Student Voice: My fall semester at Akita International University – Pavlo Khmaruk, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, Netherlands

Pavlo Khmaruk, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, Netherlands is participating in our exchange program for Fall 2025. We would like to introduce his experience at AIU.

*Cultural Exploration – A bus trip to Oga Peninsula where we visited Namahage Museum, where I experienced the unique traditions and beauty of Japanese culture.*

When I first arrived at Akita International University, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Soon, however, I discovered that the greatest part of life at AIU is the people. Students, staff, and professors alike are all so friendly and warm that it feels like a natural fit to connect and make friends. With such beautiful nature around campus, it is the perfect setting to study as well as enjoy life outside of the classroom.

Academically, I am studying two subjects that may appear to be quite dissimilar at first glance, Finance and Japanese, but both courses of study have been richly rewarding. The finance classes stimulate me to think analytically and comprehend worldwide markets, and Japanese classes enable me to discover language and culture in a nurturing setting. The instructors at this university are not just scholarly, but actually care about the students’ success, making each class interesting.

On-campus residence has also been a worthwhile experience in my AIU life. I stay in Komachi Hall, and although I was not used to sharing a room before, having a roommate has been a good experience. My roommate is a nice person, and we have been able to create a comfortable home life together. It has taught me about teamwork, communication, and the simple joys of daily life with someone else.

*Library at AIU – A quiet and inspiring place to study, surrounded by books and beautiful architecture.*

*Shrine in Nature – Discovering peaceful spots like this shrine near campus makes living in AIU very special.*

Overall, my AIU experience so far has been a combination of academic growth, cultural discovery, and personal development. I am grateful for the friends I have made, the knowledge I am acquiring, and the unique experiences that make this university my home away from home.