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OQEANOUS Plus-IJP Report（KU 2022/Nov-2023/Apr)

2023.10.20

Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology
Course of Marine Resources and Environment
Second Year of Master's Program
C. M.

  I studied abroad at Kasetsart University in Thailand for five months from November, 2022 to April, 2023. I would be happy to be of help to those who are interested in studying abroad.

[Motive]
 I have been interested in long-term study abroad since I was a junior high school student. After entering TUMSAT, I studied abroad for a short period of three weeks to Hong Kong. While life abroad as an international student has been stimulating, I also reflected on my lack of English ability and communication skills. In the second year of my master's program, my views had changed, and I had found a rhythm in my research, so I decided to take up the challenge of a long-term study abroad with the intention of taking revenge. Every day in Thailand is fresh and fulfilling, and I am truly glad that I went!

[Research Contents]
  I conducted stress measurements on prawns, which is the main species in Thailand's fishery industry. This was my personal research theme, and I was sometimes bewildered by the first time raising prawns and unfamiliar experimental equipment. However, with the help of students and repeated consultations with my advisor, I was able to proceed. It was an opportunity for me to feel the importance of my colleagues once again in research activities. Although the experiments themselves were conducted on a laboratory scale, I was able to visit prawn ponds and the latest breeding facilities, and I was able to gain knowledge that was not limited to my study abroad.


Fig. 1 Experiments using shrimp

[Classes]
  Many of the classes were taken together with undergraduate students. Some of the classes were offered especially for us two Japanese students, and I feel that we were given a luxurious environment. Since we belonged to the Department of Fisheries, many of the classes were related to Thailand's fisheries industry, and we sometimes had the opportunity to visit government agencies and fish farms.

[How I spend my daily life and holidays]
  On weekdays, I had classes and research, and on weekends, I did field research and travel. The rhythm of my weekday life is not different from that in Japan, but I often must deal with irregularities due to the many events at the university. For example, the cafeteria and buses around campus are closed on Thai holidays, and festivals are suddenly held (unbeknownst to the international students) and traffic is restricted.
 Vacations are often spent on remote islands. We went from Koh Larn, which can be reached in a day trip, to Similan Island, which has a spectacular view by plane and bus, and enjoyed using the diving license we obtained in the class at Kasetsart University. It was an experience that could only be had in Thailand, surrounded by beautiful seas.

Fig. 2 Vacation on a remote island

[Meals]
 I ate out almost every meal. Food at street stalls and street stores is Fun! Cheap! Delicious! I can't tell you how many times I went to a Khao mangai restaurant near my dormitory. I can't tell you how many times I went to the Khao Mangai restaurant near my dormitory. The chicken broth rice matched the tender chicken so well that I feel like eating it even now as I write this. Another charm of Thai food is that you can create your own originality with the sweet, sour, spicy and salty seasonings placed on each table. When I had time, I went to Chinatown and night markets with local friends and enjoyed visiting food stalls. Japanese food is popular in Thailand, and I often went to all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu restaurants. Chain restaurants serving tempura and sushi are also popular in Thailand, so you don't have to worry when you miss Japan.

Fig. 3 Khao Mangai and Seasonings

[Advice for studying in Thailand]
 I personally feel that Thailand is an easy country to live in from the viewpoint of long-term living. If you like spices, you can enjoy the food, and if you don't like spices, you don't have to worry because many dishes are based on soy sauce. Above all, there is a generous and positive atmosphere that is unique to tropical countries. I think it is because of this national character that I did not suffer in my life as a foreign student which is different from that of a tourist. On the other hand, in terms of learning English, it honestly depends on the people you meet because Thai is the common language. Fortunately, my advisor was a very fluent English speaker, so I was able to learn English conversation. Also, there were many students who were interested in Japanese culture, which facilitated communication among students. I am sure that studying abroad will increase your motivation to learn a language.
 April was hotter than I had imagined, with temperatures of 39°C and humidity of 80% every day. My advice to those who go during the dry season is to drink 3 liters of water a day and not to walk too much!

 If you are reading this, I hope you are feeling positive about studying abroad. Those who are considering studying abroad may have vague concerns about time, money, and feelings. In this respect, OQEANOUS Plus offers credit transfer, scholarship assistance, and professional staff. We recommend this program because of its generous support and ease of taking the first step. I believe that there are challenges that can only be taken on during the student period, when you can spread your wings with peace of mind.