Study Period: January 2023 – December 2023
Affiliation/Grade at the start of studying abroad: Graduate School of Design, Environment Design Course, Master Year 2

I liked Alvar Aalto, from whom Aalto University takes its name, and wanted to study Finnish architecture and furniture. I also heard that there were many exchange students, so I wanted to design with students from a different culture and way of thinking than in Japan.

At Kyushu University, it was difficult to take classes outside of my field of expertise. However, at Aalto University, I was able to take art classes in a variety of fields, and I was able to freely use the studio, which greatly expanded the range of my creative activities. About half of my classes were Finnish, and the rest were international students. Therefore, I was able to share cultures and ways of thinking from different countries.

I had a hard time registering for classes my first semester, but my friends and professors helped me get through it.

I felt that I could apply my knowledge and sensitivity to the field of architecture since I was able to work in other genres such as furniture and art activities in addition to my major in architecture. I would like to design in my field of specialization, architecture based on what I have felt and seen this past year .

If you are hesitant to study abroad because you are not confident in your English ability, you do not to be so hesitant. I myself studied abroad without being able to speak much English, but my friends and professors were kind enough to teach me in class, and everything went well as long as I spoke without hesitation.  I would also recommend studying abroad because you can travel around Finland and Europe during the semesters and see culture and architecture that you cannot experience or see in Japan.

Kazuma Miyajima