Please enter search keywords
2min read
Hi everyone! I’m Manaka, a third-year College of Sustainability and Tourism (ST) student back at APU after completing a one-year exchange program at Linnaeus University in Sweden. This time, I want to share why I chose to study in Sweden and what I did to prepare for it.
My decision to study Nordic tourism stemmed from a deep interest in sustainable tourism. In Japan, we're seeing increasing issues like overtourism in popular spots and friction with local residents, which made me really think about the impact tourism has on the environment and society. I learned that the Nordic countries, especially Sweden, focus on tourism that minimizes environmental impact while coexisting with local communities. That's why I felt a strong desire to go and learn on the ground.
To go on an exchange program, you need to achieve the English proficiency score specified by your desired host university. For Linnaeus University, I needed an IELTS score of 6.5. I started early, joining a program called BOOST in the spring of my first year, which is designed to enhance English skills. In addition to regular English classes, I took extra sessions on Wednesdays and during summer break to work towards my target score. The classes included test-taking strategies, but the real game-changer was the one-on-one help I received outside of class—teachers meticulously checked my writing and practiced speaking with me, patiently pointing out my weaknesses. I eventually reached my goal! The IELTS exam fees are quite expensive, but APU subsidizes part of the cost, which was a huge help. If the English score requirement seems daunting, remember that APU has support programs like this in place, creating a safe environment for you to take on the challenge.
During the application stage, I got a lot of support from SEA, a student organization composed of former exchange students who help others applying for the program. I attended their pre-application events where I heard firsthand, real-life experiences from my seniors about their time abroad, which gave me a concrete idea of what life and learning would be like. I also had individual consultations where I asked for advice on choosing a university, the best time to go abroad, and how to find scholarships. The application itself requires writing a statement of purpose for the exchange program and explaining why you chose the host university. I attended an SEA workshop on writing the statement and successfully passed the application for my first-choice university!
Once accepted, I proactively enrolled in English-medium classes at APU. I also focused on English group work and report assignments. This practice allowed me to quickly adapt to the teaching styles and assignments at my host university right away.
In my next post, I’ll be reflecting on my time in Sweden—what daily life was like and what I experienced in classes!
Next #02 My Swedish Study Abroad Experience
Hello! My name is Manaka, a 3rd-year student majoring in the College of Sustainability and Tourism (ST). I love reading books, which led me to join the SPA. As a member of the ST1 cohort, I aim to write about the appeal of our department and my upcoming study abroad experience in Sweden starting from fall '24. Thank you in advance for your support.
Copyright (c) 2016 Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
