Student Voice

Why did you choose to study in Japan?

There is my classmate from master class , who is currently studying at Kyushu University, then I also have a dream to study abroad. Japan is one of my priority as it is developed in both culture and architecture, also in research. I have contacted with my friend and I chose to try to study in Japan and Kyushu University.

How did you prepare for studying in Japan?

I have learned Japanese around August 2021 as I want to use my extra time in anyway. As I mentioned above, in the late 2021, I tried to send a research proposal to a professor at Kyushu University. At first I did not hope to study PhD and may be as a research student or my second master. The professor accept me to do research as a PhD at his Lab, however he cannot grant for a full scholar ship. Then, I have to sit doctoral entrance exam in January 2022, then I passed. I tried to get JASSO scholarship from OJEIC, and my family and I decided to try for a year first, and go Japan even I did not have a full scholarship.

What are you studying/researching in Japan?

Studying Doctoral Programme in Environmental Design ResearchingVernacular architecture and Adaptive Reuse of Old Heritage Dwellings

What do you do in your personal time?

I worked part time for about 15 hours per week. And in my extra time and holidays, I usually explore and visit to new places nearby. For eg. museums, parks, famous architecture places, temples, and art shows.

Please tell us about your challenges in Japan and how you overcame them.

When I arrived Japan, the main challenges in Japan is communication, financial problems and transportation (we have to use a bicycle mainly, as public transport is expensive for us). I had a severe bicycle accident within first week. That’s why I had to see doctor for three months, and regular medical check-up until now. After six months, I could overcome nearly all of my difficulties. For communication, we gradually got familiar without too much effort, but it is better to learn Japanese as much as possible. And, so does in transportation. For financial problems, I got JASSO scholarship, and I tried to apply for tuition fees exemption and scholarships at the University. I got tuition fees exemption and one more scholarship in last semester, my supervisor applied me as a research assistant so I got income. Thus, in this semester my financial burden is quite reduced.

Any encouraging message and/or advice to those who wish to study in Japan?

During this struggling time in our country Myanmar, nearly students may have difficulties to continue their study in good way. So, if you tried to get to Japan or anywhere else, you will have better future and can help to our country in somehow. However, I recommend to make sure to get a least a partial scholarship and tuition fees exemption for ones who might have financial problems in the family. Even though one will face difficulties for 6 months- 1 year, when all the difficulties were overcome, one will have selfconfidence and hope for better future.