International mobility stories: Haider Khan Munir

Our masters student, Haider Munir Khan from Pakistan took part in the semester exchange program for fall term 2019. Out of a vast amount of available exchange possibilities in universities across the world, he chose Akita International University.  

Which is a small campus-based university located in a rural northern Japan and is surrounded by forests, mountains and rice fields but it enjoys it’s place in the following rankings as the

·         Top Global University: Leading Internationalization Category (Japanese Ministry of Education)

·         #1 Engagement: THE Japan University Rankings 2019

·         #1 Environment: THE Japan University Rankings 2019

·         #10 Best University in Japan: THE Japan University Rankings 2019

·         #1 Small University: Daigaku Tsushin, 2019

·         #1 Global University: Daigaku Tsushin, 2019

 

During his semester exchange, Haider took courses relating to his career interests in the field of humanitarian action. He also became part of several social and sports clubs at the university, such as the University’s Rugby team and volunteering programs. 

 

The friendships he developed in these clubs allowed him to find traveling partners and with them, Haider backpacked across the whole of Japan by availing all free time and holidays during the semester. 

 

Through a Project Based Learning Course of Akita Rural Studies, Haider visited several remote villages and settlements in the region and carried out field research on the consequences of  & Out-Migration on local cultures. At the same time, His course on Human Security taught by a former  ambassador was amongst his favorite experiences of his study abroad that allowed him to expand his understanding of humanitarian operations and international assistance.

 

As Akita International University is a small campus-based university located in a remote rural region in the north of Japan. The university focuses its attention on engaging all students in various clubs and sports activities throughout the semester. 

 

Our student joined the university’s rugby team and played alongside other international and local students in friendly and competitive matches against other universities. Through the close friendships he developed within the rugby team, he was able to find traveling partners with whom he backpacked across Japan during holidays from Hokkaido in the North to Okinawa Islands in the South and everything else in between. 

 

Haider quotes “The student life in AIU is very dynamic and close knit. The university and senior students try their hardest to provide every kind of socialization opportunity for all exchange students, from bonfires in the forest to early morning fishing trips, to spontaneous tours around Akita Prefecture, the never ending campus and village parties, and so forth. All so that the semester in AIU becomes something the exchange students will cherish for the rest of their lives”.