Name: Fabian Hahnenberger

Course: Placement/practicum internship-exchange

Country: Sweden

1. What brought you to Shinshu University?

It was more or less a coincidence that I ended up at Shinshu University, and I am more than grateful for that unexpected twist!

I found out about it through the communication channels of Uppsala University. The very same day I found out about it there was a meeting with representatives from Shinshu Uni. After some emailing back and forth the coasts were finally clear. I could now prepare for my time in Nagano.


2. How did you prepare for studying in Japan (Nagano)?

First of all I prepared through the mails coming from Shinshu University. I also prepared through my very own research. There was a lot of googling and watching clips on Youtube.

You have to prepare for another kind of daily life. Do I need cash? What apps do I need? How do I pay for trains? And so on. Make everything clear beforehand so that you can focus more on your studies.


3. How was your life at Shinshu University?

My life was just perfect. I couldn't ask for more.

I had time to run and exercise as well as going to Japanese bathhouses (onsen) with other students. There was a lot of time being social and a lot of time being on my own. Nature is close and there are more than enough restaurants. Spending time with Japanese students and Japanese teachers is a very, very valuable thing to have.


4. What did you do in your free time?

I enjoyed all the different foods that are more or less impossible to get in my own country of Sweden. Having a bike made it easier getting around the city. We did a couple of road trips visiting the countryside of Nagano Prefecture.

But if I had to boil it down to three things; Running, onsen, eating.

5. How do you want to make the most of your experience at Shinshu University in the future?

I really liked that we were greeted as Swedish teacher students with other experiences, experiences that we could and should share.

For the first time I felt like teaching is a fine and decent occupation. I think I can use that experience/feeling in the future life as a teacher - the many great roles as a teacher.


6. Message to the prospective students

Learn as much Japanese as possible.

Use a bike.

Have cash.

Try to do as much with other Japanese students as possible.

Go on road trips.

Listen and take notes.

Find your favorite Japanese food.

Bow often.