Destination: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (DSS)
Study Period: February 2023 – July 2023
Affiliation/Grade at the start of studying abroad: School of Design, Design Futures Course, 2^nd year
*International Program (IP) student (2^nd batch)

There are two reasons why I chose Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences as my study abroad destination. First, I was able to study while earning a salary, which helped me financially. Second, the program is practical project-based, and I was interested in it.　

Amsterdam is a city with beautiful canals and attracts people from all over the world. You can make friends with not only Dutch but people from other European countries, Africa, Asia and so on. Almost all people in Amsterdam speak English as their second language, I was able to live without Dutch, which was one of the attractions of studying in the Netherlands. The city is very friendly for bicycle lovers as they have bicycle lanes.

There were many cultural differences, and I was sometimes confused. So, I tried to observe and imitate their behaviour, which gradually helped me get used to life in the Netherlands.

One of the results of my study abroad experience was not only the improvement of my English skills but also, I made friends there and learned how life in Amsterdam is and how other countries are. I can think about the Japanese situation objectively.

I participated in the International Program and had a lot of conversation practice with international students at Geiko before my study abroad. I strongly recommend that you study English before you study abroad. Also, if there is something you do not understand, you should ask and confirm it, and try to always be proactive and positive so that you can express your opinions as much as possible.

Yasunari Soraoka