I am beyond grateful that I got the chance to study at Kobe University for one semester. It is a great University with a beautiful campus, and I had the opportunity to get to know a lot of people from around the world. Depending on the faculty or graduate school you can go to, this might differ a lot, but I was very lucky in this regard and had the chance to meet a variety of people. The city of Kobe is awesome and with its proximity to Osaka and Kyoto as well as the surrounding nature, it offers countless things to explore and do. Personally, I took quite a lot of courses at my graduate school, which meant a lot of study-time, but at the same time it gave me valuable insights into the Japanese education system and research areas. In any case, as long as you try to learn about and adapt to this country and Japanese culture, I am convinced that you will gather invaluable experiences that will last a lifetime. 

Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies @ Kobe
from University of Basel
Fall 2024

My exchange semester at Kobe University was an incredible experience that I¡¯ll cherish forever. The time flew by so quickly, but every moment was filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories.

I encourage you to treasure every single day¡ªwhether it's exploring the beautiful campus, diving into the local culture, or making lifelong friends. These moments are fleeting, and before you know it, you'll be looking back, wishing you could relive them all over again.

Make the most of your time here, and enjoy every second!
Warm wishes.

Graduate School of Business Administration @ Kobe
from Technical University Munich
Fall 2024

Studying abroad at Kobe University in Japan for six months as an engineering student was an incredible experience that allowed me to grow both personally and academically. But where ever there is growth there is also challenges. In my opinion it was especially the language barrier. Since I had just started learning Japanese, communication was sometimes difficult, as many Japanese locals and also students have limited English skills. However, this challenge pushed me to improve my language skills and adapt to new situations.

The highlights of my time in Japan included unforgettable trips, breathtaking nature, rich culture, and, of course, amazing food. For prospective students, I strongly recommend preparing some Japanese language skills in advance and actively engaging with others. Social life in Japan requires a proactive approach¡ªuniversities do not typically organize many events, so it¡¯s essential to take initiative, meet people, and create your own experiences.

Overall, living and studying in Japan was a life-changing opportunity that allowed me to learn, grow, and experience a completely different way of life. I highly encourage anyone considering studying abroad to embrace the challenge¡ªit¡¯s truly worth it!
 

Graduate School of Engineering @ Kobe
from Management Center Innsbruck
Fall 2024

Coming to Japan has been a very impactful life event and I can only recommend to pursue so, if you are still thinking about going or not. Being able to partake in a completely different place, time and culture is somewhat reminiscent of a temporary rebirth.
None know you and you know none. You build up your new self here and meet all kinds of people. With some people you share a bowl of ramen, with others your freeze on new years day, because you thought staying out in the night without a hotel would be a good idea...

Embrace this once chance you can take right now and take the plunge!

Meeting so many new people, where everything is new and exciting: That is what you call adventure.

Live life, and enjoy swallowing the sweet moments but also the acidic ones that sting a bit, because this is your life.

Faculty of Global Human Sciences @ Kobe
from Kiel University
Fall 2024

You should try to get a international driving license back home before coming to Japan, because there are many beautiful places on the country side that are best reached by car.

Graduate School of Health Sciences @ Kobe
from University of Graz
Fall 2024

Study abroad years are transformative. It might be hard at first, demanding some time to adapt to the country you live in, however it is very insightful. You will certainly get to know a lot more about yourself and get out of your comfort zone way more than if you had stayed in your country. Years abroad are also unpredictable. You can have goals and certain guidelines on what you'd like to accomplish through the year, but experience taught me that few things will really go exactly the way you had imagined it. So my best advise would be to let go and take everything you can ; enjoying unplanned events that will presents themselves, appreciate every talk you will have with every person you'll meet as short as they might be, and most importantly never restrain yourself for travelling somewhere you really want to go, regardless of the distance or the difficulties that might arise. When there is a will, there is a way, and Japan provides a lot of cheap means to travel so that it can be accessible to the vast majority. 

Global Education Center @ Kobe
from University of Lille
Fall 2023 & Spring 2024

Try to join a club at the university if possible. It is the single best way to improve your Japanese, through speaking naturally with Japanese students. It¡¯s also the best way to make friends with Japanese students, particularly as they share similar interests and hobbies to you. 

Global Education Center @ Kobe
from School of Oriental and African Studies, 
University of London
Fall 2023 & Spring 2024

I can highly recommend Kobe University. The city is nice and has a great vibe. It is big but not too big and crowded as other places. Being able to see various places in the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc...) is definetely one of it's strengths! Also the variety of club activities offered by KU makes it possible to meet with local japanese students from various backgrounds! 
(Extra points for the cafeteria - the food is cheap but still tastes awesome, I was always looking forward to lunch breaks!)

Global Education Center @ Kobe
from University of Graz
Spring 2024

Moving to a foreign country for 1 year (or less) might be intimidating but a ton of experiences awaits you : you meet people from different cultures, practice your language skills, travel and evolve with them in the course of your exchange... The community of international students at KU and our Japanese friends made my exchange year a wonderful experience.
Also, I chose KU at first both for its location (close to Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, airports and transport axis) and the classes provided : I was able to follow both economic undergraduate courses for my Bachelor and explore the KIMAP program classes of the Faculty of Business Administration. I believe it will be impactful on my future journey both academically and professionally. I am really grateful for this experience and all the support of KU to its international students.
To future incoming international students, I wish you a pleasant time at KU ! Kobe is located between the mountains and the sea in addition to being a serene non touristy city, you will feel quickly at ease. Enjoy Japan, its food, its culture and its beautiful landscapes... you will hardly be short on new things or paths to explore ^^. 

Faculty of Economics @ Kobe
from Universit¨¦ Paris-Panth¨¦on-Assas
Fall 2023 & Spring 2024
 

Six mounths are shot, but thanks to the helpful support from Kobe University, I was able to achive my preseted golals and much more. I would like to express my graditude here to all those who helped me to achive this. 

ZAHNG Dingda
Faculty of Engineering  @ Kobe 
from Technical University of Munich
Fall 2023 

I am very happy to have chosen Kobe University for my excange program. The courses that I took were interesting, and the majority of the GEC professors and regular professors was very understanding and helpfull. I really value this experience. 

C.S
Graduate School of Humanities @ Kobe 
Univeristy from Italy
Fall 2023

Studying abroad may seem scary at first, especially if you have to take a flight more than ten hours. It will be a hard time in the beginning, first and for most because of the language barrier, some may encounter. Not everybody in Japan is able to speak English, so do not rely on it as your default choice. Study at least a few sentences and hiragana to have an easier access to the country in your first weeks. In the first weeks up to the first two months, you will encounter a lot of bureaucracy, which can be annoying at best, frightening at worst. You want to get yourself a credit card! You will need it in many circumstances you would not expect it to be needed - like getting a mobile number. But the longer you stay, the better your situation will become. Do not hesitate to ask for help, if you need it! Last but not least: Do not forget to enjoy yourself from time to time! Take walks to shrines, temples, stores etc. There are many great caf¨¦s in Kobe you could check out! It will help you to costume to Japanese language and culture rather quickly.

Pascal COLLINET
Graduate School of Humanities @ Kobe 
University from Germany
Fall 2023

I can highly recommend, renting a car in Japan to see the beauty of a lot of places that are hard to get to by public transport. Therefore you need a International license (they are normally valid for 1year and cost around 15€ (in Austria as of 2023)). You need to get this you home country before coming to Japan (at least in EU countrys) (some countrys also need an additional translation of the driving license, (people from Austria don't need it) so better check for your country)

Maximilian DACHS
Graduate School of Health Sciences @ Kobe
from University of Graz
Spring 2023

Coming to Kobe was the best thing that could happen. The city is full with fun stuff to do/see, the people are very kind and willing to help and located near Osaka, between mountains and the sea, it provides everything you could wish for. You can also make nice daytrips to Kyoto. Going abroad has gifted me with many new friends from all over the globe, which share the same experiences as I do and which I will keep forever. I am grateful that i was given the opportunity to go abroad in Japan and I sure will come back sometime.

Sebastian FORSTREITER
Graduate School of Health Sciences @ Kobe
from University of Graz
Spring 2023

I had an amazing time at Kobe University and especially in Japan. The Rokkodai campus on the "mountain" is beautiful with a stunning view on Kobe and the sea. What I honestly loved the most on campus was the delicious food in the cafeterias. With the SESAMI program structure I had the flexibility to travel a lot during the semester and to get to know different parts of Japan. If you love matcha, beautiful nature, hiking, diving, skiing, Japanese food, and get to know a very interesting culture and the most convenient form of living, an exchange semester in Japan would be the right choice for you.

Dear Future Exchange students, my time here at the Kobe Unviersity and Japan was only positive. The university provides you with all the help you need if possible, the country is rich in culture, beauty, and life and I am sure that your experience in Japan will be the same. Kobe is a great location to visit all of Japan as it is in the centre of Japan and you can quickly get to several places. As well, Kobe is less touristy as other big cities so it is much better to experience Japanese culture and integrate into society. All the best in your studies!

Carl MEYER
Graduate School of Business Administration @ Kobe
from Technical University of Munich
Spring 2023

During my stay at Kobe University I felt very strong support from the administration of Kobe University and the professors. I could ask any question any time - academical questions as well as talk about private problems. It was a very enriching time not just academically but I had alot of amzing experiences, made lots of friends in and out of the university context. I learned knew things about myself and became more confident if I happen to bee in an unknown situation. I felt that it was very important to stay open, to try out new things, to meet new people, visit different places, and to not be scared to make mistakes. Like this, an exchange year can become a wonderful and enriching experience which will be valuable for your whole life, even when you return to your home country.

Antonia STAECKER
Graduate School of Intercultural Studies @ Kobe
from Free University of Berlin
Fall 2022 & Spring 2023

Kobe University offers a rich heritage and an ideal location for students. Other Japanese cities and regions are easily accessible from Kobe. The mountains combined with the sea breeze are an excellent environment in which to study. The university's libraries are full of resources and will certainly be able to meet your academic needs.

C. W.
Graduate School of Intercultural Studies @ Kobe
from University in France
Fall 2022 & Spring 2023

I greatly enjoyed my Time at Kobe University and the experience that it gave me. Japan and especially Kobe is a great place to spend a semester abroad, where you can really imerse yourself in a new culture and meet lots of different people.

Leonhard HEIMERL
Faculty of Law @ Kobe
from University of Graz
Fall 2022

Study abroad is a great opportunity to get to know more about other cultures, traditions, improve your language skills and also make you more self-confident. You will get to know new people and  maybe one of these encounters will change your life completely.

Michalina MACHULA
Graduate School of Humanities @ Kobe
from Jagiellonian University in Krakow
Spring 2022

If I can say something, it is that the staff of Kobe University is very lovely, they helped me so much in these stressful months post-covid crisis so I am very grateful for that. Also Kobe is a very nice city for an exchange since you can find mountains, sea, and city center in the same place, and also its location is very nice, you can easily visit a lot of touristy places from Kobe. And Kansai people is very nice !

Cl¨¦mentine HERBIN
Faculty of Letters @ Kobe
from University of Lille
Spring 2022

It's the first time I've left home to live alone on the other side of the world. And I don't regret it at all. It can be scary because it's heading into the unknown but the people here are very welcoming, whether locals or other foreigners, there will always be someone to help you.

Japan is truly a beautiful country. The people are nice, the food is very good, the landscapes are beautiful and the culture is really different but in a good way.

In Kobe, there is everything you want. The sea, the mountains, the atmosphere of the city and the calm of nature... And for traveling in Japan, it's well located.

The best way to meet Japanese (if you don't have a very high level of Japanese and you don't take lessons with them) is to join a club. Even if most club sites are in Japanese, do not hesitate to send them an email or contact them on Instagram (in English), they will be happy with your attention for their club and there will necessarily be at least one member of the club who speaks English.

Charline EDET
Faculty of Economics @ Kobe
from University of Lille
Spring 2022