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Waikato Global Experiences Blog

Read first-hand exchange and global experience stories from University of Waikato students. Browse by destination, subject, or topic, and find stories from students who've been exactly where you are now.

  • Exchange by Region
    • Asia
      • Hong Kong
        • Chinese University of Hong Kong
      • Japan
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        • Kansai Gaidai University
        • Kwansei Gakuin University
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        • University College Maastricht
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        • University of Bergen
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        • University of Alicante
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        • Jönköping International Business School
    • North America
      • Canada
        • University of Calgary
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        • University of Hawai’i at Hilo
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  • Exchange by Subject
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    • Language Barriers
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    • Papers
    • Travelling while Abroad
  • Global Internships
    • 2023
      • Vietnam 8-week Internship (2023)
  • Short-term Experiences
  • Alumni Stories

Category: Japan

Asia, Communications & Marketing, Exchange by Region, Exchange by Subject, Japan, Kwansei Gakuin University, Language & Culture

My Exchange Journey to Kwansei Gakuin

June 3, 2025June 26, 2025 Waikato Global Experiences

My name is Holly, and I’m currently in my 2nd year at the University of Waikato, studying a Bachelor of Design with a major in Communication Design and a minor in Japanese. Continue reading My Exchange Journey to Kwansei Gakuin

Asia, Communications & Marketing, Exchange by Region, Exchange by Subject, Global Studies, Japan, Kwansei Gakuin University

Joel’s jetting off to Japan

December 2, 2024July 10, 2025 Waikato Global Experiences

Kia ora! I’m Joel, a first-year student at the University of Waikato, studying a Bachelor of Global Studies with a double major in Global Markets and Marketing. Continue reading Joel’s jetting off to Japan

Asia, Exchange by Region, Exchange by Subject, Global Studies, Japan, Kansai Gaidai University, Language & Culture

Hannah’s Journey to Japan

December 2, 2024November 18, 2024 Waikato Global Experiences

Hey! My name is Hannah, and I am a second-year Japanese language student here at Waikato University. In January 2025, I will be heading off for (hopefully) a year of study at Kansai Gaidai in Osaka, Japan.  Continue reading Hannah’s Journey to Japan

Asia, Exchange by Region, Exchange by Subject, Japan, Kansai Gaidai University, Language & Culture, Local Culture, Student Life, Travelling while Abroad

Exploring Kansai Japan

October 29, 2024November 17, 2025 Waikato Global Experiences

I’m currently halfway through my semester abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan. While here I’ve had the opportunity to explore many of Japan’s cultural and historical sites and cities.  Continue reading Exploring Kansai Japan

Asia, Exchange by Region, Exchange by Subject, Japan, Kansai Gaidai University, Language & Culture

Off to Osaka

June 6, 2024July 18, 2025 Waikato Global Experiences

Hey, my name is Dylan and I am in my third and final year studying Japanese. Continue reading Off to Osaka

Arts, Design, & Media, Asia, Exchange by Region, Exchange by Subject, Japan, Kansai Gaidai University, Local Culture, Papers, Student Life

Japan OE coming to an end

May 1, 2024November 17, 2025 Waikato Global Experiences

Only 5 more weeks of this amazing experience where I’ve met so many people and made so many memories. It’s going to be so sad saying goodbye to everyone who I’ve become so close with. Continue reading Japan OE coming to an end

Asia, Exchange by Region, Exchange by Subject, Getting around Campus, Japan, Kwansei Gakuin University, Local Culture, Political & Social Sciences, Student Life, Travelling while Abroad

Exchange at Kwansei Gakuin University

February 14, 2024November 17, 2025 Waikato Global Experiences

My exchange experience at Kwansei Gakuin University, including highlights, challenges, travel essentials, and what it’s like coming back home. Continue reading Exchange at Kwansei Gakuin University

Arts, Design, & Media, Asia, Communications & Marketing, Exchange by Region, Exchange by Subject, Japan, Kansai Gaidai University, Local Culture, Student Life

Arriving in Osaka, Japan

February 5, 2024November 17, 2025 Waikato Global Experiences

Only a week into my semester exchange and I’ve experienced so much already. I do visit Japan to see family members, so it’s a good chance for me to experience Japan from a different perspective. Continue reading Arriving in Osaka, Japan

Asia, Exchange by Region, Exchange by Subject, Food, Japan, Kwansei Gakuin University, Law, Local Culture, Political & Social Sciences, Student Life, Travelling while Abroad

Sharna’s Solo Adventure in Japan

December 14, 2023November 17, 2025 Waikato Global Experiences

I was very strategic when choosing my classes to ensure I have Mondays off. A lot of my friends had the same idea so we often do day trips on that day if we don’t have homework to do. However, recently I felt like going on a solo trip to Himeji city where the most famous castle is in Japan. Continue reading Sharna’s Solo Adventure in Japan

Asia, Exchange by Region, Exchange by Subject, Food, Japan, Kwansei Gakuin University, Law, Local Culture, Political & Social Sciences, Student Life, Travelling while Abroad

Japan’s Autumn Leaves Obsession

November 30, 2023November 17, 2025 Waikato Global Experiences

Japan is obsessed with Autumn leaves. From the themed foods to all of the festivals, there is something autumn-related happening constantly. Continue reading Japan’s Autumn Leaves Obsession

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