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

IJP Report (TUMSAT Oct 2024 - Mar 2025)

2025.04.25

IPB University (Republic of Indonesia)
Graduate School of IPB University
Course of Marine Science, Department of Marine Biosciences
Second Year of Master's Program
I.A.W.S.

     "Dear all, I was an exchange student at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT) participating in the International Joint Program (IJP) under the OQEANOUS Plus Program from October 2024 to March 2025. Last fall season became my remarkable experience, much enthusiasm for knowledge, and created a lot of delightful memories in TUMSAT.

【Motivation】
Learning by doing is my motto. I love to learn new things and Japan is known for its advance technology, as the top safest and cleanest country in Asia. Japan is very popular in my campus because some of my lecturers graduated from this country. I was so honored when I had a chance to meet my sensei* and staff from TUMSAT international section via zoom. I was so pleased with the opportunity and here the story began.

【Dormitory】

I lived in Hoyo about 6 minutes walking distance to the Second building where my laboratory located. Fortunately, my room was in the second floor because there's no elevator in dorm. The room was very conveniently equipped with toilet, hot plate, cabinet, air conditioner, bed, desk, chair and balcony with magnificent views and bird sounds every day.     

【Campus life】

In TUMSAT, students focused on research. I was in Fish Pathology lab which had so many advanced tools and quite new for me. My seat in student room was near with sensei's room so I could easily ask anything about experiments. All of the students in my lab were very polite, excellent and hard workers. One of them became my tutor. She was very kind and helped me a lot to accomplish any requirements while I lived in Japan. I also have a mentor (from Philippines), she was friendly, kind and patient on me so I was able to finish my experiment. I took three regular classes which were held in 3 days for a semester. The lecturers taught in English. I also was enthusiastic to join Japanese class twice a week. Sensei taught us very enjoyably and Some of them also joined in International club so we contacted frequently to travel together during weekend.

【Events】

I was so pleased because sensei and my lab mates prepared welcoming party for new students. In October, I visited Japan-Indonesia festival in Yoyogi Park. In November, my sensei allowed me to study about some tools and methods in the lab, together with students from UNDIP and UMS of JST Sakura Science Program. I was so honored to join in University's gathering and ate so many (delicious) foods. In December my lab celebrated Christmas party. Sensei gave so many food, beverages and the students actively participated in the party. I was so happy because I won Ayu snack (my experiment related to bacteria in Ayu fish) for Bingo game, my present was received by my tutor and I got a precious gift from Sensei. I also joined Christmas party with international club. Besides ex present, we ate, played and talked about cultures from each country. Me and some friends went to Odaiba to watch attractive illuminations. I also joined incredible Christmas party with Christian community in NCC Tokyo (±15 minutes walking from campus). In the end of 2024, I went to Yokohama and see fireworks in the middle of huge crowd I also celebrated Chinese New Year in Yokohama (Chinatown). At the end of February, my sensei invited me to join dinner together with participants of NEXUS program. We ate in Biryani restaurant for halal food and it tasted very good. March known as vernal equinox and I saw some enchanted flowers around Tokyo. I was absolutely delighted when sensei, staff, tutor, mentor, friends and lab mates joined in my farewell party. I was so melted because they gave so many presents and even accompanied me to Haneda airport.

 

【Travel】

Japan has so many scenic parks and fascinating places. By using student card, I freely explored national museum of nature and science in Ueno. I played together with international club members and visited Showa Kinen Koen, Meiji Shrine in Harajuku and Asakusa Temple. Visited big Budha in Kamakura and saw enchanting illumination in Enoshima. I joined a wonderful trip with my lab mates to Aqua world and very relaxed at Shiosai-no-Yu hot spring in Ibaraki prefecture. I played with snow in Karuizawa and amused by Ashigakubo icicle in Saitama prefecture. I rode a bicycle around Kawaguchiko Lake and took a look for Mount Fuji.

【Food】

I love all of the food in Japan. During weekdays, I bought food already prepared from Maruetsu (a supermarket) and My basket (a convenience store) near campus. Ramen restaurant was accessible. I've tried soba at the end of December, ate fresh fried tempura, yummy sushi and tasty udon.

【Notes】

TUMSAT is an excellent place to study, build good connections and lead to another opportunities. It is very accessible, near Shinagawa and Tennozu isle station. It surrounded by many (convenience stores), supermarkets, and gorgeous parks. Please join in OQEANOUS Plus Program to be a part of valuable campus like TUMSAT.      

*sensei: professor in Japanese