Hiroshima, a city well-known from history class, is a great place to explore the Japanese culture
Hiroshima, located on the Japanese Islands in East Asia is your possibility to learn more about the old and new Japanese culture, as well as the country's language and food during your student life. Not only the city, but also the entire country offers interesting destinations to visit, like the megacity Tokyo or Onomichi, the city at the seaside. At Hiroshima University you can apply for two different tracks. Some tips and tricks for your time in Hiroshima can be found in the Q&A below.
Which specialization tracks exist? And how is the workload and grading system?
Hiroshima University mainly accepts students into the Development Technology specialization track. This course is done through the Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation (IDEC). While there are several recommended courses for this specialization track (as outlined on the website, and which will be provided to you to choose from by the administration at IDEC before you get to Japan), you are able to choose as many classes as you want, as long as it is approved by the supervisor at IDEC. You can select classes which are not within the Development Technology course as well. The credits are transferred on a 1:2 ratio, with 1 Hiroshima University (HU) credit equaling 2 ETCS. Final grades in Hiroshima are done on a, S,A,B,C ranking, with S being the highest letter grade, corresponding to a 1 in Graz, A corresponding to a 2, and so on.
While classes differ, the workload is not too strenuous in IDEC. Many classes are done on a lecture basis, with professors providing PowerPoint presentations. Typically there is one or two assignments per course (generally a presentation and a report). While a Bachelor’s degree in Science has been recommended for entry into this specialization track, it was found that the level of information required for these courses was not beyond this level. There are a few courses which are a part of the Global Environmental Leaders (GEL) program- these classes involve group presentations and reports on a multitude of environmental topics, which you get to pick. If you enjoy self-motivated research and group work with a variety of perspectives, these courses are recommended.
What should I prepare before the stay?
The administration at IDEC is very helpful and will email you a list of requirements well in advance. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure! You should try to get started on preparing the documents as soon as possible. You will need a nomination letter in order to receive your visa, as well as a comprehensive medical exam. By around January, a Certificate of Admission (CoA) would be issued (sent to the International Office). Once the CoA is obtained, you must apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) to be sent to the Immigration Bureau. It will take about one month for the CoE to be issued once sent to the Immigration Bureau. Once the CoE is received, you can apply for the Japanese student visa, which is collected at the embassy in Vienna. By the time all the paperwork is completed, it will likely be mid-March, so don’t make any extensive travel plans before you have all your documents! You may also sign up for Japanese classes before you arrive (details of which will be emailed to you by administration at HU). You will also be asked to choose a lab to be associated with during your stay. You do not necessarily need to perform any research with your lab, but it may be an interesting and fulfilling experience to help lab members with their research, and is a good way to meet friends.
For personal preparation, it is often nice to give small gifts of your home country (such as chocolates) to new friends and your assigned helper. The summertime in Hiroshima is very hot and muggy, so bring clothing that you will be comfortable in 😊. Otherwise, almost everything you need can be found in the town of Saijo (where the university is located) or in the city of Hiroshima. Another thing to note is if you are a woman, you may want to sort out any required birth control before coming to Japan, as obtaining birth control can be difficult and expensive there.
How do I find housing?
Housing arrangements are made by the administration at IDEC if you wish to stay in the dorm rooms, which is recommended for short term stays. Finding an apartment can be very difficult for foreigners, especially for a short term. Luckily the dorm rooms are very inexpensive and adequate for your needs, and the administration at IDEC as well as the housing office are very helpful. The dorm rooms are small, but come with a bed (you will need to provide bedding), a desk and chair, a shelf, a gas stove burner, fridge/freezer, sink, toilet, and shower.
How do I get around in the city?
The university is actually located in a town called Higashi-Hiroshima (or Saijo), which is about a 45 minute train ride east of the city of Hiroshima. It is about mid-way between the Hiroshima airport and Hiroshima city. There is a bus from the airport that goes to Saijo station, from where you can take another bus to the university. The buses are fairly reliable and there are many bus stops throughout the university loop and the town of Saijo. However, the best way to get around is by bicycle. Almost every student travels by bike in Hiroshima. There are clearly marked bike paths in the town, and drivers are very respectful of space. Just remember that it is left-hand traffic in Japan! Unfortunately there is not a robust second-hand bike market. New city bikes are relatively cheap, however, it is possible to get an even cheaper second hand bike from a thrift store, or from a friend. Try asking your assigned buddy or classmates if they know anyone who has a bike available. In Japan, all bikes must be registered by law. If you are pulled over by the police and the registration on the bike does not match your name, you may be in trouble. When you buy a bike, or get a used bike, you will be given transfer papers. You can take these to a bike shop and register the bike in your name.
To get to other cities, including Hiroshima, the train is the best option. It is relatively frequent and very reliable. Public transportation in Japan is very well developed, and you can get almost anywhere using the train. Google Maps provides easy directions for train transit as well. In Hiroshima, trams (or streetcars) are used to get around as well. There are taxis, but these can be quite expensive, and many taxi drivers do not speak English.
How do I meet people when I arrive?
There are many places to meet people when you first arrive. You will be assigned a buddy from HU who will help you register at the town hall. There is an orientation for all IDEC students where you can meet fellow students. There are many sports teams and clubs available as well which you can sign up for. The International dorm also hosts a few events for people in the dorms to meet each other.
How are the living expenses?
The living expenses are quite reasonable. The rent at the dorm room is very cheap, at 70 euros per month. If you get a SIM card, it is also quite cheap at around 10 euros a month. Transportation can be a bit expensive- a bus ticket is about 2 euros per ride, and the train to Hiroshima (one way) is about 5 euros, which can add up. Food expenses depend on how you eat! You can get some great local, fresh Japanese foods for quite cheap. However, fruit and imported goods such as cheese, cereals, etc. can be quite expensive. You may have to adjust your eating habits and adapt to the local diet 😊 The cafeterias at the university also provide great Japanese meals for very reasonable prices if you don’t like cooking.
Which cafés, bars, sports centers can you recommend?
Everywhere in Japan, the convenience stores are a must. The most common ones are 7-11, Family Mart, and Lawsons. You can get just about anything at the convenience stores, from healthy Japanese snacks and meals, to chips and chocolate, beer and green tea, coffee and garbage bags. The convenience stores are everywhere, and are open 24 hours.
In Saijo, I would recommend biking to the Y Coffee Labo on the weekend. It is a bit out of the way (almost in the middle of nowhere), but is a very cute and friendly coffee roastery.
For food, it is hard to go wrong. Be sure to try the regional specialty of okonomiyaki. There is a great place near the university which is decorated like 1950’s America. In Hiroshima city, the best okonomiyaki can be found at a small restaurant called Lopez’s, which is near the Yokogawa train station.
In Hiroshima, it is a great experience to go to a place called “Ekinishi”, which is a series of alleyways with many small restaurants and bars, very near (5 min walking) to Hiroshima station. I would recommend going to “Sunny Day Beer” if you like craft beers and delicious food.
What is your ultimate tip to having a good time in the city?
The best thing to do while studying at Hiroshima University is to explore the Japanese culture, both old and new. Definitely try karaoke and check out the many arcades and shopping areas in Hiroshima. Try Japanese foods such as sushi, ramen, yakiniku, and okonomiyaki, and go to an izakaya (Japanese pub). In Hiroshima, check out beautiful parks such as the Peace Park and the Mitaki-dera temple, and go for a hike in Miyajima. I would also recommend traveling to other parts of the country by train. A great town is Onomichi, which is about 1 hour by train from Saijo and is on the seaside. From Onomichi you can also rent a bicycle and bike the famous Shimanami Kaido, which is a 70 km (one way) route across several bridges and islands (highly recommended!). There is a lot to see in Japan, and I highly recommend you to make the time and budget to tour around both, locally and to more popular areas of Japan such as Tokyo and Kyoto.
Hiroshima University mainly accepts students into the Development Technology specialization track. This course is done through the Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation (IDEC). While there are several recommended courses for this specialization track (as outlined on the website, and which will be provided to you to choose from by the administration at IDEC before you get to Japan), you are able to choose as many classes as you want, as long as it is approved by the supervisor at IDEC. You can select classes which are not within the Development Technology course as well. The credits are transferred on a 1:2 ratio, with 1 Hiroshima University (HU) credit equaling 2 ETCS. Final grades in Hiroshima are done on a, S,A,B,C ranking, with S being the highest letter grade, corresponding to a 1 in Graz, A corresponding to a 2, and so on.
While classes differ, the workload is not too strenuous in IDEC. Many classes are done on a lecture basis, with professors providing PowerPoint presentations. Typically there is one or two assignments per course (generally a presentation and a report). While a Bachelor’s degree in Science has been recommended for entry into this specialization track, it was found that the level of information required for these courses was not beyond this level. There are a few courses which are a part of the Global Environmental Leaders (GEL) program- these classes involve group presentations and reports on a multitude of environmental topics, which you get to pick. If you enjoy self-motivated research and group work with a variety of perspectives, these courses are recommended.
What should I prepare before the stay?
The administration at IDEC is very helpful and will email you a list of requirements well in advance. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure! You should try to get started on preparing the documents as soon as possible. You will need a nomination letter in order to receive your visa, as well as a comprehensive medical exam. By around January, a Certificate of Admission (CoA) would be issued (sent to the International Office). Once the CoA is obtained, you must apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) to be sent to the Immigration Bureau. It will take about one month for the CoE to be issued once sent to the Immigration Bureau. Once the CoE is received, you can apply for the Japanese student visa, which is collected at the embassy in Vienna. By the time all the paperwork is completed, it will likely be mid-March, so don’t make any extensive travel plans before you have all your documents! You may also sign up for Japanese classes before you arrive (details of which will be emailed to you by administration at HU). You will also be asked to choose a lab to be associated with during your stay. You do not necessarily need to perform any research with your lab, but it may be an interesting and fulfilling experience to help lab members with their research, and is a good way to meet friends.
For personal preparation, it is often nice to give small gifts of your home country (such as chocolates) to new friends and your assigned helper. The summertime in Hiroshima is very hot and muggy, so bring clothing that you will be comfortable in 😊. Otherwise, almost everything you need can be found in the town of Saijo (where the university is located) or in the city of Hiroshima. Another thing to note is if you are a woman, you may want to sort out any required birth control before coming to Japan, as obtaining birth control can be difficult and expensive there.
How do I find housing?
Housing arrangements are made by the administration at IDEC if you wish to stay in the dorm rooms, which is recommended for short term stays. Finding an apartment can be very difficult for foreigners, especially for a short term. Luckily the dorm rooms are very inexpensive and adequate for your needs, and the administration at IDEC as well as the housing office are very helpful. The dorm rooms are small, but come with a bed (you will need to provide bedding), a desk and chair, a shelf, a gas stove burner, fridge/freezer, sink, toilet, and shower.
How do I get around in the city?
The university is actually located in a town called Higashi-Hiroshima (or Saijo), which is about a 45 minute train ride east of the city of Hiroshima. It is about mid-way between the Hiroshima airport and Hiroshima city. There is a bus from the airport that goes to Saijo station, from where you can take another bus to the university. The buses are fairly reliable and there are many bus stops throughout the university loop and the town of Saijo. However, the best way to get around is by bicycle. Almost every student travels by bike in Hiroshima. There are clearly marked bike paths in the town, and drivers are very respectful of space. Just remember that it is left-hand traffic in Japan! Unfortunately there is not a robust second-hand bike market. New city bikes are relatively cheap, however, it is possible to get an even cheaper second hand bike from a thrift store, or from a friend. Try asking your assigned buddy or classmates if they know anyone who has a bike available. In Japan, all bikes must be registered by law. If you are pulled over by the police and the registration on the bike does not match your name, you may be in trouble. When you buy a bike, or get a used bike, you will be given transfer papers. You can take these to a bike shop and register the bike in your name.
To get to other cities, including Hiroshima, the train is the best option. It is relatively frequent and very reliable. Public transportation in Japan is very well developed, and you can get almost anywhere using the train. Google Maps provides easy directions for train transit as well. In Hiroshima, trams (or streetcars) are used to get around as well. There are taxis, but these can be quite expensive, and many taxi drivers do not speak English.
How do I meet people when I arrive?
There are many places to meet people when you first arrive. You will be assigned a buddy from HU who will help you register at the town hall. There is an orientation for all IDEC students where you can meet fellow students. There are many sports teams and clubs available as well which you can sign up for. The International dorm also hosts a few events for people in the dorms to meet each other.
How are the living expenses?
The living expenses are quite reasonable. The rent at the dorm room is very cheap, at 70 euros per month. If you get a SIM card, it is also quite cheap at around 10 euros a month. Transportation can be a bit expensive- a bus ticket is about 2 euros per ride, and the train to Hiroshima (one way) is about 5 euros, which can add up. Food expenses depend on how you eat! You can get some great local, fresh Japanese foods for quite cheap. However, fruit and imported goods such as cheese, cereals, etc. can be quite expensive. You may have to adjust your eating habits and adapt to the local diet 😊 The cafeterias at the university also provide great Japanese meals for very reasonable prices if you don’t like cooking.
Which cafés, bars, sports centers can you recommend?
Everywhere in Japan, the convenience stores are a must. The most common ones are 7-11, Family Mart, and Lawsons. You can get just about anything at the convenience stores, from healthy Japanese snacks and meals, to chips and chocolate, beer and green tea, coffee and garbage bags. The convenience stores are everywhere, and are open 24 hours.
In Saijo, I would recommend biking to the Y Coffee Labo on the weekend. It is a bit out of the way (almost in the middle of nowhere), but is a very cute and friendly coffee roastery.
For food, it is hard to go wrong. Be sure to try the regional specialty of okonomiyaki. There is a great place near the university which is decorated like 1950’s America. In Hiroshima city, the best okonomiyaki can be found at a small restaurant called Lopez’s, which is near the Yokogawa train station.
In Hiroshima, it is a great experience to go to a place called “Ekinishi”, which is a series of alleyways with many small restaurants and bars, very near (5 min walking) to Hiroshima station. I would recommend going to “Sunny Day Beer” if you like craft beers and delicious food.
What is your ultimate tip to having a good time in the city?
The best thing to do while studying at Hiroshima University is to explore the Japanese culture, both old and new. Definitely try karaoke and check out the many arcades and shopping areas in Hiroshima. Try Japanese foods such as sushi, ramen, yakiniku, and okonomiyaki, and go to an izakaya (Japanese pub). In Hiroshima, check out beautiful parks such as the Peace Park and the Mitaki-dera temple, and go for a hike in Miyajima. I would also recommend traveling to other parts of the country by train. A great town is Onomichi, which is about 1 hour by train from Saijo and is on the seaside. From Onomichi you can also rent a bicycle and bike the famous Shimanami Kaido, which is a 70 km (one way) route across several bridges and islands (highly recommended!). There is a lot to see in Japan, and I highly recommend you to make the time and budget to tour around both, locally and to more popular areas of Japan such as Tokyo and Kyoto.