Ami Ogawa, Language Study Program Student to France

－Please tell us the name of the university where you studied abroad.
Ecole Centrale de Nantes.

－Please tell us why you first thought about studying abroad.
I wanted to acquire French, and I thought that studying French in France would be the shortest way.

－Why did you decide to study at your host university?
ECN is one of the main engineering universities in France. I attended the program of language study, but the students of ECN are studying at a similar faculty to my own, and I was interested in it.

－Please tell us about some of the aspects of your life abroad.
Normally we studied French at ECN. However, there were many events. For example, we visited the whole city of Nantes, of course, and also Chateau d’Angers, Mont Saint Michel, wine cellars (cave à vin), Paris, and so on. And there were also events by us such as “Soiree Japon.” It is a festival for local students and people to know more about the culture of Japan. We prepared some Japanese foods and taught them how to do origami and Japanese calligraphy.

－What are differences you have noticed between Keio and your host university?
ECN is a university which specializes in science and technology; however, Keio University has many different faculties. I think Keio University is more varied than ECN. Therefore, ECN is closely united because students have many classes in common.

－Please tell us about what you feel you gained by studying abroad.
Of course, I gained language skills in French. And I also gained many friends in France. They often come to Japan and we have a really good time together. I experienced the culture of France in many ways: eating, listening, seeing, touching, smelling, and talking.

－Please tell us about your future plans.
I’d like to study abroad again. At this time, I’d like to do some research and produce results in my major. For my future plans, it is necessary to join this program. It’s a really precious experience to study abroad, so I want to do it again while I am a student.

－Do you have any advice for students who are considering studying abroad?
I think every program brings you valuable experiences. If you are considering study abroad, I absolutely recommend joining a program. For sure, you will gain something which you can never get in Japan.

Information about Ecole Centrale de Nantes
Ecole Centrale de Nantes has 300 students in one grade, all who specialize in mechanics.There are double degree programs and language study programs.

About the writer
Ami Ogawa
Fourth-year Student
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of System Design Engineering