Student Voices: I was really impressed with the work and study environment here
Tue, Sep 6, 2016-
Tags
From Vietnam
- Name: LE Phuc Thi Minh
- Graduated from: Vietnam National University
- Affiliation: Department of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (Doctoral)
- Awards: Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Learn more about financial aid
How did you find out about Waseda University?
I am a doctoral student in the Waseda University-NIMS Joint Graduate Program. I learned about this program through a friend who had collaborated with Professor Akiyoshi Taniguchi at the National Institute of Material Science (NIMS) in Tsukuba. Professor Taniguchi is also a professor at Waseda University and my current supervisor.
Why did you choose Waseda University?
I had enrolled in a master’s course in Japan before, and I was really impressed with the work and study environment here. Therefore, I wanted to come back again. When my friend introduced me to the Waseda University-NIMS Joint Graduate Program, I contacted Professor Taniguchi, and luckily, he accepted me. More importantly, his research on nanobiomaterials matched my research interests. Furthermore, through information on the internet, I learned that Waseda University is one of the most famous universities in Japan, so I decided to attend Waseda.
How did you get information on your program?
For the admission to the doctoral program, I read and followed the guidance on the university website. In addition, my professor also gave me helpful information.
Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan?
Before coming to Japan, I was concerned about language and finances. I didn’t know Japanese, so I thought I would face many difficulties in communication and daily life. After coming here, however, almost everything is convenient for me. Japanese people are very friendly and enthusiastic, and they always try to communicate with me in English.
My second biggest concern was my finance. Every month, I must save much money for tuition fees. Besides, I wanted to bring my family with me, so I was afraid I couldn’t afford to pay for our living expenses. Fortunately, I received a Japanese Government (MEXT) Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students, which helps me very much.
Did you have any difficulties getting started here?
Yes. Because I didn’t know Japanese at all before coming here, I had to ask for support from my supervisor and our group secretary for all the required procedures for international students. I also had some trouble with setting up my bank account to automatically pay utility bills (electricity, gas and water).
How is your life in Japan and at Waseda now?
As a student in the Waseda University-NIMS Joint Graduate Program, I live and work at in Tsukuba. I think everything is good for my family, and we are enjoying the life here. I like my recent research topic and I use most of the time on weekdays for research work. The work conditions here are very good, and they have all the equipment needed for my experiments. Additionally, to make my life easier and understand Japanese culture I also joined a Japanese class for beginners and a culture class at NIMS.
What do you do in your free time?
On the weekends, my family usually goes out. We go shopping or visit some parks and places around Tsukuba. Sometimes, we meet other Vietnamese people and have dinner together.
How are the relationships with your supervisor and lab members?
They are really good. My supervisor is very kind and speaks English very well. He supports me so much with my research and gives me excellent advice. The lab members are friendly and cooperative. There are three doctoral students in my lab now, and we come from different countries. In the lab, we use English to communicate, so I don’t have any difficulties at work. Sometimes, we have lunch together to welcome new members or to bid farewell to old members. In general, the atmosphere in the lab is warm and cheerful.
What is your research about?
Polystyrene nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used as a model to study interaction between NPs and cells due to their biocompatible and less toxic to the cells. They have many applications in commercial, medical, pharmaceutical and consumer goods. However, there are concerns about the potential toxicity of them to human health and environment including acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, or genetic toxicity. So, the need for information regarding mechanism NPs uptake by biological cells as well as cellular response and acute toxicity is imperative. My research focuses on the effect of polystyrene NPs on the growth of A431 cell line at two aspects safety of NPs and cellular response under influence of NPs.
What is your career goal after you complete your degree?
I am considering either post-doctoral study in Japan or in another country or going back to my work in Vietnam.
Do you have any advice for prospective students?
In English
Studying and working at an international environment has become a desire of most students. Nowadays, Japan is one of the most attractive destinations for Vietnamese students due to its developed economic, science and technology. Besides, the Japanese education system is also highly regarded for its high standards and quality. Waseda University is one of the top level private universities in Japan with modern facilities and equipment, diverse study programs ranging from economics, politics, education and social science to science and technology and so on. At Waseda, you have the opportunity to choose the most suitable major and study level for you. Don’t hesitate. Come and enjoy the benefits of studying at Waseda University.
in Vietnamese
Được học tập và làm việc trong môi trường quốc tế là niềm mong mỏi của hầu hết các bạn sinh viên. Hiện nay Nhật Bản đang là một trong những điểm đến hấp dẫn cho sinh viên Việt Nam bởi đây là một quốc gia có nền kinh tế, khoa học kỹ thuật và công nghệ phát triển. Bên cạnh đó, hệ thống giáo dục của Nhật Bản cũng được đánh giá cao về trình độ và chất lượng đào tạo. Đại học Waseda là một trong những trường đại học tư thục hàng đầu của Nhật Bản với cơ sở vật chất, trang thiết bị hiên đại, chương trình học phong phú từ kinh tế, chính trị, giáo dục, khoa học xã hội tới khoa học kỹ thuật… Đến với Waseda bạn có cơ hội để lựa chọn ngành học và bậc học phù hợp nhất với nhu cầu của mình. Còn chờ gì nữa hãy đến và tận hưởng điều kiện học tập tốt tại đây.
Related Video
WHY WASEDA?
Created for prospective students overseas who are unfamiliar with Waseda University and Japan as a whole, aiming to share the attractive features of studying at Waseda University in Tokyo. Watch this video
