Aruzhan SUSHY is an International Exchange Student from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. She shared her experiences of life in Japan and at Waseda University.
Q1. What made you decide to come to Waseda to study?
Initially, going to university in Japan was a big dream for me. Everyone knows about the prestigious status of Waseda University, so I was very glad that I was able to win a one-year study program at Waseda University.
It was important for me to get high-quality knowledge. Knowing in advance about the professionalism of Waseda University professors, I had no doubts about the possibilities of developing my academic knowledge while studying at this university. Now, having studied at Waseda University for two semesters, I can confirm all of the above. The university and professors really gave me a huge amount of knowledge that will be useful to me in the future.
I also heard about famous personalities who graduated from Waseda University. It inspired me a lot when I entered the university.
In addition, I really wanted to feel the student life. Waseda University has a large number of different activities where every student can find something for himself.
Q2．What are you currently studying at Waseda?
I studied at the Faculty of Human Studies. At the faculty, I studied completely different subjects: from history to psychology. I liked all the disciplines that I studied. Most of all I liked the lessons on Japanese culture and history. The Japanese approach to teaching Japanese culture and history made me fall in love with Japan once again.
Q3. How did you find the typical class sizes?
Classes at the university were spacious and bright. In addition, everything was equipped with modern technologies for more comfortable learning. I want to study in such classes, as everything is done for the convenience of the teacher and students.
Q4. Please describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class.
Oddly enough, my most memorable university experience is not about studying. Professor Atsushi Ogihara led the seminars I took at Waseda University. So, the most memorable and fun activities were the work on the plantations of Waseda University with students under the guidance of Professor Atsushi Ogihara. For the first time I was digging potatoes and picking garlic. I really enjoyed working on the plantations! As it turned out, working with the earth grounds people and unites them. It was an amazing experience with the students.
Q5. Tell us about your campus life at Waseda University.
I could not get a feel for campus life because I rented an apartment near the university. However, I am sure that campus life at Waseda University must be a lot of fun.
Q6. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as an international student?
As an international student, I can say that finding new acquaintances at the university is very easy. Especially if you are visiting Japan for the first time, everyone will try to help you. Therefore, almost from the first day I started attending Waseda University classes, I got many pleasant acquaintances. Networking is a very useful thing, so I was only glad to meet anyone at the university. The main thing is to be open to the world and people.
Q7. What differences do you perceive between Japanese and Belgium universities?
The biggest difference between a university in my home country and a Japanese university is the education system. In Kazakhstan, at state universities, students do not choose the disciplines they will study. I liked that in Japan, a student can choose the disciplines they want to study, as well as make their own study schedule.
Q8. How would you describe the dorm life – rooms, dining options, location, social opportunities?
I rented an apartment, so I did not get to learn about dorm life. However, according to my friends who live in the dorms at Waseda University, the conditions in the dorms are the best.
Q9. What surprised you the most when you came to Japan?
My first impression was the surprise of the weather. Japan has very high humidity, especially compared to my home country. Therefore, the first week I experienced the acclimatization of the body. Now I am already used to the Japanese weather.
Apart from being surprised by the Japanese weather, my most striking impression to this day is the Japanese discipline. The way the Japanese observe the queue, respect personal space, do not violate human boundaries, the level of service is all that made and is making the biggest impression on me. This is something the world should learn from the Japanese.
Q10. What did you gain from studying at Waseda University?
Studying abroad in Japan has changed my life in many ways. First, I was open to change. I had a positive, welcoming environment and a good overall experience of cultural growth. Secondly, I was able to learn more about a culture for which I had so many questions that I wanted to find answers on my own. Therefore, I think that the most important thing that I was able to get from studying at Waseda University was a cultural experience. My horizons have expanded tenfold. Thirdly, and most importantly, I was able to improve my knowledge of the Japanese language and Japanese history, which opened up endless possibilities for my future.
Q11. What are your plans and outlook for the future?
Now I am thinking about going to graduate school. I would like to get a master’s degree in Japan, so I will try my best to come back here again and get good knowledge.
As for future work, I am interested in international relations and diplomacy. I would like to become a diplomat and develop relations between Japan and Kazakhstan.
