Student's Voice

Undergraduate international programs in English

Undergraduate international programs in English

Q1 Why did you choose Kyushu University?

Since I was a high school student, I have had two big dreams: studying Chemistry in a top global institution and coming to Japan. Kyushu University made my dreams come true. Coming to Kyushu University allowed me to study and do research in the most innovative and advanced environment. Therefore, I applied for Kyushu University without any hesitation and time has proved that my decision has not been not wrong.

Q2 What is your major? (Please extend this topic to your graduation research topic.)

My research group belongs to Material Science and Engineering, Molecular Research Division which mainly focuses on mimicking natural enzymes' functions and applying them to industry. I'm now working on synthesizing a new functional model of hydrogenase, an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of the hydrogen molecule. I hope that I will successfully synthesize the new model and acquire a lot of research skills for my future career.

Q3 What do you like about Fukuoka, Kyushu or Japan?

In general, Japan is an amazing country where culture and development harmonize with each other and in all 47 prefectures here, Fukuoka is my most favorite. Fukuoka is not only one of the most livable cities in the world but also a place that I can call "my second home". People here are really nice and friendly. They always welcome me and try to make me feel like home despite the language barrier. Moreover, Fukuoka is the place where I have made a lot of new friends from all around the world and have experienced Japanese culture with them, learning and playing together are unforgettable memories in my life.

Q4 Message to the prospective students

If I can give advice to you, I would like to say this: "Don't be afraid, don't be shy, try everything." Four years seems so long, but time flies in a blink of an eye, so don't waste your time. Kyushu University will provide various opportunities for you to not only acquire knowledge but also make friends and create memories, therefore, please enjoy your time here.

Graduate

Graduate

Q1 Why did you choose to study at Kyushu University?

Since I was a child I was dreaming about being an international researcher that can provide an innovative ideas and inventions to support the humanity facing their biggest fears and obstacles.
After I got my Bachelor degree from my former university, I started looking for postgraduate position all around the world. However, among all the options, Japan was superior to me providing advanced leading English based research programs with the opportunity to experience such a unique culture. Therefore, I started aiming at the top universities in Japan, where Kyushu university is one of the former Imperial Universities and is the 4th oldest university in Japan with a history that can be traced by medical schools of the feudal domains built in 1867. During my undergraduate degree research focusing on the Geotechnical Engineering, I found many references to alumni and staff related to my research field. With such high motivation and ambition, I decided to apply to the Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, Civil and Structural Engineering Department, Kyushu university with a history going back to 1953 and considered as a pioneer and leading laboratory in this field.

Q2 What do you research in your major?

My research considers Micro - Scale Evaluation of the Fluid Movement through Unsaturated Porous Mediums. As mentioned by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification [UNCCD, 2009], due to drought and desertification each year 12 million hectares are lost. Knowledge of porous medium hydraulic properties and the related fluxes are of significant industrial and engineering importance. The coupled water - vapor movement through porous medium is influenced by many internal [porous medium] and external [meteorological, driving forces...etc.] factors. The outcomes are expected to significantly improve the water resources management, soil covers design and many other geotechnical and geo - environmental aspects.

Q3 How do you like Japan, Kyushu or Fukuoka?

As a consequence of coming to such a completely different culture, a huge cultural shock and great obstacles integrating with the Japanese society and culture was expected. However, the great hospitality, support and kindness of the local people and foreigner communities within Japan and specially Fukuoka city guaranteed a smooth integrating and great progress in the new environment. Fukuoka which is the fifth largest city in Japan combines both natural scenery [mountains, golden sandy beaches waterfalls ...etc.] and the developed urban city enriched with a long cultural roots and many traditional and cultural festivals and events providing the chance to enjoy every single moment in a different taste.

Q4 please advise something to younger students who come to Kyushu University.

I believe that every person has a potential and all the exhaustion related to the hard work can dissipate as soon as the results can be seen. In addition, I would like to highlight that in order to enjoy any culture, learning the native language is a key. Although the Japanese language might seem to be difficult to learn with all the research duties and busy schedules, gaining the minimum language and communication skills are crucial for smooth integrating with the surrounding environments. Finally, I would like to advise my juniors that as much as working hard is important, releasing stress and refreshing are important to maintain a productive life not only as students but also through all life stages. Therefore, enjoy every single moment through your stay in Kyushu university, Fukuoka and all around Japan.

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OB/OG

OB/OG

Q1 Why did you choose to study at Kyushu University?

In April 2009, I had opportunity to join Kyushu University Friendship Scholarship for 3 months in Department of Earth Resource Engineering. During this term, I carried out laboratory analysis of my research, and also learned about Japanese culture in Fukuoka. I felt amazed with advance science and research balance with culture. Since then, I went back to Indonesia to finish my undergraduate school, then I choose Kyushu University to be my next journey.

Q2 What did you like the most about the Graduate School of Engineering of Kyushu University?

I joined Human Resources program during graduate school. This program allowed me to study Business in Japan to prepare working in Japan. I learned about Japanese manner in business way, also the procedure during job hunting. I also had opportunity to join internship in Japanese company to understand the atmosphere of working in Japan. In addition, Kyushu University provided me the facility in laboratory with advance technology from leading expert in geology along with a very great professors and assistants who support me on my research.

Q3 What else did you do outside of class?

During my term being student of Kyushu University, I was active in the Japanese Language class provided by volunteer. This classes are spread over Fukuoka city with various days and level of classes including in Kyushu University. This activity improved my Japanese skill which very useful for living in Japan and also during job hunting. In addition, I was also active in Indonesian student community in Fukuoka. It has many activities including introducing Indonesian culture to not only Japanese but also to foreigner who live in Fukuoka.

Q4 What are you working on?
Currently, I am working at West Japan Engineering Consultant, Inc, under Department of Geothermal with positions as geologist. My main task is integrating geological data in geothermal field to construct geothermal conceptual model. This task will associate in selection on drilling target and field management. Recently, I am working not only in Japanese field but also field in all over the world.

Q5 What advice do you give to incoming students?

Living abroad is very challenging yet exciting. You need to maintain time, energy and priority to study and personal life. You will have friends from all over the world with different culture, language and habit. You may face difficult time, rejection, joy and tear, but in the end of journey, you will realize that it will be the best experience in your life and useful for your future path. Kyushu University is the best option to accommodate this journey. Enjoy it.

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