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

IJP Report (TUMSAT Oct 2024 - Mar 2025)

2025.04.30

IPB University (Republic of Indonesia)
Graduate School of IPB University
Aquaculture Science
Second Year of Master's Program
B.C.A.S.

   Starting from the beginning of October 2024 to the end of March 2025, I had the opportunity to participate in the OQEANOUS Plus IJP at TUMSAT. A valuable, enjoyable and unforgettable experience during my stay in Tokyo. This dream came true after a long time. I went through many things and I am grateful to be able to learn many things here.

Figure1 in front of TUMSAT(Left: October 2024, right:March 2025

【Thorough Preparation】

Since this is my first time abroad, I am very excited and prepared well. At the same time, I feel nervous. I am a little afraid that many things will not fit and it will be difficult to adapt. But with the help of the precious people around me, I feel relieved and enjoy my days.

【Study and Practice in Laboratory】

I chose the genome science lab as a place for me to grow. In the first month, I was given the task by my Sensei to discuss with the lab members about their research, then decide what I wanted to focus on. I decided to study vaccines in fish and analysis related to immune responses. I took this research seriously because this was my first experience learning many new techniques (for me) related to genomes and molecules freely.

Figure2 experimental activities (A: RNA extraction, B: fish tank, C:blood sampling)

【Classes】
I see the difference between lectures in class between TUMSAT and my home university. In TUMSAT, the number of class meetings depends on the subject and the availability of the lecturers' time. So there is no equal number between subjects. I took three classes, namely Genome Science, Aquatic Feed Technology, and Fish Pathophysiology. Classes are conducted online and offline. I also took a Japanese language class.

【Other Activities as TUMSAT Student】

Figure 3 Student life (left: Umitaka Festival, right: omikuji)

In addition to studying in class and doing research, there is one festival that is routinely held in TUMSAT, namely Umitaka Festival. I participated in this activity. In addition, I joined the International Student Club, which often holds activities outside the campus. Activities focus on exploring places around Tokyo such as historical sites, popular spots and others while exchanging stories about cultures from various countries.

【Favorite Cuisine】

During almost 6 months in Japan, I tried as many new foods as possible. I have loved sushi for a long time and honestly it turned out to be tastier and fresher in Japan. I also found some ramen restaurants that I liked in Kamakura and Omori. The thing that I feel is very convenient in Japan is the self-order and self-service system. At least Japanese food does not surprise me and I can still enjoy it very much.

Figure4 Japanese cuisine(A: ramen and tsukemen, B: karaage-don, C:sushi, D: tendon and soba)

【Experiencing the Three Seasons】
Living in a country with four seasons was originally a dream for people from tropical countries. Being able to feel the snow, see beautiful flowers blooming, and the enchanting yellow leaves falling is an experience I will never forget. I visited Karuizawa to experience playing in the snow. Traveling for about three hours by bus, I really maximized one day to explore the place. I have also visited Kamakura twice because it is a very fun place for a one day trip. Traveling from one place to another is very easy and not confusing because of the availability of adequate transportation. Just relying on the Maps apps, I can visit many places there.

【Some message for the next participant】
This program provides full support for me to study in Japan and I also really enjoy my days here. Don't be afraid to discuss in the classroom or laboratory and try many things on campus such as language facilities and joining clubs. Explore many beautiful places in Japan. Have a nice day!