2025 Spring -  Martina

Exchange student from Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals

After I made the decision to study a Master’s in International Relations, I thought that doing an exchange would definitely enrich my learning experience. After my home university offered me different programmes, the IPP one stood out as it would help me improve my understanding of non-Western perspectives of international relations and global affairs. 

I really enjoyed taking courses that fitted my interests and fostered discussions between students. Thanks to the reduced size of the classes, the interactions with the professors and other students were very fulfilling and insightful. Additionally, as I was preparing my master thesis during that time, which involved dealing with Asian affairs including Japan, I could incorporate ideas and perspectives that were touched during the classes. Besides the IPP classes, I also had the opportunity to take a language course to introduce myself into the Japanese language, a wonderful learning that I will definitely take home and that, during my stay in Japan allowed me to show respect to everyone by trying my best to speak their language.

Finally, I can not miss mentioning the wonderful time I had exploring Japan, its various landscapes, trying delicious food and being constantly amazed by the architecture and design of both cities and rural areas, which are very different from what I am used to as a European. Thanks to living in the residence hall, I met wonderful people with whom I discovered Tokyo and its endless activities –from museums, cafés, exhibitions or theaters–, other cities including Kyoto and even Seoul, went on hikes and… even climbed Mount Fuji!

I wish that the beginning of the new semester went smoothly and that temperatures are milder in Tokyo.