2/19/2017
Preparing for Keio Univ.
As you have probably read from my previous post and blog, I left Hawaii earlier to learn Japanese and to live in Osaka. Therefor my preparation is a little different. First, I email the exchange office at Keio to directly mail me my visa application in Japan. If you are already in Japan, don't spend time looking for a Japanese embassy or consulate (like I did), Instead you can go directly to the Japanese Immigration office and they can change your visa status from visitor to student without leaving the country. Second, as for the mandatory Keio arrival form you can't fill that out unless you're arriving in Tokyo by plane. So once again you have to email the Keio exchange center and arrange other plans.
Preparing for Keio Univ.
As you have probably read from my previous post and blog, I left Hawaii earlier to learn Japanese and to live in Osaka. Therefor my preparation is a little different. First, I email the exchange office at Keio to directly mail me my visa application in Japan. If you are already in Japan, don't spend time looking for a Japanese embassy or consulate (like I did), Instead you can go directly to the Japanese Immigration office and they can change your visa status from visitor to student without leaving the country. Second, as for the mandatory Keio arrival form you can't fill that out unless you're arriving in Tokyo by plane. So once again you have to email the Keio exchange center and arrange other plans.
Check in @ Okurayama Dormitory
3/26/2017
I've arrived in my dorm in Yokohomo from Osaka via Shinkansen on March 24. Is a long walk from the station but thank god for Google Maps. The dorm is very clean, and fairly convenient. There are several super markets and a 100 shops near by, which makes shopping for food and furniture easy and affordable.
The only thing I don't like about the dorm is the Ethernet, WiFi is only available on the first floor in the cafeteria. Lucky, I was able to navigate myself to a electronic store 25 min away near Shibuya to get a router. After setting it up the wifi connection is fairly slow around 45 Mps, other people from my from the dorm get around 5~15 Mps. Rent is approx. 55,000 Yen/Month with 20,000 non refundable deposit. Most people living in my dorm are from Europe and a few from the U.S.
There is a bathroom in each floor with washing machines inside. Shower and bath are location on the first floor, along with kitchen and eating area. The kitchen is very neat and roomy, each person gets their own locker. My first night was kinda scary as the dormitory is very quite... so I decided to lock all the locks on my door.
I've arrived in my dorm in Yokohomo from Osaka via Shinkansen on March 24. Is a long walk from the station but thank god for Google Maps. The dorm is very clean, and fairly convenient. There are several super markets and a 100 shops near by, which makes shopping for food and furniture easy and affordable.
The only thing I don't like about the dorm is the Ethernet, WiFi is only available on the first floor in the cafeteria. Lucky, I was able to navigate myself to a electronic store 25 min away near Shibuya to get a router. After setting it up the wifi connection is fairly slow around 45 Mps, other people from my from the dorm get around 5~15 Mps. Rent is approx. 55,000 Yen/Month with 20,000 non refundable deposit. Most people living in my dorm are from Europe and a few from the U.S.
There is a bathroom in each floor with washing machines inside. Shower and bath are location on the first floor, along with kitchen and eating area. The kitchen is very neat and roomy, each person gets their own locker. My first night was kinda scary as the dormitory is very quite... so I decided to lock all the locks on my door.
Keio Tomodachi Program Kick Off & Akakusa
04/15/2017
The Keio Tomodachi program is designed to pair foreign students with Japanese counter parts. The main purpose of this is allow foreigner to gain a better understanding of the Japanese culture outside of classrooms and in an open environment. If you would like to join this program be sure to apply early, the deadline is usually a couple weeks before school starts. The group is consist of 2 Keio and 3 exchange students, I was paired with Kei and Maida both of them spoke English as well as Japanese. This is a perfect opportunity for me to practice all the Japanese I had learned in Osaka.
During the Tomodachi Program Kick Off, we were able to make great connections by sharing our common hobbies and interest. After the meeting we went to Akakusa, once we got there I was shocked by the amount of people. It beat my expectation 10 folds! However, this was my first view of Tokyo besides school.
The Keio Tomodachi program is designed to pair foreign students with Japanese counter parts. The main purpose of this is allow foreigner to gain a better understanding of the Japanese culture outside of classrooms and in an open environment. If you would like to join this program be sure to apply early, the deadline is usually a couple weeks before school starts. The group is consist of 2 Keio and 3 exchange students, I was paired with Kei and Maida both of them spoke English as well as Japanese. This is a perfect opportunity for me to practice all the Japanese I had learned in Osaka.
During the Tomodachi Program Kick Off, we were able to make great connections by sharing our common hobbies and interest. After the meeting we went to Akakusa, once we got there I was shocked by the amount of people. It beat my expectation 10 folds! However, this was my first view of Tokyo besides school.
Class Preparation & Programs
04/10/2017
The class registration here at Keio is unique. At Univ. Of Hawaii at Manoa, the process goes something like 1. pick & register course 2. attend class 3. make changes 4. deadline for dropping class or W on transcript. Here at Keio, the process goes something like 1. attend classes for approx. a week aka auditing period 2. submit class registration 3. you have approx. till middle of May to make any final changes.
Lucky, Keio has been doing exchange program for quite a while and they have a mandatory appointment with a counselor prior to the auditing period. Keio Univ. offers about 150 course taught in English alone not including Japanese classes. There are also different programs such as International study, Professional career program, Global Passport Program and others. I will probably select 2 Japanese course, 4 PCP course and 1 International study course. As for the PCP program, if students are able to complete 7 course they will receive a PCP certificate from Keio. However, one of the require course in the PCP program is only offered in the fall semester.
The class registration here at Keio is unique. At Univ. Of Hawaii at Manoa, the process goes something like 1. pick & register course 2. attend class 3. make changes 4. deadline for dropping class or W on transcript. Here at Keio, the process goes something like 1. attend classes for approx. a week aka auditing period 2. submit class registration 3. you have approx. till middle of May to make any final changes.
Lucky, Keio has been doing exchange program for quite a while and they have a mandatory appointment with a counselor prior to the auditing period. Keio Univ. offers about 150 course taught in English alone not including Japanese classes. There are also different programs such as International study, Professional career program, Global Passport Program and others. I will probably select 2 Japanese course, 4 PCP course and 1 International study course. As for the PCP program, if students are able to complete 7 course they will receive a PCP certificate from Keio. However, one of the require course in the PCP program is only offered in the fall semester.
Spring Class Schedule
4/18/2017
This is current class schedule, is mainly made up of 5 business classes, 2 Japanese class and 2 economic classes. I just finished the first week of class and it seem quite relaxed. There is homework and assignments but the pace of the course is very slow compared with UH. I will post updates on the courses later.
On Tues and Thurs I have to catch the morning train around 745 to Tokyo, is always very crowded and I do not recommend taking classes in period 1 &2. If you take classes in the morning then be prepared to be squashed like a meat patty.
This is current class schedule, is mainly made up of 5 business classes, 2 Japanese class and 2 economic classes. I just finished the first week of class and it seem quite relaxed. There is homework and assignments but the pace of the course is very slow compared with UH. I will post updates on the courses later.
On Tues and Thurs I have to catch the morning train around 745 to Tokyo, is always very crowded and I do not recommend taking classes in period 1 &2. If you take classes in the morning then be prepared to be squashed like a meat patty.
Kamakura Beach
05/14/17
Kamakura is located South of Tokyo it takes approx. 50 min from Tsunashima Station. Kamakura is famous for a it's beach, great Buddha and many temples. I went there twice to see the great Buddha, Enoshimaand the beach. This place kinda reminded me of Hawaii due to the location is near the ocean and breezy weather. They're were several Hawaii style cafe and restaurants near the beach, so I took my friends to try Hawaiian food. It was a huge success! They loved it.
Kamakura is located South of Tokyo it takes approx. 50 min from Tsunashima Station. Kamakura is famous for a it's beach, great Buddha and many temples. I went there twice to see the great Buddha, Enoshimaand the beach. This place kinda reminded me of Hawaii due to the location is near the ocean and breezy weather. They're were several Hawaii style cafe and restaurants near the beach, so I took my friends to try Hawaiian food. It was a huge success! They loved it.
Inside Cup Noodle Factory
05/28/17
Nissin Cup Noodle Factory is located near Yokohama Chinatown on JR Bashamichi Station. Due to the popularity of the attraction, tickets are usually purchased ahead of time at Lawson's ticketing machines. The facility is consist of 4 levels; 1st floor are ticket counter, souvenir shop. 2nd floor is the museum and movie theater. 3rd floor is the actual ramen factoy. 4th floor is consist of 6 noodle shops from around the world. I have listed the process of making cup noodle down below with captions on every picture. I strong recommend you visit this place, is quite an experience.
Nissin Cup Noodle Factory is located near Yokohama Chinatown on JR Bashamichi Station. Due to the popularity of the attraction, tickets are usually purchased ahead of time at Lawson's ticketing machines. The facility is consist of 4 levels; 1st floor are ticket counter, souvenir shop. 2nd floor is the museum and movie theater. 3rd floor is the actual ramen factoy. 4th floor is consist of 6 noodle shops from around the world. I have listed the process of making cup noodle down below with captions on every picture. I strong recommend you visit this place, is quite an experience.
Keio Univ. Mid-Semester Review
06/14/2017
It has been 2 month since school started in April. I would like to take time comparing UH and Keio, I will briefly talk about 3 general criteria. Academics, facilities and social environments. + is like and - is dislike, please feel free to tell me your experience at Keio. My perception is based on myself and talking with friends.
Academics
Keio
+ Professor are very kind, submitting late work is always accepted (from what I heard)
+ Class exam are fairly easy and application of learning material is nonexistent.
+ Homework are rare and very brief.
- Not much learning from class, professor do not engage in critical thinking.
- Majority of my classes are finance related according to the syllabus, but is more like finance history.
-Hard to reach professor, email address are not listed on the syllabus often have to look up online.
UH
+ Engaging class materials and focus on applications. Homework are penalized if late.
+ Willing to help students and easy to make appointment.
- Workload can be intense doing mid-term and finals.
- Exam are challenging.
Facilities
Keio (Mita Campus)
+ Building architect look very historical, with the exception of south building which are very modern.
+ Cafeteria had lot of lunch menus, and convenient store on campus
- Gym in is 300 Yen per use, is approx. 40 square meters and very outdated equipment and machines.
- Some older buildings are poorly maintained, the wall has paint felling out and rusted window frames
- AC are not used until the outside temperature reaches 28C or 84 F
UH (Shidler College of Business)
+ Large gym and free of charge.
+ AC is always on with conformable chairs and wide tables.
- Not enough electrical plugs
- No convenient store or good selection of food in Shidler.
Social Environments
Keio
+ Polite students and professors
+ Everyone is well dress, and look sharp.
- Mita is in the middle of Tokyo, many distractions
UH
+ Students are serious about learning.
+ Encouraging classmates and professors.
It has been 2 month since school started in April. I would like to take time comparing UH and Keio, I will briefly talk about 3 general criteria. Academics, facilities and social environments. + is like and - is dislike, please feel free to tell me your experience at Keio. My perception is based on myself and talking with friends.
Academics
Keio
+ Professor are very kind, submitting late work is always accepted (from what I heard)
+ Class exam are fairly easy and application of learning material is nonexistent.
+ Homework are rare and very brief.
- Not much learning from class, professor do not engage in critical thinking.
- Majority of my classes are finance related according to the syllabus, but is more like finance history.
-Hard to reach professor, email address are not listed on the syllabus often have to look up online.
UH
+ Engaging class materials and focus on applications. Homework are penalized if late.
+ Willing to help students and easy to make appointment.
- Workload can be intense doing mid-term and finals.
- Exam are challenging.
Facilities
Keio (Mita Campus)
+ Building architect look very historical, with the exception of south building which are very modern.
+ Cafeteria had lot of lunch menus, and convenient store on campus
- Gym in is 300 Yen per use, is approx. 40 square meters and very outdated equipment and machines.
- Some older buildings are poorly maintained, the wall has paint felling out and rusted window frames
- AC are not used until the outside temperature reaches 28C or 84 F
UH (Shidler College of Business)
+ Large gym and free of charge.
+ AC is always on with conformable chairs and wide tables.
- Not enough electrical plugs
- No convenient store or good selection of food in Shidler.
Social Environments
Keio
+ Polite students and professors
+ Everyone is well dress, and look sharp.
- Mita is in the middle of Tokyo, many distractions
UH
+ Students are serious about learning.
+ Encouraging classmates and professors.
Keio Univ. Mid-Semester Class Review
6/26/2017
This post will be a brief review of my current courses, and what I think of the class. I will rate the class in three categories, professors English, class topic/materials and class interactions.
Class topic/material: Very repetitive, basic economic and brief. Homework every class but simple
Class interaction: Class discussions every class.
Class topic/material: Very repetitive, basic economic and brief. Homework assignment is effortless.
Class interaction: Class discussions every class, final group presentation
Class topic/material: Advanced topics on economic and complex graphs.
Class interaction: Little to none, traditional college lecture.
Class topic/material: Intermediate topic and material, simple to understand. No weekly homework.
Class interaction: Little to none, traditional college lecture.
Class topic/material: Intermediate topic and material, simple to understand. No weekly homework.
Class interaction: Little to none, traditional college lecture.
Class topic/material: Intermediate topic and material, simple to understand. Weekly homework.
Class interaction: Frequent class discussions, great way to meet friends.
Class topic/material: Elementary level Japanese, enjoyable class. Weekly homework.
Class interaction: partner system, frequent interactions .
Class topic/material: Enjoyable and Interesting. Mainly, Japanese history with little business involvements.
Class interaction: Little to none, traditional college lecture.
This post will be a brief review of my current courses, and what I think of the class. I will rate the class in three categories, professors English, class topic/materials and class interactions.
- -Japanese Contemporary Economy A
Class topic/material: Very repetitive, basic economic and brief. Homework every class but simple
Class interaction: Class discussions every class.
- -Japanese Contemporary Economy B
Class topic/material: Very repetitive, basic economic and brief. Homework assignment is effortless.
Class interaction: Class discussions every class, final group presentation
- -Public Finance
Class topic/material: Advanced topics on economic and complex graphs.
Class interaction: Little to none, traditional college lecture.
- -Macro Aspect of Public Finance
Class topic/material: Intermediate topic and material, simple to understand. No weekly homework.
Class interaction: Little to none, traditional college lecture.
- -International Finance B
Class topic/material: Intermediate topic and material, simple to understand. No weekly homework.
Class interaction: Little to none, traditional college lecture.
- -International Law & Economy
Class topic/material: Intermediate topic and material, simple to understand. Weekly homework.
Class interaction: Frequent class discussions, great way to meet friends.
- -Essential Japanese 3
Class topic/material: Elementary level Japanese, enjoyable class. Weekly homework.
Class interaction: partner system, frequent interactions .
- -Japan as a Developing Country
Class topic/material: Enjoyable and Interesting. Mainly, Japanese history with little business involvements.
Class interaction: Little to none, traditional college lecture.
Guide to survive on foreign land
7/09/2017
During my time aboard, I was very lucky to already have friends living in Japan. I would often hangout with them and have dinner. Many of them which I've met in Hawaii, but if you do not have friends in Japan. Here are some ways to keep yourself busy and focused.
Keio Clubs:
It goes without saying but clubs are probably one of the easiest ways to make friends. But to keep in mind, some clubs often hesitate to accept foreign students on exchange for short period. Also, keep in mind the cost to attend. As well as the strict mandatory practices, skipping practices and club events can have consequences.
Dormitory: Get to know your neighbors and resident assistant. Especially, people who are on a year program. They can often offer some helpful tips and rules in the dorm and around the area. Eg; closest supermarket, cheapest izakayas...etc
Gym: If you happen to be a gym rat like myself, you have come to the worse place for couple of reasons. First, the gym is expensive and poorly equipped. The one I attend for a couple times can be found here. The cost is 500Yen per visit and its nothing compared to the UH WRC. Other options are private/local gyms near the train station, expect most of them to run over 100-125 dollars/month. I happen to attended and trained at a Thai Boxing gym, I was able to convince the owner to wave the membership fee of 80 dollars and only paid the 103 dollar monthly fee, I went 3 times a week and often met many local people.
During my time aboard, I was very lucky to already have friends living in Japan. I would often hangout with them and have dinner. Many of them which I've met in Hawaii, but if you do not have friends in Japan. Here are some ways to keep yourself busy and focused.
Keio Clubs:
It goes without saying but clubs are probably one of the easiest ways to make friends. But to keep in mind, some clubs often hesitate to accept foreign students on exchange for short period. Also, keep in mind the cost to attend. As well as the strict mandatory practices, skipping practices and club events can have consequences.
Dormitory: Get to know your neighbors and resident assistant. Especially, people who are on a year program. They can often offer some helpful tips and rules in the dorm and around the area. Eg; closest supermarket, cheapest izakayas...etc
Gym: If you happen to be a gym rat like myself, you have come to the worse place for couple of reasons. First, the gym is expensive and poorly equipped. The one I attend for a couple times can be found here. The cost is 500Yen per visit and its nothing compared to the UH WRC. Other options are private/local gyms near the train station, expect most of them to run over 100-125 dollars/month. I happen to attended and trained at a Thai Boxing gym, I was able to convince the owner to wave the membership fee of 80 dollars and only paid the 103 dollar monthly fee, I went 3 times a week and often met many local people.
CBS Case Competition at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific Univ. at Beppu, Oita
07/12/2017
In the beginning of July, I fortune to gotten a sponsor by Prof. Damon Drummond to attend the CBS Case Competition located in Beppu hosted by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific Univ. I and fellow Keio student Laureanne joined by two other member Nhi Ha, and Nur Amanda from Ritsumeikan form the team Buffetters. We fly to Beppu on late Friday night, we met up with our teammates and had 24 hours to prepare the case for presentation. There are two rounds of presentation. In the first round, nine teams are divided into 3 groups then, the best of each group are in the finals. We give it our best to made it pass through the group stage only to place 3rd in the final presentation.
While at Ritsimeikan Asia Pacific Univ. I was surprised at the diversity and peacefulness at Beppu.
In the beginning of July, I fortune to gotten a sponsor by Prof. Damon Drummond to attend the CBS Case Competition located in Beppu hosted by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific Univ. I and fellow Keio student Laureanne joined by two other member Nhi Ha, and Nur Amanda from Ritsumeikan form the team Buffetters. We fly to Beppu on late Friday night, we met up with our teammates and had 24 hours to prepare the case for presentation. There are two rounds of presentation. In the first round, nine teams are divided into 3 groups then, the best of each group are in the finals. We give it our best to made it pass through the group stage only to place 3rd in the final presentation.
While at Ritsimeikan Asia Pacific Univ. I was surprised at the diversity and peacefulness at Beppu.