OQEANOUS Plus ProgramOversea Quality-assured Education in Asian Nations
for Ocean University Students Plus

STP Report (SHOU Jul - Aug 2024)

2025.03.06

Course of Food Science and Technology, Graduate School of TUMSAT
1st year of Master's Program
Y.Y.

Reason for Applying STP

I had never been to an overseas university before, but I was a little interested in studying abroad because there were international students in my laboratory. When I was talking to friends and doing my own research to see if there was such an opportunity at university, I learned that there was an international exchange meeting called OEP that was held online, and I first participated in it. This made me want to actually go there and interact with overseas students, so I applied to participate in this program. 

About online lectures

I don't have many opportunities to encounter fields that are different from my major, so it was a very valuable experience. At first, I felt that it was difficult, but the professors at the university understood this, so they carefully explained it to students outside of their majors in an easy-to-understand manner.
It was very interesting to be involved in a field that I would not have the opportunity to come into contact within my usual laboratory, and to gain new perspectives and ways of thinking. In addition, even though the fields are different, I realized that my research methods and what I learned as an undergraduate were also being used in other fields, which gave me an opportunity to gain a multifaceted perspective. I think it's also interesting to encounter knowledge outside of your area of expertise.

Face-to-face program (field trip) at Shanghai Ocean University

In this program, I had the valuable opportunity to visit various facilities and had many experiences. In addition to visiting university laboratories, museums, fish farms, food factories, and water purification plants, we also enjoyed a Chinese cultural experience and a downtown tour of Shanghai. I was able to experience a wide range of fields related to the sea, and I was able to spend a very fulfilling time. In particular, as a major in the food field, it was very interesting and impressive for me to actually visit a dairy factory overseas. At the end of the program, the students gave a presentation based on their experience as a group. This presentation was the most nerve-wracking moment, but I was able to enjoy it unexpectedly and it was a very good experience with a sense of accomplishment.

Interaction with students from other universities

Honestly, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had studied English a little more beforehand and practiced paraphrasing it into simple words. Even so, the students who participated were very kind, and even if I was stuck for words, they tried their best to listen to me, so I was able to enjoy the conversation with peace of mind.
Also, my roommate was very kind, and we had a good time going out to eat together and taking walks after returning to the hotel. In particular, I am very grateful to her for her support.
I was also impressed by the fact that there were many students who liked Japanese anime and manga and wanted me to teach them Japanese. I was very happy with such exchanges, and it was a wonderful experience to realize that Japan culture is familiar.

Awareness changed after participating

I realized that being able to speak English would expand my world, which made me want to study English more. I think it would be fun to interact with people from more countries through English. In addition, I heard about university life from students in other countries, and I was inspired by their diligent and motivated attitude. That made me want to work harder.
This was my first time visiting an overseas university, but I was able to have a very fulfilling time. If there is such an opportunity again, I would like to join it.