Riko Noguchi

“Studying at the Graduate School of Economics at Kobe University was a great experience. Kobe University provides many opportunities to learn advanced research topics, and I received valuable support until I graduated. In addition to a wide range of lectures, many seminars are also held at Kobe University which offer students the chance to acquire valuable knowledge and skills that are useful when conducting research. Moreover, I went to a seminar that talked about the job market and getting an academic job in Japan which was also very helpful. I also was able to get information as well as advice on research. I was worried during my first year within the Graduate School of Economics, but I found student life fulfilling and received a lot of support until graduation thanks to my teachers and friends at Kobe University. The Graduate School of Economics gives students lots of opportunities to learn and research. This experience will help you develop your critical thinking skills and give you a broader understanding of economic concepts. I am confident that your experience at Kobe University will push you towards your goals and motivate you to accomplish more in the future.”

Yuji Muramatsu

“The view from Kobe University is great! Kobe University is located about halfway up a mountain and is surrounded by abundant nature. The days I spent there were precious to me. When you first go to Kobe University, you will need to learn basic economic methods which are necessary for your future studies and are not easy to learn. After learning these methods, you will start your research. There will be various difficulties that you may encounter: you may not think of a good idea, and you may get stuck on a difficult calculation or mathematical concept. However, people who are near you, such as faculty, other graduate students and peers, will give you advice. This helped me get through and I’m sure it will help you. Because of the people at Kobe University, I think you can overcome any hurdle and achieve your goal at Kobe University.”

Naoyuki Wakamatsu

“The Graduate School of Economics at Kobe University offers the best environment for Ph.D. students to work on their research. At the Graduate School, I firmly established basic knowledge of economics through coursework. I acquired advanced expertise and research techniques in seminars. I was able to study various fields, such as economic theory, economic policy, and economic history. These studies greatly widened the scope of my research and research potential. Kobe University has many talented faculty members. Through my interactions with them, I developed my critical thinking skills. The knowledge and expertise I acquired while in Graduate School proved to be useful in presentations at international conferences and for publications in peer-reviewed journals. Finally, I made some great friends at the Graduate School.
The hard work and camaraderie we shared, together with the mutual support we provided each other united us with strong bonds. The Graduate School of Economics at Kobe University is a fantastic choice; it provides a great research environment and irreplaceable friends. I highly recommend you to visit Kobe University.”

Hiroshi Kusumoto

I studied economics at Kobe University while I was also working for a local government. The reason I decided to go back to school was that I wanted to have the tools to think about the issues and problems I encountered at my work. I chose Kobe University because it offers lectures and seminars on Saturdays for working adults, the long-term enrollment system can be used without much hassle, and I found the professors and learning environment excellent. Looking back now, I am convinced it was not a mistake. The economics and public finance that I learned while working seemed more concrete and interesting than when I was a college student in the past, and at the same time, it was very useful in giving me different suggestions from a practical perspective. I also feel that my critical thinking skills and my ability to think logically improved as I worked through my research.
During my studies, I was often busy with work and stuck in my research, but with the help of my professors and fellow working students, I was able to get through it. I am now a university teacher. If you are thinking of studying again, I would recommend Kobe University with confidence.