Information on Studying at Akita University
Message from Seniors

　

Studying in Japan has been a dream of mine since junior high school, and now that dream has come true at Akita University. I attended a Japanese language school in Malaysia for a year and a half in order to study in Japan, and last year I took the entrance examination for Akita University under the "Pre-Arrival Admission" system. While waiting for the announcement of my acceptance, I continued to study Japanese and specialised subjects and acquired more knowledge.

This is the first time in my life that I have come to Japan, but I cannot believe that I was able to come to Akita alone. When I came to Akita, I didn't know any of my seniors in the country, so I was a bit worried, but I managed to overcome the difficulties by myself and arrived at Akita University safely. I think this was a good experience and made me even more independent.

It has now been about three months since I lived as an international student at Akita University, and I have learnt a lot about Japanese culture and customs. I have been a little shocked at some of the cultural differences, such as using keigo (honorific language) and being aware of the relationship between seniors and juniors, but thanks to my seniors and classmates, I have been able to get used to life in Japan. When I first came to Akita, I lacked confidence and could not speak Japanese at all, but everyone listened to me slowly and talked to me, so I gradually gained confidence and became better at speaking.

There are many clubs and club activities at Akita University. I like music and I have joined the Light Music Society, and the people in the society are very kind and not only give me information about the society but also teach me about my studies. I am also glad that I have made many friends in the circle.

When I become a senior next year, I would like to tell the new international students about the warmth of Akita University. I want to introduce the beauty of Akita University to everyone.

（Written in 2023）

　

Akita University is providing a lot of opportunities for my research that I have never experienced before. As a graduate student, the professors and staff will guide you throughout the research including the advice you needed and provide the laboratory facilities you can use to fulfill your research objective and get a degree. The research community here is even more interesting! You can make lots of new friends including Japanese and foreign students.

Aside from the research and the study, there are tons of chances to learn about Japan: cultures, language, sports, etc. The university will provide lots of activities for us to participate in events and let you learn about their lovely cultures at the same time. Akita city is also one of my favorite cities in Japan. The local people are nice and will warmly welcome you. The nature here is also very amazing. You can enjoy the beautiful nature in every season throughout the year.

To sum it up, if you are considering getting the world-class education, experiencing the Japanese culture and its beautiful scenery, and making new friends, Akita University is a perfect answer to you. Cheers!

（Written in 2023）

I am glad I chose Akita University

I attended a Japanese language school in Morioka for a year and a half before deciding to apply to Akita University. The first time I came to Akita was the day I took the entrance examination. From that day on, I love Akita. When I came to Akita for the first time, I was worried because I did not know the way, but a senior student came to pick me up at Akita Station and said "You must be tired from long trip! Are you hungry? Shall we go somewhere to eat? You can't concentrate if you are hungry before the exam!" It was midwinter, but I felt a warmth that words cannot describe. After the exam, I had to return to Morioka, but I will never forget what happened that day.

As expected, I was able to enter Akita University. I have experienced many things over the past year. One thing I will never forget is that one of my seniors invited me to study together. Back then, I had no friends and studied at home every day, and was about to become a recluse when a senior asked me, "How about Akita? Online classes must be tough, right? If you want, why don't you come to the library to study with us?" Then I became friends with my seniors and was able to go out and make friends. Then, I got the courage to participate in various activities such as speech contests and introduction of Vietnamese culture. I used to be shy and didn't talk to many people, but now I have met many people and can talk a lot. Thanks to my seniors that I am here today.

I would like to convey the warmth I have received to everyone who is thinking of applying to Akita University.

（Written in 2022）

See you in Akita!

Having both the opportunity to be
in Akita as an exchange student as wellas a graduate student I can tell everyone: come here!

During my time as an exchange student, I got to learn about Japan, its culture and Akita and what makes it such a special place. The university welcomes everyone with open arms and provides many opportunities to get in touch with local people as well. These include farm stays but also trips to several places in Akita. Because I enjoyed my time as an exchange student in Akita so much I decided to go back to this university for my PhD.

In addition to providing a great experience for exchange students Akita University also provides students great opportunities for research. I started my research in Akita during the Corona pandemic which made it impossible to come to Japan for a long time. Nevertheless, my professor and senior students supported me a lot during this time and welcomed me when I could finally come to Japan. If you want to experience Japan, its culture, beautiful nature, for are looking for a place for you research with supportive and welcoming people then I can’t wait to see you soon in Akita!

（Written in 2022）

Why I Love Student Life at Akita University

The name of Akita is associated with so many different items: Akitakomachi (rice), Akita sugi (cedar), Akita bijin (beautiful woman), Akita inu (dog), Akita ondo (folk song), and sakedokoroAkita (land of sake). The prefecture is blessed with mountains, seas, lakes, and wonderful natural scenery. Its coast looks out on the Sea of Japan and its inland areas face the mountains. In addition, the people of Akita are calm and content. Crime rate and divorce rate are low, and the prefecture lends itself to a laidback lifestyle. In terms of cuisine, there are so many local dishes and ingredients that reflect the climate of the region, such as kiritanpo nabe (hotpot of pounded rice), shottsuru nabe (fish hotpot), inaniwa udon (noodles), hinai jidori (chicken), Akita fuki (butterbur), and iburi gakko (smoked pickle). There are so many reasons that make Akita an attractive place to live.

Akita University is a national university in the city of Akita, the prefectural capital and the focal point for regional politics and the local economy. The university consists of the Faculty of International Resource Sciences, the Faculty of Education and Human Studies, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Engineering Science and the Graduate School.

I’m a fourth-year student in the Department of Regional Studies and Humanities in the Faculty of Education and Human Studies. The purpose of the Faculty is to cultivate a broad and deep education, the ability to think in an agile, multifaceted manner and make comprehensive, independent judgments, as well as to develop human resources who can explore and investigate contemporary issues and play an active role in the local community. In the Department of Regional Studies and Humanities, students study a variety of subjects in the specialized areas of regional studies, international culture studies and psychological studies. In addition, classes include group study and fieldwork outside the university campus, as well as lectures and seminars. In addition, since Akita University is a national university, the ratio of students to faculty members is low, which means that each and every student benefits from comprehensive guidance and support from faculty staff.

The university is located in a convenient area for students with plenty of amenities. It’s only a 15-minute walk from JR Akita Station, the main station, with a range of supermarkets and restaurants nearby. The university’s Student Support Center and the International Affairs Division provide broad support for students, from enrollment through to graduation, including advice on day to day matters and financial issues, along with information on finding a job. In addition to club and circle activities, the university also organizes a variety of different events every year for international students, such as traditional cultural experiences and farmhouse stays. Student life here is fun, safe, secure and fulfilling.

Looking back on my university life, I’m so glad that I came to Akita. I’ve learned a lot and I have so many wonderful memories to take away with me. I can’t speak highly enough of the university and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about studying here!

（Written in 2021）

Genuine Warmth and Friendship at Akita University

A while ago, I made the trip from Tokyo to take the entrance exam for Akita University. As soon as I got off the train at Akita Station, I heard a friendly voice behind me say, “Have some hot tea. It’ll warm you up!” It was a senior student who’d come to meet me at the station. I have now been studying at Akita University for a year and I’m a sophomore. I’ve encountered genuine warmth and friendship in my time here.

When I started at Akita University, the coronavirus pandemic was at its height. I couldn't go to classes, I couldn't get a part-time job – I couldn’t even leave my room. A lot of food was provided by a food aid organization in Akita arranged by the International Affairs Division. In addition, there were always faculty members available if I had any problems I wanted to discuss.This put me at ease and made my university life more comfortable and enjoyable.The university and my friends encouraged me to participate in activities such as soccer with other international students every weekend, forestry and writing articles for a newspaper company. This experience gave me the confidence to set up my own magazine in the summer of 2020.

I wanted to seek out people in the community who were actively contributing and helping others. My aim was to interview them and create a magazine to share their wonderful stories with as wide an audience as possible. I was energized by everyone I met for this project – they work tirelessly to aid and bring joy to elderly citizens in Akita. Having been here for a year, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Akita University is the phrase “helping each other.” If you’re thinking about studying at Akita, this warmth and spirit of cooperation is an essential part of being a student here. I look forward to meeting you soon!

（Written in 2021）