaurant, where I learnt that the sushi we know in Switzerland is nothing compared to the “real deal” in Japan.

One experience I will never forget is attending a Zen meditation in a temple with Chisato. On the way I got introduced to a few rules of behaviour, and I learnt that Buddhist monks in Japan (depending on their rank) can have their own family. At the temple we were invited to join a meditation of the monk. After the ritual, we all shared a meal of a rice soup with pickles and a plum in silence – neither talking nor slurping was allowed.

All too often, exchange students tend to stay in their own little bubbles, which is such a missed opportunity. I would recommend that every exchange student participates in a buddy programme. Chisato opened a window to the Japanese culture for me that I otherwise would never have had. I learnt so much from her! Most importantly, as in my case, this could be the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

Is studying in Japan different compared with what you are used to?

Keio University has an excellent academic reputation and is famous for its friendly and service-oriented atmosphere. In Japan collectivism and harmony are very important. One can see this reflected in how closely students are supervised. Lectures often feel like seminars. Presentations are often discussed beforehand with lecturers and your attendance contributes to the final grade.

Baseball is a very important part of student life at Keio University. There are no courses when the university team plays. On match days, the stadium is packed and the cheerleaders come out in full force.

Loyalty is highly valued in Japan, which is why Japanese students rarely have part-time jobs that would distract them from their studies. Graduates from Keio University are highly sought after by employers. Recruiting can happen in a Café – financed by employers – that serves as networking hub. Once someone has joined a company, they often stay there for their entire career.

How has the exchange semester changed your view of Switzerland?

By Japanese standards we in Switzerland are far too confrontational. Sometimes I feel we would benefit from adopting some of the Japanese emphasis on harmony and collectivism. All in all, I think that studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I feel very fortunate to have made a friend for life, which is why Japan will always have a special place in my heart.

---

Find out more

Exchange students are often in a bubble and struggle to meet people from their host country. Buddy programmes are a way to match exchange students with local students. At the University of Bern, we have the following buddy systems:

• Individual buddy matching between outcoming and incoming exchange students
• Erasmus Student Network Bern (ESN) Buddy System

In addition, we offer the following mentoring opportunities to exchange students at the University of Bern:

1. Mentoring Intercultural Learning Through Study Abroad (MILSA) for incoming exchange students
2. Mentoring Intercultural Learning Through Study Abroad (MILSA) for outgoing exchange students
3. Welcome reception, Cross-cultural Meet & Greet and other networking events during the introduction week

Interview: Caspar Bienek
Images: Julia Good