Maria Buylova on Her Exchange Experience with Tokyo International University, Japan
Japan is a fascinating country that attracts students from all over the world with its unique culture and high-ranking universities. Maria Buylova, student of the Master’s programme ‘Management and Analytics for Business’, shared her feedback on her exchange programme at Tokyo International University in autumn 2022.
— Why did you choose Japan for your academic mobility programme? Have your fears and expectations come true?
— I made this choice spontaneously. I initially focused on more familiar European destinations, but then decided to check out universities in other countries out of pure interest. The classes offered by Tokyo International University were the perfect fit for my specialisation, which is why I decided to apply.
I went to Japan with zero level of Japanese, so there were enough fears and expectations. Both were met to a certain extent. In the beginning, daily procedures such as a simple visit to the grocery store were a huge problem since English is not in use in Japan, especially outside the central areas of large cities. But all difficulties have their own charm—it is an opportunity to gain incredible experience and memories for a lifetime.
— Did you manage to find common ground with the students of Tokyo International University (TIU)? Do you have any tips on how to adapt to a new environment more easily?
— Tokyo International University offers several fully English-taught tracks, so it attracts many foreigners. The campus has a multinational atmosphere. There are several language clubs and various events, so it is quite easy to start communicating with other students.
In this regard, the easiest way to adapt is to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity, no matter how obvious it sounds, and make new acquaintances. I am convinced that communication and exchange of experience with people from different cultures are the main goals and values of such trips. In addition, there is much more fun in exploring new places and even shopping in good company. It is incomparably easier to communicate with cashiers as a team.
— Are there any differences between your programmes at HSE University and those at TIU? Is the teaching style or approach to learning any different?
— I was surprised to find out that the teaching style is very similar to the one adopted at HSE University, although there are slight differences depending on the class. The approach to studying also depends solely on the person: some devote more time to studying, others less so. The volume and type of assignments are approximately the same: group presentations, case studies and discussions, and occasional written works. The only significant difference is that due to the small number of students who enrol in the master's programme, each class is attended by approximately 7–10 people. There are also advantages, since everybody can get more attention from the professor.
— What sights do you recommend seeing? Are there any unusual places or hidden gems that you would like to share?
— Several lesser-known places may be of interest to those who enrol in an exchange programme in Tokyo or nearby prefectures. Firstly, Kawagoe is a small city about forty minutes from Tokyo and is a great choice for a day trip. It is called ‘Little Edo’ for its beautifully preserved old buildings built in the 17th–19th centuries. Here you can try traditional street food and buy souvenirs and sweets. If you go in the fall semester, check out the enormous festival held here in mid-October.
Secondly, there is Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture. Getting there from Tokyo is not so easy—it will take several hours and many transfers, but it is worth it! Each season, huge fields of flowers are planted in the park, the colours and scale of which will amaze you.
Thirdly, do not deny yourself the pleasure of going to the ocean. For example, go to Chiba Prefecture, or at least to the city of Kamakura. Getting to more remote places will be even more difficult, but if the opportunity presents itself, do not waste it!
— Are there any myths about Japan that actually turned out to be false? What shouldn’t one be afraid of?
— There are numerous scary stories online about Japan's deep dislike of foreigners. Reportedly, people shy away from you in the streets, and they never sit next to a foreigner in the subway, even if the car is completely full. This is not true! Indeed, some Japanese people get extremely confused at the sight of a foreigner, but it usually happens due to the language barrier. I have never encountered such unheard-of racism as sometimes described on social networks. Certainly, there may be exceptions, but you definitely should not be afraid! In Japan, as in any other country, there are kind and open people who will kindly help you with all their might.
— Tell us about the campus and its infrastructure. What events are held at TIU?
— The university does its best to establish connections between students from different countries. There is a Japanese Plaza on campus, where you can find a partner to practice Japanese, and there is an English Plaza, where you must communicate only in English. They organise international festivals where everyone can participate and present the culture of their country, cook their own national dishes and try others’. The university also has a buddy club, the Peer Assistants Team. They can be contacted for almost any kind of assistance with procedures that require knowledge of the Japanese language (for example, buying a SIM card or going to the bank). In addition, they organise a wide variety of events such as board game nights, quests and theme parties. By participating in these events, it is quite easy to make new acquaintances and friends based on your interests!
— What should those going to Japan for an exchange programme take with them?
— I recommend going to Japan with an empty suitcase. There will be a lot of things that you will want to bring back home, starting from clothes and ending with food, and meeting the requirements of the airline will be extremely difficult. In addition, almost 99% of what you might need can be bought right on the spot at shockingly democratic prices. The only thing that needs to be carefully considered is a first aid kit. This is even more important if you do not speak Japanese: as a rule, even the simplest drugs can be bought only with a prescription, and not every doctor or pharmacist will be able to talk to you in English.
Text prepared by the Study Abroad Opportunities team.