Programs offered by GEC

The Voice of International Students of GEC at Shinshu University 2024, vol.2 (English Subtitles) >>> Click here to watch

The Voice of International Students of GEC at Shinshu University 2022, vol.1 (English Subtitles) >>> Click here to watch

The Voice of International Students of GEC at Shinshu University 2022, vol.2 (English Subtitles) >>> Click here to watch

A good community-oriented University with great potential to become a great educational-hub for international students.
Classes can be quite repetitive and sometimes redundant but the community built within the classes is great.
I enjoyed every moment of my daily life here. Matsumoto gave me a mix of both the urban and city life and I have never once felt bored or lonely here.
I have learned to become more open-minded in terms of cultural differences. As someone who already has experience in international relationship within an exchange program from a different country, I learned to become more sympathetic towards others.
As long as you are willing to be open in being involved within an international-level, I highly recommend you to study abroad and become involved within Shinshu and beyond. This program is probably the best thing that ever happened to me for my future career and I truly have improved both as a person and within my subject of expertise.

2024 Spring, F.C.（California State University, Sacramento/United States of America）

Matsumoto is very great to live and focus on your study, vital places are in walkable distance, there are buses to reach further locations, and the peaceful situation helps to enjoy and focus on one's individual life.
When you arrive at Shinshu University, please immediately make friends with Shinshu University students and try to create a Japanese language environment for now. After that, bring together Shinshu University students and international students, and once you set up an international environment, it should be a fun six months or a year.

2023 Fall-2024 Spring, A.W.（Udayana University/Indonesia）

Shinshu University has a great cafeteria, and everyone here is very kind. The place where I live is very convenient, with a supermarket right next to the International House, and the surrounding nature is beautiful.
One of the biggest things I gained from my study abroad experience is my improved Japanese language ability, especially in conversation. I made an effort to interact more with Japanese and other international students than with students from my own country.
Even when I spent time with students from my home country, I often included students from other countries in our activities, so we primarily communicated in Japanese. As a result, I’ve overcome my fear of speaking Japanese.
My advice is to participate in as many activities as possible! Since you’ve come all this way to study abroad, it would be a waste to spend all your time in your room. It’s better to interact with Japanese students and other international students than to only stick with people from your own country.
During your study abroad, traveling to different parts of Japan is a great idea, but I especially recommend exploring Nagano Prefecture with your friends!

2023 Fall, Y.S.（Sejong University/Republic of Korea）

In the classes, the Intercultural Collaborative Learning were the most impressive and interesting for me.
They were both fascinating and impactful. I was amazed at how much I grew in just half a year
by collaborating with international students from various countries on topics like ‘convenient and inconvenient places
for international students on campus and around Matsumoto’ and discussions about global issues.

When I first arrived in Matsumoto, I went for a stroll around the town with my Shinshu University student tutor.
My initial impression was, ‘What a quiet countryside!’
The station felt very far away, and the only redeeming feature at the time seemed to be the supermarket located right next to the International House.
However, as I gradually settled in, I came to appreciate the affordable cost of living and the opportunity to learn cooking skills while living independently.

Tasks that would have been challenging for me to handle alone, such as opening a bank account or signing up for a cell phone plan,were made much easier with the support of my tutor.

2023 Fall, S.W.（Zhejiang Sci-Tech University/China）

The teachers are patient and well prepared to handle our questions. The classes are interesting as it is very interactive and we feel close to the teachers.

It is best to learn some basic Japanese before coming, as it really helps to make stronger bond to other students and making friends here.

2023 Fall, Y.T.（University of Malaya/Malaysia）

At the beginning it was harder than I thought. Even if I thought I would adapt very fast I felt like a stranger for around two months, but after that I finally felt connected with the place and the people and I got to feel like home.

2023 Fall,G.C. (Università Ca' Foscari Venezia/Italy)

Regardless of your expectations coming here, you’ll definitely learn a lot if you open yourself to the possibilities to. Join clubs, go out, do your best to be active!

2023 Fall, M.D. (Kasetsart University/Thailand)

When I came to Japan, I brought a thick notebook with me. That notebook accompanied me to all my classes during my study abroad,
and by the time I returned home, it was filled with knowledge.
The sense of accomplishment I feel is as fulfilling as the notebook itself.
During my stay in Japan, my listening skills improved rapidly, and in December, I took and passed the JLPT Level 1 test.
However, I used to believe that passing N1 was the ultimate goal of learning Japanese.
It wasn’t until I started studying in Japan that I realized my Japanese skills were still insufficient and that passing N1 was only the beginning—a gateway to truly studying Japanese.
Through my study abroad experience at Shinshu University, I came to understand what I lacked and learned the importance of studying with more enthusiasm and humility in the future.
One other significant aspect of my time in Japan was developing a strong interest in the agricultural economy of Nagano Prefecture, where Shinshu University is located.
This interest inspired me to conduct a comparative study with my hometown in Hebei Province, which ultimately helped me finalize the theme of my graduation thesis.

2023 Fall, H.C.(China / Donghua University)

Going to a foreign country to study for a year or six months may seem a bit scary. But exchange study abroad is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet good people, so please come!

2022 Fall -2023 Spring, C.J.(Poland/University of Warsaw)

I had a very fulfilling study abroad experience with my Japanese and international student friends.
I was able to challenge and experience many new things, and I think I improved not only my Japanese language skills but also my communication skills.

2022 Fall -2023 Spring, M.A.(Indonesia/Udayana University)

Teachers are kind and friendly. There’s no problems to learn from the very basic level.
I don’t know any single words of Japanese when I came here, the syllables is easy to understand and teachers are helpful, so you’ll be able to learn it slowly.
Besides from daily class, I have joined Tea Ceremony Club here. Since I am a matcha lover, I was enjoyed it. They have activities twice a week, so I will join them after my class. Food in Shinshu also delicious! I always go for my lunch and dinner ぜひ食べてください！

2023 Spring, J. T.（Malaysia/UPM）

At Shinshu University, I attended classes, ate at the cafeteria, and studied in the library. My favorite place was the library.
It wasn’t just quiet and perfect for studying—I was also impressed by the creative decorations, which changed with the seasons and special events.
Through my study abroad experience, I believe I improved not only my Japanese language skills but also my communication skills
by taking on new challenges and trying various new things.

2022 Fall -2023 Spring, W. L.（University of Malaya/Malaysia）

Shinshu University was the perfect choice for me. Matsumoto city is just the right size—not too rural and not too big. Studying at the university in this beautiful city has given me wonderful memories, and I am grateful to have experienced authentic Japanese university life.The most valuable lesson I learned was not to be shy and to talk with new people. Living abroad for a year has taught me to be independent. Whenever I had a problem, I found that I could ask anyone for help, and they were always kind and willing to engage in a meaningful conversation.Through this experience, I’ve learned to make new friends without feeling nervous. We’re all just people, and connecting with others is easier than you think!

2022 Fall -2023 Spring, K. S.（Poland/University of Warsaw）

Make good use of your time in Japan and have lots of forgettable memories and precious friends!

2021 Fall -2022 Spring, J. C.（Taiwan/Fu Jen Catholic University）

Don't miss the chance to study abroad. It is a great opportunity, so enjoy your life while studying hard.

2021 Fall -2022 Spring, R. W.（Sri Lanka/University of Kelaniya）

Even though Shinshu University is not one of the top-ranking universities in Japan, I feel very lucky to be taught by teachers who are highly qualified and motivated by their expertise and international issues. I can deepen my Japanese language skills as well as academic knowledge, and I am highly satisfied with my studies at Shinshu University. In daily life, I was able to make close friends with my Japanese classmates. Also, when I did not understand something, I was very grateful for the support I received from senior international students.

2021 Fall -2022 Spring, K. B.（Russia/Novosibirsk State University）