Destination: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Period: September 2025 – July 2026
Affiliation / Grade at the start of studying abroad: Department of Art and Design Science, Design Future Course, 3rd Year　(International Program, 4th Cohort)

I spent six months each at the Digital Society School—an educational institution affiliated with the university—and the Communication and Multimedia Design course at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
At the Digital Society School, while studying design thinking and AI, I participated in an internship program alongside students from around the world, aimed at solving challenges faced by local companies. I collaborated with the Dutch public broadcasting company VPRO to tackle issues related to geopolitics and journalism. At first, I struggled not only with communicating in English—such as during monthly meetings with partner companies and external interviews—but also with managing projects with people who have different values and ways of thinking. However, I tried to deepen mutual understanding not only through verbal communication but also by drawing pictures and, at times, using translation apps. In addition to our team discussions, I actively set a time to talk about each other’s hobbies and experiences. This allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s skills and personalities, enabling us to conduct discussions that incorporated diverse perspectives more smoothly.
In the Communication and Multimedia Design course, I proposed designs that use digital technology to make urban spaces interactive. I attended weekly lectures on various topics, such as Urban Design and Digital Design, and worked in groups of about three to four people to complete the entire process—from brainstorming to prototyping and presentation—in just four days. I also took a field trip to Berlin, the capital of Germany, where I visited various art museums and startup companies to learn about diverse ideas and methods of expression. For my final project, I selected a specific location in Amsterdam and presented ideas for that interactive place. Because the schedule was tight, I tried to maintain a clear sense of the timeline and always communicate closely with members. While I struggled with the heavy group workload and assessment criteria that differed from what I was used to, thanks to the support from my teachers and assistance from other international students, my efforts were ultimately recognized.
Outside of my studies, I traveled to neighboring countries and actively sought out experiences unique to Europe. Especially, because the Netherlands is a globally diverse country, I felt I was able to encounter a wide range of values and designs through my daily life. Through this study abroad experience, I was able to see sights, have experiences, and discover aspects of myself that I would never have encountered in Japan. While studying abroad is just one option, I hope that through this report, more people will be inspired to take on the challenge of going abroad—even if just once.