Erasmus Experience in Osaka, Japan by Robin

Why did you choose to go to Osaka, Japan?

I was drawn to Japan for its culture (a mix of the modern and the traditional one) and also because this way my years of studying the Japanese language would finally pay off. That's what pushed me towards this gorgeous country. My school has maintained close relations with a laboratory at Handai (Osaka University) for a long time, so I was able to get an internship there. That's why I ended up in Osaka.

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How long was your stay? How much aid did you receive?

5 months.

What's student life like in Osaka?

It depends on where you go. Sometimes in a lab the atmosphere can change radically from one year to another.

Would you recommend the city and university of Osaka to other students?

Yes. Japanese people will tell you: Handai is one of the most prestigious universities in Japan and, by extension, the world. This experience could be only positive. Also, the setting is lovely, and the politeness even more so. Unfortunately, I don't have the comparison with other Japanese universities to be able to say whether or not Osaka University is the best. (A tiny drawback is the procedural labyrinth that is the uni administration, you will need help from a third party to get used to figuring your way out of it. However, the help will probably come to you, which reduces the problem a bit)

How's the food in the country?

Cheaper than in France, and plentiful. It's very varied and all the new flavours mean you will never be left bored. They'll offer you moments of culinary heaven, during which you will succumb to dream-like ecstasy, a jubilant dance which no mere words could ever describe.

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But sometimes there will be moments when you'll have to make serious efforts not to spit out and ruin your little piece of food when it just isn't palatable to you. It's up to you to judge, for better or for worse.

Did you have any difficulties finding accommodation in Osaka?

No, but sometimes you have to pay the price for them. The student accommodation provided thanks to partnerships between universities are recommended for their proximity as much as their value.

Begin this process in SEPTEMBER at the latest.

What's the cost of living in Osaka?

Food is affordable. On the other hand, the rent is much more important, as is the train which can be quite expensive in the long run.

How is language learning there? Did you attend language classes organised by the university?

I don't have language classes. I don't know if there are any (I didn't look), but your future friends will help you with the language.

What's the cheapest way to get to Osaka from your city?

I recommend the plane and then the train to Osaka. Look at the lowcost airlines (China airline and Qatar airline are the cheapest at the minute).

And what cultural visits would you recommend?

Osaka castle, the city centre.

But also Kyoto, accessible by train. It's a wonderful city filled with temples open to all (sometimes you have to pay an entrance fee).

Advice for future students in Osaka?

Respond very quickly to the email for registration (in 1 or 2 days), otherwise you risk not getting a place.

If, for whatever reason, you cannot find university accommodation, look for a guest house. It's what I did. It ends up being cheaper than private accommodation and you'll be sharing with other people (aged generally from 20-30) who will more likely be job seekers, rather than students.