Scholarship Recipients’ Study Abroad Experiences
We are sharing study abroad experiences from exchange students who previously received the ICU Study Abroad and Experiential Learning Support Scholarship.
- Aneta from University of Warsaw (Poland)
- Daniel from Durham University (UK)
- A.M from Freie Universität Berlin (Germany)
- A.M from Université Paris Cité (France)
- L.A from University of California, San Diego (USA)
- Ihor from Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts (Slovakia)
- P.R from Ashoka University (India)
- Malena from Universidad de Málaga (Spain)
- Melinda from Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts (Slovakia)
- Yaewon from Ewha Womans University (Korea)
- Angelina from University of California (Santa Cruz)
Aneta from University of Warsaw (Poland)
Dorm Life
During my time at ICU, I loved the fact that wherever you go there is nature around you.
I loved observing how seasons were changing, the flowers and animals living nearby. Each week there was a new discovery.
I also found a new hobby of taking photos of flowers.
I also have a lot of fun with friends I made at the dormitory - we cooked pasta, curry and made a cake together!
Everyone at my dormitory was so sweet and I will miss them dearly.
Scholarship Benefits
Moving to a different country is pretty stressful itself, so thanks to the scholarship, I did not have to worry about looking for a place to live and about the pretty high prices of renting an apartment in Tokyo.
Everyone in my dormitory was so nice and welcoming and it was fun to spend the time together, be it talking, cooking or going out to eat.
On the campus of ICU there are lots of trees and animals, so it is a really nice place where you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
A message to future exchange students
People from all over the world and with different backgrounds study at ICU, so you will definitely make new friends (even if you are not good at making friends like myself) and have fun here!
If you have any problem you can also ask for help or advice from either teachers, staff in the ICU office or your ICU friends.
Daniel from Durham University (UK)
Life at ICU
I grew so much during the program. It gave me many new experiences of learning how to be independent travelling and navigating new and unknown places (trying to find my way through Shinjuku station for example).
I grew up in a very small city compared to Tokyo, so my daily life changed substantially living here and such a large city initially felt quite intimidating, and I had fears that life would get very lonely.
However, dorm life helped me settle in very well living in a peaceful area with surrounding nature.
The close together communities in the dorms made making friends very easy and the mix of different backgrounds and personalities in the dorm made it very interesting. Making friends with local students easier as living together helps overcome language and cultural barriers, with my Japanese also improving much more from constant exposure to the language in shared living spaces.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship massively helped me to do everything I wanted with this study abroad and removed a lot of the monetary worries that come with such an experience.
The extra funding allowed me to be able to travel and see much more of Japan as well as attend all sorts of events to meet new people and make friends.
Tokyo is quite an expensive city to live in, so I would have struggled to afford to do a lot of things.
This study abroad is a once in a lifetime experience, so I am truly grateful for being able to get as much as I can out of it thanks to the scholarship.
A message to future exchange students
I highly recommend ICU for an exchange.
Its focus on international academics and language learning makes settling in much easier for exchange students worried about fitting in with new culture and Japanese language.
Its wide range of course offerings also make study very interesting letting everyone try out new subjects they otherwise would not do in their home study.
A.M from Freie Universität Berlin (Germany)
Before coming to ICU
Going to a university in Japan has been my dream for many years.
I was working towards this moment since 9th grade and ultimately chose Japan Studies as my major, hoping that I can make it to Japan someday.
Since I have never been to Japan before, naturally I was very nervous and excited when I was accepted at ICU and finally arrived on campus.
Study at ICU
When choosing courses, I was happy that there was a very broad variety of courses taught in English.
It offered me the opportunity to be more experimental with my choices.
The schedule is very fast paced, which is necessary for the trimester system and allows to achieve more credits per year.
All the teachers that I had were always very supportive and seemed to really enjoy teaching in their fields.
Outside of classes, I didn’t just make friends but also genuine connections with potential for long-lasting friendships.
I enjoyed every second of my exchange and wish I could have studied here for longer.
With that said, I am very thankful for the opportunity and will miss the life that came with it.
Scholarship Benefits
Coming from a working class family, I decided to start saving money before I applied at ICU.
I used to work at a Japanese restaurant besides university classes and didn‘t have much free time left. Even with months of saving my salary, it was not enough to cover all the expenses that come with an exchange year.
Luckily, I was accepted at the dorms and was also given a scholarship to cover the dorm fees.
I doubt that I would have been able to come to ICU or enjoy the time here as much, without the very supporting scholarship. I deeply appreciate the opportunity and am very thankful.
A message to future exchange students
I definitely recommend applying at the dorms but also joining any club or circle.
It is an efficient way to gain access to a community and build social contacts with people that have the same interests as yourself.
I joined the K-pop dance circle Pucapass, found myself amongst wonderful people and ended up making many of my precious memories with those.
Make use of the opportunities!
A.M from Université Paris Cité (France)
Study at ICU
Studying abroad at ICU has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
I had the chance to meet people from many different countries, which really opened my mind and helped me see things from new perspectives.
The classes were interactive, and I enjoyed being able to share ideas and learn from both professors and classmates.
Dorm life
One of the highlights of my exchange was living in the 3rd Women's Dormitory.
Dorm life made it easy to connect with other students, and I quickly became part of a welcoming community.
Whether we were celebrating birthdays, or simply chatting late at night, these everyday moments became some of my favorite memories.
Living with students from a different culture as mine also taught me to be more open-minded and adaptable.
There were definitely some challenges, such as adapting to a new environment and communicating in different languages, but those experiences helped me grow a lot.
Scholarship Benefits
This scholarship made a huge difference in my study abroad experience.
It eased the financial pressure of living and studying in Japan, which allowed me to focus more on my classes and enjoy everything ICU had to offer.
Thanks to this support, I was able to take part in cultural activities, travel to different regions of Japan, and make the most of my exchange without constantly worrying about expenses.
I am truly grateful for this opportunity, as it allowed me to fully experience both student life and Japanese culture.
It made my exchange much more meaningful and memorable.
A message to future exchange students
Before coming to ICU, I was really nervous, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.
Be open to meeting new people, step outside your comfort zone, and enjoy every opportunity.
Time goes by quickly, so make the most of every moment. You won't regret it!
L.A from University of California, San Diego (USA)
Dorm life
Coming from UC San Diego, I was excited to study in Japan, but my time at ICU exceeded my expectations.
Living in the dorms was one of the highlights of the program because it allowed me to form close friendships and experience a strong sense of community.
I also enjoyed exploring Tokyo and other areas, trying new foods, attending campus events, and learning more about Japanese culture through both classes and everyday life.
Through this experience, I became more independent, confident, and open-minded. The friendships, experiences, and memories I made during my time at ICU are things I will always carry with me.
Scholarship Benefits
As a low-income student and an immigrant, studying abroad felt like an opportunity that might not be financially possible for me.
The scholarship played a huge role in making my time at ICU possible by helping with housing and daily living expenses.
Having that support reduced a great deal of financial stress and allowed me to fully participate in the program.
Instead of worrying about whether I could afford certain experiences, I was able to focus on my studies, build friendships, explore Japan, and make the most of every opportunity.
I am incredibly grateful for the support that made this experience possible.
A message to future exchange students
If you are considering studying abroad at ICU, I strongly encourage you to go for it.
It is an amazing opportunity to grow academically and personally while experiencing life in Japan.
I made unforgettable memories, met incredible people, and gained experiences that I know will stay with me for years to come.
Ihor from Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts (Slovakia)
Life at ICU
Studying at ICU gave me the chance to experience student life in Japan which has been my dream for a long time already.
This experience is something you could not acquire visiting simply as a tourist.
Besides academics, I enjoyed exploring different parts of Tokyo and trying local food, seeing places that I had only known from photos before.
One challenge at the beginning was the time difference with friends and family back home.
It sometimes felt difficult to stay connected because our schedules rarely matched.
However, after a while I got used to it and found a rhythm that worked.
Overall, my time at ICU was enjoyable, interesting, and full of experiences that I will remember for a long time.
Dorm life
Dormitory life was one of the most memorable parts of the exchange.
Living with Japanese and international students meant there was always someone to talk to, eat with, or learn something new from.
Some of my favorite memories are simple moments in the dorm rather than any specific trip or event.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship was very helpful because it reduced the financial pressure of living and studying in Tokyo.
The support has fully covered my housing, which otherwise would have been a large part of my daily expenses.
That allowed me to focus more on my studies and life in Japan and enjoy it fuller.
A message to future exchange students
If you are thinking about studying abroad at ICU, I would encourage you to do it.
The classes, campus environment, and people make it a unique experience.
Be open to trying new things, and do not worry if it takes some time to adjust, you will eventually find your own rhythm, especially since there is a plenty of kind people who will help you with that.
P.R from Ashoka University (India)
Study at ICU
My study abroad experience at ICU was both academically enriching and personally meaningful.
Studying in a new environment allowed me to experience a different educational system, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop greater independence.
ICU’s classroom environment encouraged critical thinking, active participation, and discussion-based learning, which helped me strengthen my academic skills and broaden my way of thinking.
At the same time, living and studying in Japan gave me valuable cross-cultural exposure that helped me become more adaptable and open-minded.
One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was interacting with local Japanese students.
Although these interactions were sometimes limited by the short duration of one term, they still gave me insight into different communication styles, learning approaches, and cultural perspectives.
I made an effort to connect with local students through lectures and classwork, and these experiences contributed meaningfully to my understanding of both Japanese student life and intercultural communication.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship was very helpful in making this experience possible and more accessible.
It reduced some of the financial burden associated with studying abroad, which allowed me to focus more fully on my academic and personal growth during the program.
Knowing that I had this support gave me greater confidence and peace of mind while adjusting to a new environment.
Overall, the scholarship played an important role in allowing me to take part in a rewarding experience that has contributed significantly to my academic development, cultural understanding, and personal growth.
A message to future exchange students
Studying abroad at ICU is a truly rewarding experience.
It offers a chance to learn in a supportive academic environment, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and grow both personally and intellectually.
While adjusting to a new country and a different classroom style can take time, the experience becomes especially meaningful when you stay open to new perspectives and make an effort to connect with others.
For prospective exchange students, I would say: take full advantage of the opportunity.
Participate actively in classes, explore campus life, and try to engage with local students as much as possible.
Even small interactions can become memorable parts of your experience.
ICU is a place where you can challenge yourself, gain confidence, and create lasting memories.
Malena from Universidad de Málaga (Spain)
Dorm Life
Living in the ICU dorms was amazing. The facilities were clean and comfortable.
The girls on my floor welcomed me warmly, even though my Japanese was not strong at first.
Despite the language barrier, everyone respected the rules, and the atmosphere was friendly and supportive.
We had fun events like takoyaki night that really brought us together.
One of my favorite things is the onsen at Momi House, which happens to be perfect for relaxing after a long day.
Scholarship Benefits
This support was incredibly helpful, as housing is a major expense and Tokyo is a very expensive city.
Thanks to the scholarship, I was able to focus more on my studies and fully enjoy my time in Japan without the stress of financial worries.
Living in the dorm also allowed me to build close friendships and experience daily life in Japan more deeply.
I am truly grateful for this opportunity. It made my study abroad experience much more fulfilling and memorable.
A message to future exchange students
You will be mesmerized by the beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the ICU campus!
There is also a wide variety of clubs to join: each one is highly professional and dedicated.
Do not miss the chance to get involved, meet new people, and experience student life in Japan to the fullest!
Melinda from Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts (Slovakia)
Study at ICU
I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to study at ICU. It was my first time both in Japan and on an exchange program.
Experiencing Japanese culture firsthand was something I had always dreamed of, and ICU exceeded my expectations.
I also appreciated the international environment—our class discussions included viewpoints from all over the world.
Dorm Life
Dorm life at Zelkova House was a highlight.
The dorm is modern, spacious, and beautifully maintained, honestly, it felt like a hotel compared to Slovak standards. I loved the setup.
My roommate was kind and helpful, we hung out outside the dorm as well.
Shared spaces like the lounge and kitchen allowed me to build friendships through activities like movie nights, cooking, and initiation practices, which were really fun!
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship allowed me to fully enjoy my time in Japan without constantly worrying about finances.
Since I support myself during my studies, I initially planned to work part-time in Japan, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find a job.
Yet, thanks to the scholarship, I could focus on academics and also enjoy local experiences.
This would not have been possible without financial support.
A message to future exchange students
If you’re considering ICU, go for it!
If you are interested in Japanese language, join the JLP (Japanese Language Program). Even total beginners make huge progress fast, and it will come handy in so many situations!
Also, don’t hesitate to explore clubs or school events. There are so many options for clubs, I think everyone can find the one they are interested in, and that is a good way to make new friends.
ICU offers so many chances to grow, meet people, and have fun. You won’t feel alone, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories.
Yaewon from Ewha Womans University (Korea)
Study at ICU
Academically, courses such as Modern Japanese Literature II, Outline of Economic Geography, Introduction to Cultural Studies A, and Human, Society and Culture in the Post-Disaster Era deepened my knowledge and broadened my critical perspective. Through these experiences, I gained not only academic insight but also empathy, responsibility, and the joy of shared growth.
Though it was only three months, my time at ICU became a precious chapter of both learning and self-discovery.
It will remain a meaningful milestone in my academic journey.
Dorm Life
During my three months at ICU, I learned the value of consideration in communal living, found healing in nature, and achieved both academic and personal growth.
Ginkgo Dorm provided a safe base as I adapted to a new environment and built friendships that made Japan feel like home.
Surrounded by beautiful nature, I found peace and inspiration, while the open, eco-friendly cafeteria created warm spaces for conversation and connection.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provided me with tremendous financial support, for which I am deeply grateful.
By covering my dormitory expenses, it allowed me to use my personal funds for self-development and daily life in Japan.
I visited museums and galleries like teamLab Borderless, the Mori Art Museum, and the Tokyo National Museum, which greatly deepened my insight as a design major.
The teamLab exhibition especially impressed me with its creative blend of technology and art.
Thanks to this generous support, I was able to fully enjoy Japanese culture and focus on both personal growth and academic enrichment at ICU.
A message to future exchange students
Hello everyone,
I am a recipient of the ICU Study Abroad / Experiential Learning Support Scholarship.
This scholarship allowed me to focus on learning and discover more about myself through new experiences.
Therefore, I strongly recommend this scholarship to all of you. It will greatly support your growth, development, and enriching experiences at ICU.
I hope many of you will also take this chance to challenge yourself and create unforgettable memories at ICU.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Angelina from University of California, Santa Cruz (USA)
Life at ICU
My study abroad experience at ICU was so amazing and went beyond my expectations before arriving!
ICU is a very supportive school, where they have frequent events throughout the term to meet with other students abroad and get to know the school more.
Attending the ICU festival, being able to participate in school clubs (even for a term), and attending school plays was one of my favorite things to do while at ICU because there were so many diverse and supportive hobbies, ranging from things like a scuba diving club to theater to hiking clubs!
Every person and club I came across was very inclusive as they made it a point to make sure you feel as if you are a part of ICU and not just a visitor.
Scholarship Benefits
One thing that I really appreciated about ICU and this scholarship was the ability to live on campus.
While there are more food options, shopping places, and activities to do when living off campus, it is very convenient to be able to leave right before school starts instead of having to commute on a bus to get to school.
This scholarship helped me tremendously as it relieved a large amount of my financial burden while abroad.
With the flights, activities, health insurance, and food, outside costs do add up quickly, so being able to have the dormitory fees covered helped so much and allowed me to be less stressed throughout the quarter.
If I were to have to pay the housing fee or live off campus, I wouldn’t have been able to experience nearly half the things I did that immersed me into Japanese culture like museums, monumental buildings, and the overall lifestyle.
A message to future exchange students
If you are considering ICU, I would 100 percent recommend coming here.
The campus is homely, easy to navigate, and they have a convenient store on campus that makes it convenient to get snacks before or after classes.
One thing I would note is that because ICU is very prestigious and there is a language barrier, the teaching style can be hard to grasp at times.
Do not hesitate to go out of your way to ask for clarification or attend office hours when needed because it will help you in the long run :)
Outside of school, the environment and cities are so beautiful and have extensive things to offer like the Ghibli museum, so many themed cafes, Disneyland, vending machines everywhere, shopping malls, amazing nightlife, and Mount Fuji.
Through ICU-led gatherings, club rush, meeting classmates, and going to the city, you will have no problem fitting in and experiencing the rich culture that Japan has to offer!