Sofia Oliveira: Franziska, you spent your semester abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata near Osaka. What made this semester so special for you personally?
Franziska: The semester abroad enriched me on so many levels – but above all because of the people I met there. People who were complete strangers at the beginning quickly became close friends, and I’m sure these friendships will last far beyond our time in Japan.
Sofia Oliveira: Which experiences shaped you the most during this time?
Franziska: I learned an incredible amount about myself. Experiencing Japanese culture firsthand was fascinating, but it also helped me understand what I truly value in my own life. I really appreciated how strongly the well-being of the community is prioritized in Japan – but at the same time, I realized how important our European sense of individuality is to me.
I also discovered how essential routines are for my well-being. Sports and healthy eating are important anchors in my daily life. In Japan, my routine was completely disrupted at first, but after a few weeks, I found ways to train regularly again and maintain a balanced diet – and yes, occasionally I needed a “taste of home.”
Sofia Oliveira: Which courses or projects at Kansai Gaidai did you find particularly interesting?
Franziska: I was especially fascinated by the course International Negotiation. We learned different negotiation techniques – from classical distributive bargaining to integrative bargaining, where both parties work together to create mutually beneficial solutions. The latter impressed me the most because it is more sustainable and builds stronger relationships.
