【International Student Interview】Kanagawa University

● What was your impression of coming to Japan?

Japan is overwhelmingly quieter than China. I was most surprised that few people talked or called outside.

I have the impression that everyone follows the rules and manners well. However, I think that observing these decisions is linked to the strength of Japanese industry and the quality of industrial products.

One of the problems I had when I came to Japan as an international student was that it was difficult to rent a room because I was not Japanese. However, if you have a problem, you can consult with a teacher at a Japanese language school, and the support system for international students at the university is very substantial and will help you, so there is no particular problem.

● Why did you choose Kanagawa University as your destination?

The reason I learned about Kanagawa University was that a university employee came to a Japanese language school to explain the school.

Many other university staff came to explain the school, and there were other universities that took the exam, but I thought Kanagawa University was the best.

First of all, the location is good and it is close to Yokohama. Even in China, not only Chinatown in Yokohama but also Minatomirai is famous as a place with a beautiful night view. And because there was a department I wanted to go to.

I was interested in engineering in general, so I thought that the "Comprehensive Engineering Program" at Kanagawa University, where you can learn a wide range of engineering beyond the departments, is very good.

Also, when I was choosing a school, I searched on the Web, but when I consulted with a senior at a Japanese language school who attended the engineering department of Kanagawa University, he said, "There are many support systems for international students. It's a good university with a tuition reduction and exemption system. "

I think that other universities have a reduction and exemption system, but I think Kanagawa University is very fulfilling. For example, the Faculty of Engineering, where I am enrolled, is exempted from an annual fee of 300,000 yen (* 2021, with conditions).

● How did you prepare for the exam?

I wanted to go to the Faculty of Engineering, so I first looked up the technical terms and learned them.

All exams are in Japanese, so no matter how much you know the formula, you can't answer without knowing the technical terms. I think that is the most difficult part.

Another thing that I found difficult was preparing for the interview test.

There is no interview test for university entrance exams in China, so I didn't know what it was like, so I asked a Japanese language school teacher to teach me.

I was nervous at first, but after repeated practice, I became less nervous. In addition, I prepared to answer questions such as what kind of research I would like to do after enrollment.

On the day of the interview test, I was still nervous at first, but the teachers kindly listened to me, so I was able to talk without being nervous from the middle.

● Please tell us about the international student support system at Kanagawa University.

I used the Japanese language learning support system.

There are individual programs and small group programs for Japanese language learning support, but I chose the individual program because I thought I could ask a lot of questions.

When I used the program, I had already taken N1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, but I was not satisfied with the score and wanted to improve my score, so I used this system.

In addition, there is "report correction guidance" by Japanese teachers for international students, so you can rest assured. In my case, the instructor in charge will kindly teach me by e-mail etc., which is very helpful.

When I was in the 1st and 2nd grade, I also participated in international exchange events.

At the International Center of Kanagawa University, events are held on a daily basis, and students from various countries can gather and interact with each other.

I participated in an event to introduce breakfasts from various countries to each other. After hearing about Finnish and Spanish breakfasts, I introduced my favorite Chinese breakfast, soy milk and fried bread. Through exchanges, I was able to discover various cultural differences, such as not seeing many "breakfast specialty stores" in Japan.

Kanagawa University Support for learning Japanese

● Please tell us about your career path after graduation.

I want to go on to graduate school.

I belong to the Department of Materials and Biochemistry from the third year and am studying organic chemistry. My current research theme is "synthesis of plant hormones". I would like to further deepen my research on synthetic substances that can reduce unnecessary roots in plants.

After graduating from graduate school, I would like to work as a university faculty member or an education-related job.

Since I was a high school student, I have had many opportunities to study and teach Japanese to the people around me, and I found it fun to give people knowledge.

I haven't decided whether to return to my home country yet, but if I get a job in Japan after graduation, I would like to work in Japan for several years.

● Please give some advice to international students.

At Kanagawa University, all the students are fine. The teachers are kind and the support system for international students is substantial, so I think it is an attractive university for everyone.

All exam questions are in Japanese, so it is recommended that you master Japanese, English and some specialized knowledge before taking the exam.

I think the most important thing after entering university is the interaction between people. After enrolling, I interacted a lot in the "Comprehensive Engineering Program" class and made many Japanese friends.

Speaking with confidence is the key to developing your Japanese proficiency, which is important for interacting.

Not everyone speaks perfect Japanese, and if you are not confident, you will leave a negative impression on the other person. Therefore, it is important to speak normally without being nervous. I think you should talk to yourself positively. You can't grow without talking.

Also, unlike the study that is taught up to high school, at university, you study by yourself, so you should think carefully about what you are interested in and what you want to do before you go on to university. ..

Coverage / Shooting: April 23, 2021 / Updated June 15, 2022