Double degree in Kyoto“Spontaneous Insight Sticks Best”

14 August 2024, by Newsroom editorial office

Photo: Private

Joseph Nuri will be studying in Kyoto until April 2025

Master’s students at the Faculty of Business Administration can get a double degree, one from the University of Hamburg plus one from the University of Kyoto, Japan. The 2024 application period for the double degree program ended on 15 August. Joseph Nuri is one of program participants from the previous round.

How does studying in Germany differ from studying in Japan?

It is a common belief that lectures at Japanese universities give frontal instruction mostly, but that is not true at all in my experience. Courses here are much more interactive than in Germany—mostly thanks to smaller course sizes: There are 10–35 students per course only. Another difference is that they do have one big exam at the end of the semester but several smaller assignments, such as presentations, over the course of the semester.

What was your semester like, specifically, which courses did you attend?

This semester, I took 5 courses altogether in Kyoto: AI & Hospitality; Organizational Behavior; Business Negotiation; Project Management; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Some courses were taught biweekly, so I did not have to spend too much time attending lectures at the university. In my free time, I could explore the city and the surrounding area. The city is very beautiful and the people are very friendly and polite.

What did you learn from studying abroad?

I applied for the program because I am very interested in Japan and Japanese culture. As a German with an immigrant background, I grew up with 2 cultures and was eager to get to know a third culture that differed significantly from the ones I already knew.

During my studies I grew even more aware of how important it is to be open and embrace new ideas and possibilities. Spontaneous insight sticks best—for instance, knowledge acquired in working groups at the university or through unplanned encounters in everyday life.

What is your plan after your return?

After my return, I plan to write my master’s thesis and complete my double degree. The University of Kyoto is of great renown in Japan and has provided me with knowledge from a wide range of academic subjects.

I therefore highly recommend their double degree program, in particular to students who are curious to learn about a completely different culture. Do not shy away from language barriers or long distances!