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IJP Report2 (KASETSART University Jan 2025 - May 2025)

2025.06.30

Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology
Course of Ocean Policy Management

First Year of Master's Program
H.Y.

　I studied abroad at Kasetsart University in Thailand for 5 months from January to May 2025. I would be happy if this could help those who are interested in studying abroad.

【Motive】

 　When I was a junior high school student, I went to Australia on a graduation trip, and had a homestay for approximately 2 weeks, and had many experiences that I couldn't have in Japan. At the time, I realized how much I had lived in a narrow environment with inflexible values. Also, I felt I wanted to go abroad one day, not as a tourist, after coming back to Japan. And after I became a university student, I was looking for an opportunity to study abroad. But, due to COVID-19 and other factors, it was difficult to study abroad. However, I as able to study abroad at the last chance before I start working.

【Preparation】

 　I struggled with visa applications, documents I would submit to KU, and registration. Also, it was kind of difficult for me to do my graduation research and prepare for my graduation thesis at the same time because I studied abroad between my fourth year of undergraduate school and my first year of graduate school. However, thanks to the two coordinators, I could deal with them with peace of mind. I appreciate it.

【Classes, Research】

　I took 2 classes: Ocean and Climate Change, Sustainable Marine Tourism, and had a research subject. They were composed of 9 credits. My major in Japan is marine resources and energy, so I took classes about climate change and policy that I couldn't take at my university on purpose. The class time was a little long, 3 hours per class, but the atmosphere of the class, including my advisor, was so good, and the content that I could learn was new for me, so I was able to enjoy the classes. In addition to my classes, I went to the ocean to get samples for my research, and had a few opportunities to help other students in the ocean as activities related to my research subject. I envied the KU students because they have many opportunities to be able to experience various things in the field.

　　　　

Pic.1 Class　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Pic.2 boat

Pic.3 Research experience in the sea　　

【Life in dormitory, meal】

I lived in a dormitory called Krissana International Dormitory for 5 months. Maybe it was because I stayed alone in a room for two, but the room was big enough and there was many storage space, so I could live there comfortably.

I ate great food out a lot.

Pic.4 Dormitory　　

【Culture, Values】

　I felt that Thai people are basically smiling, kind, cherish relationships, and enjoying each day of their lives. At first, I couldn't understand Thai at all, so it was difficult to communicate with Thai people. However, they smiled and managed to understand what I wanted to tell them. Honestly, I got the impression that Thai people are kinder and warmer than Japanese people. And also, as the phrase "Mai Pen Rai" suggests, Thai people think about things optimistically.

Pic. 5 Teachers and students

【Difficulties, Fun things】

　The only 2 difficulties I had were not being able to read the letters on the menu when I wanted to order at a restaurant, and not being able to communicate with them in Thai. On the contrary, I could enjoy everything except for those 2 things. I really enjoyed every day, and when I came back to Japan from Thailand, I said, "I wish I could stay there longer," in a conversation with a person who went to study abroad at KU with me.

【feeling after studying abroad】

　When you go to foreign countries, you can feel that culture, lifestyle, values, language, and so on are completely different compared to your country. I was reminded of how limited my world was. And, it is a treasure in my life that I was able to understand a new culture and values, and meet people that I think I couldn't have met if I had not been to Thai.

　Another thing that I felt was the importance of language. After all, you can become even closer to them if you can speak and catch up the local language. I also realized that the beginning of a relationship is communication.

【For future students】

　I don't think it's easy to make the decision to study abroad. This is because everything is different from Japan. At first, you may feel stressed. It will be difficult to parallel your graduation thesis as well if you want to study abroad at the same time as I did. But, when you come back from studying abroad, you will be a new you. You will be able to have new values and see new scenery. You should be proud of yourself. I strongly hope you will choose to study abroad if you are interested in studying abroad.