To those who haven’t read the Part 1 and Part 2, please have a read.
This time, FUN! JAPAN staff, AL has come to Tohoku University located in Sendai, which is about 1.5 hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train). As introduced in Part 2, for those who are wondering what kind of place it is, you may look at the photos below.
And for those who have no idea where it is located, you can check it out here ↓
FUN! JAPAN has talked to a few foreign students who are studying in Japan. In this article, we have the Indonesian students, an undergraduate student and a PhD student, whom we interviewed in previous articles, to share more about studying abroad in Japan and about Tohoku.
If you are interested in studying in Japan, please read!
Students Profile
- Hana: 39 years old, a mother of 11-year old and 1-year old, 3rd year postgraduate student of Virology Department, School of Medicine, Tohoku University.
- Izzat: 20 years old, 3rd year undergraduate student of Animal Biology Unit, Faculty of Agriculture.
(1) From the view point of study, please share the tips for studying in Japan.
Hana: Do not play truant and attend classes regularly.
Izzat: As the lecturers give a lot of homework, it is important to not keep them but to do little by little. You should follow the deadlines too. If you don't, it is hard to get good evaluation. Even a kind teacher will give a bad review if you submit it late, no matter how good is your work. Well, this is for the students in science stream, it is important to improve your mathematics to the level of Japanese. What you have learned at high school in Indonesia is insufficient.
(2) Apart from study, what other tips for a good student life in Japan?
Hana: It is important to get refreshed, so go travel during holidays.
Izzat: The study of Japanese language. Not many people are good at English, so if you know Japanese well, then the life here will be more fun.
(3) How do you collect information for studying in Japan?
Hana: Only 2: A lot of “Google” and ask seniors.
Izzat: It is enough if you utilize Google well. I think the official websites of Japanese universities provide sufficient information for overseas students. You can also get the information from Japan Embassy.
(4) Please share the reason why you choose Tohoku to those who are interested in studying overseas.
Hana: It is beautiful and serene, and is suitable for study! Compared to big cities, people are friendlier here and it is quite safe.
Izzat: It takes long hours to travel from Tokyo to Tohoku. 1 hour plus with Shinkansen, but 7 hours with a normal train. As it is far from Tokyo, it is a suitable place for studying. Sendai which is in Tohoku is also called as “Academic City”.
(5) Think about your juniors, what do you wish to improve regarding studying in Japan?
Hana: It is better if information can be exchanged more frequently between Japan and Indonesia governments and universities.
Izzat: I think it is quite well done. Perhaps to include more information on the official websites.
(6) Let’s talk about life here. Do you experience any culture shock?
Hana: I am quite shocked at how Japanese pay attention to details and that they work so late.
Izzat: The city is so clean even though there are not many rubbish bins.
(7) Do you experience any culture shock when you go back to Indonesia?
Hana: 3 things: rubbish, traffic jam and safety.
Izzat: I had culture shock when I took a train in Jakarta. People try to get onboard without waiting for others to get down first.
(8) Which is your favorite tourist spot in Tohoku?
Hana: Geibikei in Iwate Prefecture. The scenery and atmosphere change with the different seasons.
Izzat: I like Matsushima very much. The view is so beautiful, especially during autumn. No wonder it is one of Japan Sankei (Three Views of Japan). The boat trip was wonderful. If you are there, then you can go to the Yamadera. There are 1015 staircases but you can enjoy the view along the way.
(9) Other than Tohoku, where is your favorite spot in Japan?
Hana: Kyoto. If to summarize Japan to one city, then it is Kyoto, the symbol of Japan’s cultures and tourism.
Izzat: Mt. Fuji. Every year the Indonesian students in Sendai will organize a trip to climb Mt. Fuji. It needs time and energy to get to the top, but when you look at the view, all your tiredness is gone!
(10) Where do you go when you want to release stress?
Hana: 100 yen shop. (Laugh)
Izzat: I like to keep ornamental fish, so I usually go to the pet shop in Nakayama.
(11) Where do you like to go to in Sendai?
Hana: The Gyutan (ox-tongue) restaurant.
Izzat: Around Sendai Station. There are plenty of places for food and shopping.
(12) What is your favorite Japanese cuisine?
Hana: Sushi.
Izzat: Soba.
(13) Lastly, your message to those who would like to study abroad in Tohoku.
Hana: Tohoku is a very nice place for studying abroad! And it is also the best place to enjoy Japanese culture and nature! Prepare well before you come. Not only study, please enjoy your life in Japan to the fullest during your free time.
Izzat: It may sound abstract but Indonesia and Japan have very different cultures and values. It is important to prepare your mind so that you can get used to it as sooner as possible. Study Japanese before you come to Japan. Even if you enroll in the English program, if you can speak Japanese, you can interact with more people and it helps with your studies too.
That’s all about the interview with the students.
Lastly, we have the photos of Hana and Izzat during their off days to share with you all!
Comments