![](\"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/fsci\/assets\/uploads\/2017\/01\/1482896070244.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Name
\nBRITO Benjamin<\/strong>
\n<\/strong><\/li>\n- Country\/ Region of Citizenship
\nRepublic of Guatemala
\n<\/strong><\/li>\n- Graduated from
\nSan Carlos University<\/strong><\/li>\n- Department
\nDepartment of Civil and Enviromental Engineering (Master\u2019s)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 MEXT (Embassy Recommendation) Scholarship Student
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
How did you find out about Waseda University? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
I heard about Waseda many years ago, from former students as well as internet searching.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Why did you choose Waseda University?<\/h3>\n
I knew about what topic of research was conducted in my department, after collected some information from previous researches I decided to join Waseda University.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
How did you get information for our program?<\/h3>\n
After I received confirmation from my supervisor to be a part of his laboratory, I heard from him about this program, I also contacted some international students and they gave me more details related to syllabus and researches.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan?<\/h3>\n
My first concern was the difference of culture, Asian countries and Latin American countries are different in many cultural aspects. My second concern was language; since language is important for communication; but now I don\u2019t have any concern living here.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Have you had any difficulties when you started a new life here?<\/h3>\n
During my first two weeks in Japan, I had some difficulties specially with my Japanese skill, but after that I met many Japanese friends as well as improving my Japanese level, especially for a basic communication; then my life became easier than I thought.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
How is your life in Japan and Waseda?<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/fsci\/assets\/uploads\/2017\/01\/1482554439868-610x458.jpg\")
<\/a>Japan is amazing, in Tokyo I enjoy walking and going to different places. I can find traditional events every weekend. I mostly spend my time at school but sometimes on weekends I go out with friends, having fun or going to cities around Tokyo.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
What do you do in your free time?<\/h3>\n
Usually I go to popular places in Tokyo, I visit some international festivals or enjoying Japanese traditional events.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
How are the relationships with your supervisor and lab members?<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/fsci\/assets\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_20160214_155613-610x458.jpg\")
<\/a>Everything is going well with them, my professor is very kind and always friendly to students. My lab mates are also kind, especially Japanese members.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Outline of the research<\/h3>\n
My research topic is related to seismic design of structures. In order to enhance performance of structures I study a device called Frictional pendulum. In the lab we study the behavior of this isolator that can make structures safe against earthquakes.<\/p>\n
We just finished a shaking table experiment for this research.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
What is your career goal after your degree completion?<\/h3>\n
I wish I could continue doing research, hopefully until complete a PhD.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Short message to the prospective students<\/h3>\n
in English<\/h4>\n
If you want to come to Waseda, this is a good option. I have been here for a few months but I can say that coming to this school, joined my supervisor\u2019s team, and doing experiments are something I cannot obtain everywhere.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
in Spanish<\/h4>\n
- Country\/ Region of Citizenship