Join us for the ‘Student to Student’ series, where we continue talking to students across 12 universities about their ECIU University experiences and stories – from favourite memories to biggest misconceptions. Catch up on the previous story here.

Our next hero is Ryu Yamashiro – a bachelor's student at University of Aveiro.

Ryu Yamashiro  

• University: University of Aveiro (Portugal) ‍
• Field of study: Environmental Engineering ‍
• Universities visited since joining ECIU University: Linköping University (Sweden), University of Stavanger (Norway)

Question: What is your funniest ECIU University story?

Ryu: During the micromodule in Stavanger, I was assigned to a group of students from different countries, cultures, and academic backgrounds. To get to know each other better, we went out after our university classes. Despite our differences, we connected really well and enjoyed learning about each other’s perspectives and personalities.

That evening, my colleague Francisco, who came with me from the University of Aveiro, found a random card game that none of us had ever played before. We decided to give it a try, learned the rules from the manual, and ended up enjoying it so much that we returned to the same place three more times just to play it together! It became a funny little tradition and a great way to strengthen our friendships. The University of Stavanger also had fantastic recreational facilities, including poker, chess, and blackjack, which created an amazing environment for socialising and connecting with other students.

Q: What has been your favourite ECIU University course or activity so far, and why?

Ryu: There are two experiences from my mobilities in Linköping and Stavanger that really stand out to me.  

In Linköping, we organised a campfire in the woods where we had a barbecue and roasted marshmallows. Even though it had rained that day, spending time in a Swedish forest with everyone was a memorable experience.

In Stavanger, one of my favourite activities was renting a public sauna with some friends. Saunas were located throughout the city, and after enjoying the heat, we would jump into the outdoor water channels. It was such a unique experience and something I probably wouldn’t have tried otherwise.  

Both experiences reminded me that some of the best parts of international mobility happen outside the classroom, through shared experiences and spontaneous adventures.

Q: What are three things you like most about ECIU University?

Ryu: First of all, I love the opportunity to network with people from different countries, cultures, and academic backgrounds. You get to make friends from all over the world and build connections with people whose perspectives and experiences differ from your own.

The second thing I really enjoy is discovering new countries and experiencing their cultures, lifestyles, and traditions firsthand. And finally, ECIU University encourages you to step outside your comfort zone by taking small risks, accepting new challenges, and trying things you might not normally consider. I believe this is one of the most valuable aspects of the experience because it helps you grow both personally and academically.  

Overall, ECIU University has shown me that learning can go far beyond the classroom and that some of the most valuable lessons come from the people you meet and the experiences you share.

Do you want to join ECIU University students in exploring new opportunities and experiences? Get started here.

_{Photos provided by Ryu Yamashiro}