From Turkey

 

• Name
  Selenay YAKIN
• Country/ Region of Citizenship
  Turkey
• Graduated from
  Bilkent University
• Department
  Department of Architecture

 

 

1.　How did you find out and choose Waseda?

I first found out about Waseda because it was one of the universities that my home university had an exchange program with. So, I expected Waseda was providing high level of academic education. Then, I did my own research to know more about the university as well as the Lab of Prof. Kobayashi. After examining the lab’s own website, I thought that I would like to contribute to the international environment of the lab and work with such respected professor. Finally, I decided to apply for English-based Master program in Waseda.

 

2.　How your impression toward Japan changed before and after you come to Japan?

I had learnt Japanese since I was 12 years old for a few years and had heard about cultural and social events of Japan (such as Sakura-Momiji, Matsuri, Fireworks and so on) as well as some general knowledge about Japan. I had come to Japan many times to travel, so I had a pretty much accurate expectations about my life here. However, my first impression of Japan was being fascinated by its difference from other countries and how excited I felt to explore it as well as how much it had to offer, so I genuinely think that everyone can find a piece of Japan that they can enjoy according to their interests.

 

3.　Daily schedule 

Weekdays

I took 5-6 class excluding my lab (studio) class – aiming to finish all required classes in the first year of my master’s. It may sound busy, but I think it is very manageable. I wish there were more classes unique to Japan, especially for foreign students, such as Japanese architecture, structural wood, introductory earthquake-resistant engineering etc. My schedule for Monday & Tuesday – I have 2 classes for each day so I am mainly at school also catching up with work; Wednesday & Friday – I have one class for each day before noon. Thursday is free. Rather than school, I teach English 3 times a week to kids as a part-time job.

Weekends

Weekends are for travelling as much as possible, if not, I still try to explore Tokyo by searching new places to eat, any events to check out and meeting with friends. I went to many places such as Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima and so on. If I suggest one place for an excursion in Tokyo, it is Mt. Takao where you can see the beautiful scenery and also visit Japanese traditional temple. For my hobbies, I attend to a dance school, so I go there 2-3 a week and I practice pottery at Monozukuri studio (inside Waseda FSE campus) once a week. So far, I made cups, mugs and small bowls as gifts for my friends and family. Thursdays are for any activity related to art, design and architecture or research for my thesis.

 

4.　What is the outline of your study field and study plan?

I am a master’s student (1st year, 2nd semester) in architecture department. I am interested in many topics, but my thesis will focus on environmentally sustainable architecture, I am thinking about uniting sustainability strategies in different phases of architecture as design, construction and supervision into a guideline. My thesis will consist of detailed research to create such guideline plus a design project.

 

5.　What is your career goal or future plan after graduation?

I have a very specific goal for now – following my graduation, I want to become a practicing architect and after gaining experience, I want to maintain a career in both teaching and practicing. I believe, academic studies and working with students will keep my theoretical information & creativity fresh, -which would be also beneficial to my practice- whereas; the work experience I get would reflect on the courses I would teach –which would be beneficial for having a solid and updated ground to teach a theoretical course-. I would love to contribute both as a teacher and as an architect.

 

6.　Message to the prospective students

Japan is very different – this might be very exciting to explore but also tiring to adjust. I think it would make it much easier to get to know more about the culture in detail and some basic Japanese. Although Waseda is one of the right places to be, your experience will be different than Japanese students – which is okay. If you focus on yourself, what you want to achieve academically and personally while being here, you will have such a fulfilling unique experience.

 

 

From Netherlands

 

• Name
  Lindsay Isabelle COE
• Country/ Region of Citizenship
  Netherlands
• Graduated from
  University of York
• Department
  Department of Electronic and Physical Systems

 

1.　How did you find out and choose Waseda?

I initially first heard of Waseda through friends I’ve known since high school who went back to Japan to do their undergraduate studies. I had also learned more about Waseda through students who came to do an internship/study abroad program at the laboratory that I was a part of for my final year undergraduate project back at the University of York (U.K.). My undergraduate university also happened to have a study abroad program between Waseda but I was not able to partake in it at the time.

I was keen on choosing Waseda because the English postgraduate program and the laboratory fit my interests, plus the campus and its facilities seemed top notch. In addition, the opportunity to study in Japan was very exciting to me, because it is a great way to broaden my cultural horizons and gain a unique experience.

Prof. Tanii and the students in the lab group are all incredibly kind. I very much appreciate and enjoy being able to talk with and learn alongside the students at the lab.

 

2.　How your impression toward Japan changed before and after you come to Japan?

I had already visited Japan beforehand and learnt about the country through my international school and just reading about it in general, so I am not sure if my impression changed massively since having come to study here. Though, so far, I have been having a fantastic time and really enjoying the experience of living here. I also enjoy eating Japanese food such as ramen and tonkatsu. Some people might think the place to live is too small in Japan but I feel my room is nice and cozy for me.

 

3.　Daily schedule Mon – Fri

I can go to the laboratory when needed, such as learning how to use certain equipment or attending lab meetings. I do aim to do assignments bit by bit each day to spread out my workload for lectures, seminars, and my own research.

 

4.　How do you spend your free time?

Due to its sheer size of a city, I truly enjoy just having a walk about Tokyo even if it’s just round the neighborhood. I love how there’s just so many different activities that pop up across the city as well, especially local festivities such cherry blossom viewing during the spring or enjoying the view of the fireworks during the summer. I also like to visit the parks, cinema, and museums, especially as a student you can take advantage of certain discounts or even free entry. I’ve been to Odaiba and Disney Land & Sea where I really had a good time.

 

5.　Tell us about the outline of your study field and study plan.

Currently I am in my first year of the Master’s degree program at the Graduate school of Fundamental Science and Engineering. I am a part of the Department of Electronic and Physical Systems, in which the research lab that I am a member of is the Molecular Nano-Engineering Laboratory. My study plan so far is focusing on finishing my lecture courses in my first year and being shown the ropes regarding my research related activities such as learning how to use the facilities, certain techniques, and specific software to use. I am also narrowing in on my thesis plan for the beginning of my second year so that I am prepared to go all in and focus fully on my research for the second year.

 

6.　What is your career goal or future plan after graduation?

I would like to be able to work closely with the latest cutting-edge technology, such as in research and development in industries like semiconductors or electronics. For example, I find it fascinating how semiconductors are widely used for PCs, smart phones and many other things in our daily lives. I would be keen to work in Japan or bring my knowledge back home in the Netherlands. I also like to keep an open mind about my career path because you never know what opportunities can pop up.

 

7.　Message to the prospective students

My message would be… don’t forget to take care of yourself. It may sound trite, but if you’re anything like me and you sometimes get swept away by an assignment then it’s helpful to just take a breather on occasion, like having a little walk, keeping a good sleep hygiene, and eating well. Moreover, university is a great time to explore other interests outside of your studies such as participating in a sports club or society, whereby you can also make friends outside of your major as well. Overall, enjoy the experience!