Student Voice

Why did you chose to study in Japan?

After I have acquired some career experiences, I thought that it would be the best time for me to extend my academic career. Firstly, I thought that university ranking is one of the most important things to consider before applying for universities. As I am private financial support and so, the financial issue is also very important for me to consider. So, I did carefully search a lot of universities that would match my requirements. From my own searching and my senior recommendations, I found out that there are a lot of universities in Japan which has a great reputation and the best academic achievement as well. Moreover, many scholarship programs and the international program are available
for international students.

How did you prepare for studying in Japan?

I heard about the Okayama University Japan Educational Information Center, OJEIC, from my senior. So, I went there, and they carefully explained to me and shared a lot of information about the universities in Japan. Furthermore, they also explained the information of the JASSO scholarship.

After I had chosen the university, I prepared a “research proposal” as the first step. I also searched about the professors and read their research on the university’s official website to find the professor. Then, I sent my research proposal to the professor, and he interviewed about my research. After I passed, I prepared the necessary paper works for university admission. After I passed the initial screening for admission, then I prepared for the visa process.

Regarding for JASSO scholarship, I went to the student support center as soon as I started my semester, the in-charge person explained about the scholarship and checked the background whether if am I eligible or not. After getting the approval to apply, I had to prepare some paper works which was necessary to submit. So, I would strongly recommend for new students apply for the JASSO scholarship because the amount is almost covered on your living expense, and you can fully focus on your study.

How is your student life in Japan?

Study life

As I am not very proficient in communication in Japanese very well, I mainly focused to choose the English-based program. Luckily, professors offered bilingually in most of the classes. Depend on the classes, the way we are conducting the study is also different. We have to go for site survey, group discussion, group work and weekly reports. My university also has different exhibitions and competitions. When I have extra time, I also joined the event such as cultural event which held for international students. I also join some competition the get better experiences. For me, getting the chance to share ideas with excellent professors and students is the best reward.

Research

As I am in my last semester, I am mainly focused on my research now. I do some research about heritage building and value assessments for a registered heritage building in Japan. As my lab is specialized in technology, we got the chance to use advanced equipment , such as 3D laser scanner, VR and AR, to conduct the survey. As my country is very weak at conservation system, I hope I could be able to apply my knowledge for the future of my country.

Japanese Language

I joined the Japanese language classes which are provided by our university for all international. We also had the additional exchanged program to get used to Japanese culture. When I stayed at the university dormitory, and we had an exchanged program once every week. In this activity, the organizers organized a lot of many interesting programs such as sharing about different cultures among international students, playing Japanese games together, teaching us the Japanese hand-made craft, learning to cook Japanese snacks and so on.

Part-time experiences

Students officially get 28 hours for one week to work part-time which must apply through immigration office. I also work on weekends before the pandemic. I think my Japanese proficiency has been improved than before after working. As there are a lot of students in my part-time job, I got a lot of friends. I have learned a lot of new experiences through my part-time job.

Holidays

As the scenery in Japan is very beautiful and it is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travel, I traveled a lot when I got holidays before the pandemic. I would say “food” is the most interesting part of traveling. Stepping into the new place, you would find the different delicious local food depend on the region.

An international student’s life in Japan is full of challenges and experiences as well as fun things.

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

Study in Japan is a uniquely rewarding experience.

• Please take some time and think carefully about what you would study. And try to apply the university.


• Even though you want to study in English based program in university, it would be better if you are also proficient in Japanese language for
  communication with people.