Choosing AIU, Japan for my semester exchange was one of the best decisions of my life
Choosing AIU for my semester exchange was one of the best decisions of my life, right alongside choosing HSE for my master’s studies.
I belong from Pakistan and I did not have much long-term international exposure in the past, therefore I wanted to see more of the world, experience different cultures, countries and academic environments.
So, when I found out that even international students could apply for semester exchange, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. HSE offers numerous exchange opportunities to universities all over the world but I ended up choosing Japan because I was always fascinated by the country and its history and I choose specifically AIU instead of any other because the campus’s beautiful rural setting charmed me and AIU’s ranking played a big role also.
AIU is a small campus-based university located in a rural northern Japan and is nestled in-between forests, mountains and rice fields. I choose several courses related to my interest and I additionally chose some project-based learning (PBL) courses that relied not only on classroom learning but on actual hands on problem solving of local issues by taking the students into the field.
At the same time, AIU relies heavily on student engagement into university clubs, activities and various initiatives. I ended up joining the university’s rugby club and through that I became friends with most of the university and found fellow travelers, who also wanted to see Japan from north to south.
What I particularly loved about AIU’s approach to academics is that it focuses on real world solutions to challenges, but I guess that is also the Japanese way. Contrary to other academic institutions, I observed that AIU valued largely those professors and lecturers that had professional experience in the subject they were teaching. I recall that all of my professors had titles such as “former” Ambassador, Journalist, Documentarian, Political Analyst and so on. Their real-world knowledge coupled with their approach to education made me see why AIU is ranked so highly and why their graduates are so successful.
However, as the university is located in a rural and slightly remote setting, it can become challenging for those who are used to the comforts and options of the big cities. Also, the student life is quite dynamic yet very closely knit, so it is important from the very start to participate in activities arranged by the university and senior students and take every opportunity to socialize.
I participated in every opportunity I saw such as bonfires in the forest to early morning fishing trips, to spontaneous tours around Akita Prefecture, to the never-ending campus and village parties, and so forth. Nonetheless, I managed to finish my exchange with an excellent score and got to see Japan from the northern tip of Hokkaido to the southernmost island of Okinawa, all the while making memories and friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
