From Anime to Reality: How an Urban Planning Exchange Program Sparked a Decade of International Friendship
When Karin first boarded her flight to Japan in 2012, she had never left the European continent before. Her knowledge of Japan was limited to anime shows like Sailor Moon. The Urban Planning and Development Exchange Program between Ruhr University, University of Tsukuba, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University would not only change her perspective on city development but also lead to friendships that would last over a decade.
The Program That Bridged Cultures
While the exchange program was mandatory for Ruhr University students like Karin, it was optional for University of Tsukuba students due to the significant cost - approximately 250,000 yen for travel and related expenses. "It was indeed a luxury," reflects Nick, who participated in both this exchange program and Team 8 at Tsukuba University. "But the experience we got was something you couldn't get from a personal trip. It was worth every yen."
The program was thoughtfully designed by professors from all three universities, featuring carefully selected destinations that showcased various aspects of urban development and redevelopment. What made it unique was the classroom discussions back on campus, where students from different cultural and academic backgrounds shared their perspectives on the projects they visited.
First Steps in Japan: From Nervousness to Wonder
"Everything was so modern and different, and the people were so nice," Karin recalls her first impressions of Tokyo. One memory stands out particularly - when they couldn't find their hostel, a local businessman spent nearly half an hour helping them navigate to their destination. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on her understanding of Japanese culture and urban community.
In 2012, Japan was different from what we see today. "Tourism wasn't so big back then," Karin notes. "There weren't as many foreigners, and I remember people in the subway trains were staring at us." These early experiences of being an 'outsider' would later shape her approach to international relations and cultural understanding.
The Impact of Cross-Cultural Learning
The beauty of the program lay in its simplicity - students sharing their thoughts from their own cultural perspectives was enough to create meaningful impact. "I truly felt like a different person after I got back from summer school," Karin reflects. "I would say it had one of the biggest impacts in my life because I became more open and got more motivated to see the world."
From Exchange Program to Professional Growth
Today, Karin works in public relations for a municipal company in western Germany, focusing on environmental issues and sustainability. Her journey there wasn't direct - after graduating in 2014, she took a year to study Japanese, then started as a project manager for climate protection projects in 2015.
What's fascinating is how her exchange experience continues to influence her work today. Recently, when hosting a delegation from Macedonia, Karin found herself drawing from her experiences as an exchange student. "I knew exactly what to prepare and how to make our guests feel comfortable because I had been in their shoes."
Maintaining International Connections
The connections formed during the exchange program have stood the test of time. When Nick, now working on Team 8's international exchange magazine, reached out to Karin to share her story, she enthusiastically agreed. These lasting friendships demonstrate how academic exchange programs can create bonds that extend far beyond the classroom.
Advice for Future Exchange Students
For students considering international exchange programs, Karin offers valuable advice:
"Be brave and open-minded"
Research the culture beforehand, but be open to having your expectations challenged
Don't hesitate due to language barriers - making mistakes is part of learning
Take advantage of every opportunity to share your perspective
Remember that your unique viewpoint is valuable to others
The Lasting Impact
"Every journey I did in my life shaped me in some way and expanded my mind, my visions, and my personality," Karin reflects. What started as a nervous first step outside Europe has blossomed into a lifelong appreciation for international connections and cultural exchange.
Japan, once just a setting for her favorite anime shows, has become her favorite country in the world. Her story reminds us that sometimes the most transformative experiences come not just from visiting new places, but from engaging in meaningful dialogue with people from different backgrounds.
Note: This article is part of Team 8's international exchange magazine series, featuring stories that highlight the long-lasting impact of international exchange programs. Special thanks to Karin for sharing her journey with our readers.