Student Voice: ?What I Wish I Knew Before Arriving in Akita – Elena Bigarella, University of Ferrara, Italy.

Elena Bigarella, University of Ferrara, Italy is participating in our exchange program for Spring 2025. We would like to introduce her experience at AIU.

Hey everyone! I’m Elena, an international student from Italy! In this article, I want to share my experience and what I wish I had known before arriving in Akita. I wrote this to help anyone who, like me, didn’t have a clear understanding of what to expect here. I hope this will help all of you!

First of all: Akita. Akita is an amazing prefecture in the north of Japan, and Akita City is its capital. Our university is located here! 　I know that the first impression when you search for it on Google Maps can be quite scary. It seems we are in the middle of nowhere. But trust me, you will end up loving this ‘nowhere’ !

*This beach is only 20 minutes away from the university. It is the perfect spot where you can enjoy the sunset.*

When I first landed in Tokyo, I was so overwhelmed by everything: bright lights, loud voices, crowded places. An amazing place, but it can be hard to focus or enjoy the authentic side of Japan. Luckily for me, I soon arrived in Akita, my home for the next four months : )

I fell in love with this prefecture during my Shinkansen journey. The nature and the breathtaking scenery really impressed me. I had never seen such a beautiful place! Also, there are so many amazing cities nearby to explore, this is the perfect place to start discovering Japan. You’ll be in the heart of the Tohoku region, full of hidden gems and authentic experiences. Ah, and don’t forget the food! Akita will offer you a wide variety of fresh ingredients and delicious fish. You will surely love it!

*Group trip to Yamadera with amazing people!*

Second: Akita International University (AIU)

Akita International University is the ideal place to spend an incredible semester. The university is completely surrounded by nature and stunning scenery, right next to your dorm! Here you’ll meet so many amazing people, not only from Japan, but from all over the world. This is probably one of the best opportunities that AIU offers. You’ll get to meet people with really different cultures and perspectives, making you feel enriched and expanding your horizons.

You will definitely fall in love with Akita, and especially with AIU !

*My friends and I enjoying the Sakura Festival in Senshu Park!*

/*?Me and my friends during the trip to Kakunodate !*

NOTE: photo > text > photo > text is the friendly layout pattern for the Student Voce article for reading from the smartphone device