Destination: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Study Period: September 2024 – August 2025
Affiliation/Grade at the start of studying abroad: Department of Art and Design Science, Media Design Course, 3rd Year　(International Program, 3rd Cohort)

From the fall of 2024, I participated in two programs at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences: the ICT course and the traineeship-style educational institution known as the Digital Society School, spending about half a year in each.

In the ICT course, I studied cloud technologies while working on a project aimed at solving challenges faced by a Dutch startup. Our team consisted of four members from three different countries, and our performance was evaluated through monthly presentations and reports. Although I initially struggled with English communication as well as with project approaches and evaluation criteria different from what I had been used to, I actively communicated with my teammates and instructors, and thanks to their support, my efforts were eventually recognized.

At the Digital Society School, I developed design skills while working on products tailored to the needs of client organizations. My team created a toolkit to help companies and educational institutions address challenges aligned with the SDGs. While it was sometimes difficult to collaborate with members of different nationalities, age groups, and academic backgrounds, overcoming these challenges led to diverse ideas and richer outcomes, which I found very rewarding.

Beyond academics, I gained many experiences that I would never have had in Japan. By living in the Netherlands and engaging with people from various backgrounds, I learned how Japan and Japanese people are perceived abroad, and I gained new perspectives on the values and lifestyles of European people.

My year in Amsterdam—a city full of diversity and unique culture—was filled with challenges and support from many people. It became an invaluable experience in my life.