Today my group made our second university trip to tour Kobe University! In comparison to Keio University which we toured earlier, Kobe is very small, and is a public university for those wishing to specialize in foreign studies and language learning. However, after conversing with the university’s president, we learned that attending a public university as opposed to a private university is much more valuable on a resume in Japan. Public universities require higher academics in students in order to be accepted and often hold more networking opportunities than private universities. In addition to that, public universities are immune to the bribes that some private universities receive.
Welcome to Kobe!
Though Kobe had a very small campus as compared to Michigan State, it had a very warm atmosphere and very friendly students. While conversing with the students, I found that the majority that I talked to all worked part time jobs and were extremely diligent in their studies, some knowing more than three languages. Some had just arrived months ago and were already using near fluent English. Other students mentioned that they spent their free time on the weekend attending cram school. You can tell by the students kindness and rigid work schedules why Kobe is one of the top universities in Japan!
After a brief campus tour, we stopped by a nearby shrine for some photo shoots. Here is Dan Losh and I with our good friend American-san in the background:
Afterwards, we went out to eat at a vegetarian restaurant and enjoyed vegetable pizza, tenpura, cheese fondue and strawberry shortcake for dessert with two of our tour guides. It was truly a fun day that presented a variety of cultural experiences. It’s been a week since I’ve come to Japan and I never want to leave!
Adventures in Japan (日本の冒険) 