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International Joint Program
IJP Report (TUMSAT October 2025 - March 2026)
2026.07.02
Graduate School of IPB University
Marine Science Course (IPB University)
Second Year of Master's Program
M.N.A
[Why I decided to study at TUMSAT]
I have an interest in marine biology, and at the same time I always wanted to study abroad. Then, I heard about TUMSAT back when I was still a final year undergraduate student. The word "Marine Science" in TUMSAT made me felt that it aligned with my interest. I want to experience study at TUMSAT to know how to interact with Japanese students and professors, how they work in the lab, and how advanced the marine biology science there.
[Life in Laboratory]
I was accepted at ichthyology lab in this program. I did research about Japanese anchovy larvae. I preserved 30 samples using "staining" technique, then examined and measured the bones. But due to time constraints, I don't have enough time to measure all the samples and do a presentation about the research.
[Classroom experiences]
Surprisingly, the lecture was not as busy as I thought. Few of the subjects, the lecturer only asked you to make notes about their recorded videos or slides. The most difficult subject for me is Global Climate Change. In this class, I need to make a presentation about ocean phenomenon and explain some formulas and equations behind that phenomenon. The most interesting subject for me is Japanese Class. I met students from China and Myanmar. I felt my Japanese ability is increasing sharply as I can practice speaking Japanese there.
[Life in Japan]
It is not that hard to live here. I quickly adapted to using some of the features that are new to me. Self-checkout counter, vending machine and even public transportation. Also, this country is very pedestrian friendly. When I have free time, I always take a long walk from campus, around 10 km in total. I enjoy the view of city parks and rivers, crossing paths with local people or other foreigners, or watching the streetside shop staff do their work. So simple, yet so calming.
Luckily, many famous places in Japan such as Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, Akihabara, and Odaiba are very accessible from TUMSAT. You can go to those places in less than one hour.
Language barrier is indeed the most challenging, but it is not that bad as you can just use language translation tools on your phone. Then, for Muslim, sometimes you need to be careful about halal food. Instant ramen, as example, almost always contains pork. So, you should either go to halal shop or choose the vegan ramen one.
Lastly, I am personally weak to cold weather, as I live in a tropical country. So, even with thick clothes, I am still feeling cold when outside. Then, my solution is to keep moving, don't stop for too long when you are outside.
[A message to the future students from me]
If you don't have any financial problems and want to apply for this IJP program, do not hesitate to apply, just apply first. I never expected to be accepted at first, but it happened.
Next, if you get an opportunity to come to Japan, I strongly suggest you study Japanese language as much as possible. Though I said language barrier is not that bad, you cannot completely explore Japan if you are not fluent in Japanese. Some areas need certain Japanese proficiency, so if you enter that area without understand Japanese, you are not going to completely enjoy that place.
Lastly, if you get accepted to this OQEANOUS IJP program, make sure to make a plan thoughtfully about what you will do. Six months happened in an instant; it is very-very short, so make sure you enjoy Japan maximally.
