Studying in Sapporo

What international students think about Sapporo

Seeing is believing – actual opinions from the perspectives of students from overseas

Cho Herim, an international student from Korea

Could you please tell us your name, university, and what you’re studying there? 

My name is Cho Herim and I major in Commerce at Hokkai School of Commerce’s Department of Commerce.

Tell us about how you lead a fulfilling university life.

Hokkai School of Commerce provides a study environment in which the students are encouraged to think for themselves. The teachers have different sets of values and perspectives, and they teach us that there is not just one correct solution, and then they provide opportunities for the students to discuss these things among themselves. In this way, at my university I’m able to develop my way of thinking, freely.

Please tell us what you like about Sapporo.

Firstly, there are many shops in Sapporo so it’s great for shopping. The downtown area where there are lots of shops has a vibrant feel to it. Secondly, there are many events held throughout the year and there’s an atmosphere in which lots of people can gather and have fun. Thirdly, the city authorities issue lots of foreign language pamphlets that provide a variety of information for foreigners – how to walk on the snow and how to put out the garbage, and the like. I can get information about daily life so there’s no sense of inconvenience.

What’s your fondest memory of Hokkaido or Sapporo?

It was an event organized by the Sapporo International Communication Plaza, when I took part in activities in which I dressed up in a kimono. I was able to wear a kimono so valuable that, under normal circumstances, I would never get a chance to wear. It’s something I’ll never forget.

Hiyou Hou, an international student from China

Could you please tell us your name, university, and what you’re studying there? 

My name is Hiyou Hou and I’m a student on the Spatial Design Course in the Department of Design at Sapporo City University School of Design. Now, I’m studying mainly about architectural spatial design, old Japanese buildings and interior design.

Tell us about how you lead a fulfilling university life.

Sapporo City University is in an extremely beautiful location near the Sapporo Art Park in Minami-ku, Sapporo. The university building itself is one of Japanese architect, Kiyoshi Seike’s most famous works, so the entire school building is like a textbook itself.

Please tell us what you like about Sapporo.

It’s a great place with a good mix of big city life and countryside, and the people are friendly, too. It looks cold in winter but the coldest it gets is about -10℃.

What’s your fondest memory of Hokkaido or Sapporo?

I could experience many things in Sapporo that are not possible in China – for example, skiing. In particular, Hokkaido’s snow is so soft. Also, at a place called the Historical Village of Hokkaido, there are lots of historical Hokkaido buildings, and I was able to appreciate the history and culture.

Natasha, an international student from Indonesia

Could you please tell us your name, university, and what you’re studying there?

My name is Natasha and I’m majoring in Biology at Hokkaido University School of Agriculture.

Tell us about how you lead a fulfilling university life.

The teachers’ lectures are interesting and easy to understand. What’s more, at Hokkaido University you can experience lots of things. At the on-campus farm, I was able to experience practical things like planting rice and driving a tractor, and I also experienced rearing silkworms.

Please tell us what you like about Sapporo.

Sapporo has wide roads and beautiful streetscapes. It’s not as crowded as Tokyo and people live at a slower pace. There are lots of fashion shops and department stores, so I can enjoy shopping. There is very little litter in the streets and the greenery is kept in beautiful condition. It’s cold in winter, but the snow is beautiful.

What’s your fondest memory of Hokkaido or Sapporo?

During the summer holidays I spent one month in the town of Niki in Hokkaido, with friends from my club at Hokkaido University. We helped out on a farm while we built a log house together. I have lots of fond memories of the fun we had there.