STUDENT VOICES（2010-2011）

“Since my major is Mathematics I belong to the Science Department of the Tohoku University. I was always interested in the topic earthquakes, so I asked my Professor if it would be possible to study it in combination with Mathematics. He organised everything and my wish became true. During one year I discussed the individual research results with my Professor and learned everything about the wave equation and how to solve it properly. The individual research training opens the opportunity to study those things you are really interested in. Thanks to it you might get a clue of what you want to research in your further studies.”

“Participating in JYPE was a really marvelous, horizonexpanding and unforgettable experience in my life. This year, I learned so many things, ranging from research and scientific things to Japanese culture and life in Japan itself. Unfortunately there was the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake in March, which changed a lot of things and that was a quite hard time. However, experiencing it in person and seeing how people near to me and Japanese people were struggling, pretty much changed the way I think and my perspectives a lot. I also went to help volunteering in disaster-stricken areas several times, which was physically hard but mentally rewarding. All the experiences within this year not only added knowledge or enhanced my scientific background, but it has also shaped me and helped me become the person I am now. I particularly like to do research a lot. So I was really excited and looked forward to the chance to do Individual Research Training in a laboratory. It was an exceptionally great chance to learn about various experiments while interacting more with Japanese people. My professors and members in my laboratory were all extremely nice and I really felt welcomed. Spending much of my time in the laboratory made me become very used to the daily-life there and I really enjoyed being part of this family for 1 year. Beside JYPE students, there are also so many other foreign students at Tohoku University. Hence this chance to make friends with people from all over the world and learn about their cultures was also amazing in my opinion.”

“This year in Sendai is an experience I cannot forget, and this is not only because of the earthquake. I thought I would have some difficulties living in a country located in another part of the world, with a different writing system and with a language I could barely understand. But thanks to the kindness of all the people here, this year has been really easy to live and full of wonderful experiences. One thing which touched me the most is my laboratory. Even though I was the only girl (except the assistant professor), the only Occidental in my lab and I couldn’t speak Japanese so much, everyone tried to talk to me and to make me feel comfortable, so I felt like a part of my lab like the other students. After the earthquake, when I had difficulty going back to Japan, I felt very touched when my Professor tried to find every possibility to let me finish my year in Sendai, even though he had other problems at that time with the damage in the Lab. I feel very lucky to have been able to enjoy one more semester in Sendai. Although I was very far from my home, I never felt alone, and I will miss this multicultural atmosphere I was able to enjoy during this year.”

“As an exchange student, what we gained is much more than expected. For myself, this experience makes me treasure what I have and think about what kind of life I really want, which maybe more important than knowledge. In addition to the wonderful scenery and kindness of the Japanese, the courage, dedication and optimism that this nation showed after the arthquake have impressed me deeply. I am looking forward to the recovery. Anyway, I’d like to pray for this peaceful and beautiful city wherever I am.”

“Studying in the JYPE program gives you much experience about Japanese and the culture of Japan. I enjoyed going through these culture courses, where you could take a look at Sendai history and practice Aikido. On the other hand, you also have your own laboratory, where you can do your own research. As for me, it gave me experience about individual research in a laboratory environment. In the end I'm happy enough I could spend a whole year with a balance of laboratory work and culture courses. About Sendai city, it's not just a big city. Nature is near and you can hike in nearby mountains or take trips to Onsen, hot springs. People in Sendai are pretty friendly and it's easy to get on with Japanese people. While studying in the JYPE program, it's easy to get to know other international students and live an international life. I could get to know many nationalities during my stay in Japan. I could take a look at other cultures in the world and their aspect on Japan. Overall, I can say I really learned about Japanese lifestyle and university life during my exchange year here.”

“I learnt so much during the past one year. Mathematics itself has become so appealing to me rather than its application, which was to be frank, my initial purpose of choosing Mathematics as my major when I entered University. Individual Research Training this year had a great influence on my choice of career and interests, from which I benefited so much. It was such an unforgettable experience.”

“Living in Sendai and studying at Tohoku University were very great experiences. Sendai city has a unique appearance different from other cities, because it has a lot of trees and is peaceful, but maintains an appropriately modern Japanese style. The individual research training was the course that I liked most. I could do great research with many skillful instructors. Staying together with Japanese lab mates, I found and learned many interesting things about their culture, and living life there made me understand how the Japanese truly are. It was a really great time.”

“My year studying at Tohoku University is really a highlight of my life. Especially I had the chance to do a pretty interesting project in my lab. I enjoyed the time working with my lab mates very much and I really learnt a lot from them. Now I feel like research will be my life and I will enjoy my work a lot. In addition, life in Sendai is very nice. Sendai is different from Tokyo or other big cities, as it is very quiet and pretty.”

Picture of a Field Trip

Picture of a Field Trip

Commemorative Picture of the Closing Ceremony