Develop internationally through Erasmus+

Wen Pan Fagerlin

(Senior Lecturer at the Department of Industrial Economics and Management)

What motivated you to choose this destination?
As the Deputy Programme Director for the Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management (INDEK), I am responsible for matters related to student exchanges. Over the years, we have seen that many of our students are highly interested in going to Japan, but the number of exchange places we can offer is very limited. My motivation for this trip was to explore the possibility of further developing our partnerships with Japanese universities.

Did you encounter any challenges, and how did you overcome them?
Not really. The staff at the International Office at Kanagawa University were very accommodating, and everyone communicated fluently in English, which made everything run smoothly. I also speak a bit of Japanese, so no major challenges arose.

How did the Erasmus experience contribute to your personal development?
It broadened my understanding of internationalisation beyond student exchanges and research collaborations. It also deepened my appreciation for the value of learning from and personally experiencing different cultures.

What advice would you give to students planning to go on an Erasmus exchange?

Go for it! As one of our exchange students in Japan once said: “This is the best decision I have ever made in my life.”

What was your favourite memory or best experience from the exchange?

A highlight was performing rakugo, a traditional Japanese comedic storytelling art performed by a single storyteller, a unique blend of culture, humour, and personal expression. After trying it myself, I understood why there are only about 800 professional rakugo artists in the world, it is definitely not an easy craft!

Would you recommend Erasmus to others, and why?

Absolutely! The Erasmus network is fantastic. It opens doors to personal development, learning, and meaningful international friendships.