University of Tsukuba


                                                                              Chinese Studies

Yang, Inwha

I should appreciate Prof. Kang, Junyoung and Prof. Sato Ikuyuki. Actually I am a quite unique case, because I went Japan as a Chinese Studies’ student. I studied 3^rd semester in Japan. I knew that every student should choose university which is connected their major language. That’s why I didn’t apply 3+1 program in 1^st semester. However, Prof. Kang said, ‘You’ve already studied in China before, so it is a good chance for you to study in Japan’. Getting his admission, I could go to Japan. I am also much obliged to Prof. Sato. To get student visa was very complicated process. He took charge of all process, without his help I couldn’t have gone to Japan.

I chose University of Tsukuba because there were related classes. Also University of Tsukuba is one of our partners, so they are familiar with GSIAS. In Japan, first semester starts in April. I went Japan in January so I moved Tokyo to Tsukuba. From Tokyo to Tsukuba, it takes about 45 min by Tsukuba Express.

Tsukuba is projected city for university, there is an academic atmosphere. It has huge campus, even under graduate students doesn’t know all of campus. There are a lot of greens. Except some rainy days of April, the weather was nice and the air was always fresh. University of Tsukuba has a good system, like ‘Tutor’. It means that one of student help exchange students as a part-time job. Most of professors who I met in Tsukuba were very nice and willing to help students actively. Even though it was short term, they gave me guidance. Therefore I found some materials for my graduation thesis. I met some new friends in Tsukuba.

3+1 program gave me the chance to understand Japan society more deeply. Before living in Tsukuba, I only traveled Japan. Even I can speak Japanese and I have some Japanese friends, living in Japan was very different experience. I saved time to be selected exchange student. I know that many students want to go abroad, but they are worry about many things like graduation, English and so on. It might be harder, and maybe it effect at this time I am writing this report. However, if you have certain plan and prepare well, you won’t be regret!