In October, a new semester has begun! new students have arrived in Germany
Kotaro’s primary motivation for studying in Germany comes from his strong desire to research issues related to refugees. Among advanced nations, Germany has accepted the largest number of refugees in recent years, making it an ideal environment for both academic research and fieldwork. He wanted to study in a country where he could directly engage with refugees and gain their perspectives.
Safety and academic quality were also major considerations. While conducting research in regions closer to refugee origins might offer proximity, concerns about security and academic infrastructure led him to conclude that Germany would allow him to carry out more stable and meaningful research.
Initially, he explored several European master’s programs in human rights and international law, including those at the University of Vienna and the University of Miskolc. However, after considering tuition fees, program duration, and his learning pace, he found Germany to be the most practical and academically fulfilling option.
Eventually, he chose M.A. in Human Rights program. Unlike many law-based programs that require prior professional experience, Fulda’s program offers an interdisciplinary approach to human rights, welcoming students from various academic backgrounds. Moreover, the town of Fulda appeared calm but not too rural—a setting conducive to focused study.
Looking ahead, Kotaro is particularly excited about conducting fieldwork and participating in volunteer activities with organizations that support refugees and migrants. He plans to build networks through internships and community-based projects during semester breaks and through university connections.
In addition, he aims to strengthen his practical skills for future employment in Germany. The international office at Fulda provides valuable career support such as CV reviews and interview practice, which he intends to use actively. He also hopes to visit institutions like the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) headquarters in Bonn to expand his professional network.
This will be his first full-scale academic experience abroad. Through his master’s studies, he hopes to grow not only as a researcher but also as an individual capable of thriving in an international environment. By living, studying, and communicating in foreign languages, he aims to cultivate the resilience and adaptability needed to contribute to global human rights work in the future.
I wish all new students a successful start in their new environment. Many thanks to Kotaro for kindly sharing his story and insights in this interview.
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