News

David Donald Mrema
Master’s Program, Graduate School of Global Information and Telecommunication Studies

I am from a region in Tanzania called Moshi, which is located on the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is a tropical country located in east Africa and rich with natural resources and wild animals that live in national parks and wildlife preserves. Its official languages are Swahili and English.

I began working at a telecommunications company after studying electric power engineering at a local university. While working, I searched for a scholarship that would support my research in the fields of computers and telecommunications. I was able to receive a scholarship from Waseda University. Japan is a perfect place for someone like me that wants to study advanced technology.

However, from the moment I arrived in Japan, I felt confused by the many cultural differences. The greatest problem was language. I was surprised to find out that the majority of Japanese people cannot speak English, even employees at government agencies. In order to adapt to and familiarize myself with Japanese society, I have made time to study the Japanese language, culture, and customs. Japanese people are respectful, well mannered, clean, hardworking, and healthy. I have broadened my perspectives and deepened my understanding of different cultures by studying Japanese culture and interacting with other international students from around the world.

I have also traveled across Japan to places such as Kyushu, Hiroshima, Okayama, Hakone and Fukushima. Wherever I went, people were kind and welcoming. I encountered beautiful areas filled with nature and clean, organized towns. Despite the influence of advanced technology and Western culture, Japanese people continue to value their traditions and culture. My experiences have inspired me to explore ways of preserving traditional Tanzanian values.

My life in Japan and at Waseda has been an invaluable experience. Upon returning to Tanzania, I intend to find employment at a telecommunications company and implement the technology and ideas I have studied. However, I also plan to promote and participate in volunteer and education activities in local communities and universities. I dream that such social activities will someday bring about change in the lifestyles and hearts of Tanzanian people.

Original article posted in Waseda Weekly in 2012