From Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
- Name
SHRESTHA Pratikshya - Country/ Region of Citizenship
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal - Graduated from
Tribhuwan University - Department
Department of Computer Science and Communications Engineering （Master’s）
Privately-financed student (Expecting to receive Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship)
How did you find out about Waseda University?
When I decided that I wanted to study in Japan, I started searching on the internet for universities in Tokyo and Waseda was listed as one of the top universities. Then, I searched for a program that dealt with Telecommunication Network which I wanted to study and found out that my current laboratory was researching in the same field. It was then I thought that Waseda would be a great platform for me.
-Why did you choose Waseda University?
When I was listing the universities which had my course in Tokyo, and had mailed a couple of them, I got a positive response from my sensei instantly. There was no time to wait for other universities and Waseda was the only my preference.
-How did you get information for our program?
GITS was the program I had intended to apply at first but in 2015, the university was no longer accepting application for GITS. So, my professor advised me to apply to this international program because all the programs are conducted in English and there were topics matching my interest. The university website was also very useful throughout my admission procedure.
-Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan?
Main thing was the language, communication with people here. Since I am privately financed student and did not have japanese language proficiency, I was quiet worried about getting a part-time job too.
-Have you had any difficulties when you started a new life here?
I have been finding out it is very hard to express my feelings to someone who does not understand English and it feels really helpless. That is one thing I really have gone through daily here.
Second was the food. It is really healthy but I am used to eating a lot of spicy food. I am getting used to it I guess! I like sushi, gyoza and ramen so far but still I search for restaurants with spicy food. I mostly go to ramen shops for spicy ramen. There are also a lot of Nepalese restaurants around this campus.
-How is your life in Japan and Waseda?
It is going really busy actually. I find myself really occupied in the lab but I like it. I prefer having things to be done rather than just sitting unoccupied. Initially, I used to find it weird people hurrying to catch a train. But, nowadays, I find myself doing the same. Well, now I can say I am getting used to the Japanese discipline and busy life.
-What do you do in your free time?
Since I am not engaged in any jobs, I go to the Refresh Studio (Gymnastic Studio at Waseda University) for yoga about 2 to 3 times a week in the evening. I have also joined Salsa club at Waseda and I really enjoy there. I have made many friends in that club. So, I guess I am quiet busy in the evenings. I love being in Toyama Park sometimes. It is lovely out there. On Sundays, I do my household work and spend time with friends.
-How are the relationships with your supervisor and lab members?
There are about 30 people in my lab including my supervisors. My professor is really kind. All the supervisors at my lab are really helpful. Whenever I have a problem, I go to them. They are always ready to help me.Most of the lab members are international students from different countries like Africa, Greece, Afghanistan, and China. There are only few Japanese students. In the master’s program, there is only one Japanese student, so I do not have the chance to practise Japanese. However, he tries teaching me some Japanese words and helps me when I don’t know something. We mostly have conversations using the Google Translate. So, the lab members are really good and helpful.
Outline of the research
My research is basically on the wireless networks. I am working on the use of ad hoc networks in a disaster effected area. Traditional routing methods involve pre-discovered routes causing too much over-head and excessive use of energy. So, we are trying to develop a protocol which opportunistically routes the network resulting in minimum overhead and high efficiency.
What is your career goal after your degree completion?
As for now, I would really want to work in a company. I would be very happy to work in Japan because I like the discipline here and being at work on time. They are so dedicated to work, and I love that part of Japanese culture.
However, continuing a PHD would also be a great choice if I get a scholarship to cover my expenses. But that is just an option for now. My professor is good so I would like to be under his supervision more.
Short message to the prospective students
in English
Hello!! If you viewing this message, it obviously means that you are planning to come to Waseda for your studies. Well, I think that would be a very good decision because Waseda is one of the prestigious universities in Japan.
Life in Japan is very tough specially if you are a privately-financed student and the way the classes are conducted are completely different from what we have been doing in Nepal. So, there are many problems you have to face. But, I think the experience and knowledge that you are going to get out here will totally make you feel that it is worth it. You get a chance to groom yourself as a confident and hardworking person. So, I would say that Waseda is a good option to consider to study in Japan.
in Nepali
In preparation
