Bonn, the Perfect Base for Exploring the Continent

I decided to participate in the Global Exchange Program in Bonn for three main reasons. First, my professor highly recommended the University of Bonn for its academic excellence. Second, I was eager to experience Germany’s advanced environmental policies and sustainable lifestyle firsthand. Lastly, Bonn’s location in the heart of Europe made it the perfect base for exploring the continent. To gather the necessary information for my stay, I reached out to acquaintances who had previously studied abroad in Germany. I also supplemented this with extensive internet research and read through the study abroad reports provided by my home university. 

Upon my arrival, the welcome from the University of Bonn was incredibly warm and exceptionally well-organized, far exceeding my expectations. It immediately made me feel at ease in a new country. During my semester, I stayed in a student dormitory arranged by the university. While the accommodation was not overly luxurious, it was fully functional, completely sufficient for daily life, and I was highly satisfied with my living situation. 

I chose my courses based purely on my academic interests and curiosity. The biggest difference between the University of Bonn and my home university in Japan was the teaching style. In Japan, classes are predominantly lecture-based, whereas in Bonn, the focus was heavily on seminars with a substantial amount of coursework and assignments. Despite the academic rigor, I was able to connect deeply with other students through frequent group work and collaborative projects in class.

Life in Bonn was a fascinating experience. Most locals were incredibly kind and helpful, though like any major city, I also observed social challenges such as homelessness and substance abuse. Immersing myself in German culture was exciting. The deep-rooted passion for football and the distinct cultural traditions were particularly memorable. I also took the opportunity to challenge myself by learning German. Outside of class, I actively participated in activities hosted by the Erasmus community, which was a great way to socialize. For future students, my top insider tips for socializing are the bars “James Joyce” and “Ludwig”—they are fantastic spots to hang out. 

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my time abroad. If I could do it all over again, the only thing I would change is challenging myself even harder with the German language. My advice to future exchange students is simple: be proactive and stay active in everything you do. Through this experience, I learned how to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and how to maintain my mental well-being in a foreign environment. Needless to say, I absolutely want to go abroad again in the future.

Program: Global Exchange Program
Home university: The University of Tokyo, Tokyo (Japan)
Time of stay: Summer Semester 2026