- Name
HARTANTO, Richard Sahala - Country/ Region of Citizenship
Indonesia - Graduated from
Frateran Catholic Senior High School - Department
Department of Modern Mechanical Engineering
Please tell us the reason why you decided to come to Japan and to study at Waseda.
I have been interested in Japan since I was a little and I was interested in Japanese culture, people, foods, life style and anime. Initially I didn’t understand Japanese so much, but after looking at Waseda ‘s program, which is provided in English, I decided to try applying there and now here I am! As a boy, I watched a lot of anime. Anime introduced me much about Japanese traditional things like OSHOGATSU, OHANAMI – They seem so fun and I wanted to experience that culture.
Why did you choose the department of Modern Mechanical Engineering?
I have a father who works as a mechanical engineering in my country. I think it is good to become an engineer like him and contribute what I’ve learned here for my country.
How about classes in Waseda?
The engineering class in our program has comparatively less number of people, 26 people. I think working in small number of people is very advantageous, because the teacher can focus more on each individual and we can receive more opportunity to ask questions or advices. I think teachers are so nice, and they always welcome questions. I can sometimes go to their office personally to ask questions. I’m also taking Japanese classes. They are so fun and refreshing for me.
What do you think are the good points to study at Waseda?
First thing is Waseda is a very famous school, all Japanese people know Waseda! Because of that, I think I will have a job opportunity here at Waseda. Not only that, I think Waseda has good experimental facilities, big libraries, computer rooms and there are a lot of places for students to gather. Secondly, the department that I am studying in is very prestigious in Japan, so I am happy to be a part of it.
How about your future?
I think I should stay here for a few years working in Japan. Going to graduate school is also good.
Are you doing any kind of extracurricular activities or circles activities?
Last year, I joined a design circle. I designed posters and, published them, and I enjoyed them very much.
Have you had any difficulties to live in Japan?
I have lived in university’s dorm. It was quite fun to meet a lot of foreign people there and I also had a good chance to speak in Japanese. Right now I live in an apartment close to the campus. Living alone is quite lonely so I try to make myself busy. As Waseda has a lot of programs or circles, it is a good opportunity for me to use my time efficiently.
Please give the message to people who are considering coming to Waseda.
in English
Waseda is a very challenging University! It lives up to its name and the people here all excel in what they are learning here. Going here gives you a lot of good opportunities and good influences from them. If you want to study Japanese and science, it’s also yet another challenge. So if you’re interested, you should come to Japan and study at Waseda. One last thing, I suggest checking out student circles! You can get many friends who will help you improve your Japanese!
in Indonesian Language
Halo! Perkenalkan saya Richard, berasal dari Surabaya, sekarang sedang melanjutkan pembelajaran kuliah saya di Universitas Waseda. Untuk teman-teman semua yang enggan untuk belajar ke sini karena kesulitan bahasa, jangan khawatir! Saya dulu juga merasakan hal yang sama, namun setelah nekat untuk masuk, saya bangga dengan pilihan saya. Ada banyak tantangan, dan semua itu bias membantu teman-teman untuk berkembang!
