Kyoto Styudy

For those considering study abroad in Kyoto For international students in Kyoto

International Student Interviews

Please take a listen to opinions directly from international students.

I want to pursue a career which I can help deepening the communication between China and Japan

Kyoto University

CHEN JIAMING (From China)

※Interview in 2021

How did you decide where to study abroad? Please tell us why you chose Kyoto in the end.

Firstly, I already knew how it feels to live in Kyoto before I came to study here. I participated in the Kyoto Study problem held by The Consortium of Universities in Kyoto in 2018, which gave me a basic understanding of the Kyoto city.
Secondly, Kyoto University, a well-known and among the top 100th world rank university, is located here. It is my dream to study in this kind of top university since childhood.
Thirdly, my favorite animation company-Kyoto Animation is also located in here. These are the reasons for me to study in Kyoto.

What are you currently studying? If you’ve already graduated, what did you study before?

I am now pursing my master degree in the Lab of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University. My current thesis is about the reproduction and ecology of the Reticulitermes speratus termite. Termite is a pest to our human world, but it possesses high value to the nature as a decomposer of wood. Beside that, termite, as it stores high amount of protein, is the food source for many insects and even animals, which makes it vital to the food chain. However, despite the importance, people’s understanding about the termite remains scarce. That is why I want to contribute myself to studying the termite and enrich the terminology.

Before studying abroad, what kind of image did you have of Kyoto?

In fact, I only thought that Kyoto is a historical city where there are many historical sites.

How did your image of Kyoto change when you actually studied abroad here?

After I came to Kyoto, I found that Kyoto is not only a historical city but rather a modern town. You may find it hard to accept the truth that Kyoto is a city with about more than thousand years of history when you are in the Kyoto Station or in Shijo. But after you come to the Imperial Palace, you will once again affirm that you are in the historical city.

What were you nervous about before studying abroad? Please tell us in detail.

I was quite concerned about my Japanese level, because I can not speak Japanese at all before I came to Japan. Although I know that it is possible to live here with English, in terms of pursing a degree, it may be more difficult as it takes a much longer time and it really requires the language ability if you want to fit in to the local.

What about Kyoto makes you glad to have come here? What has made an impression on you?

the city, which marks the most beautiful time of the year. On the other hand, this doesn’t last long, if you don’t cherish to enjoy as much as possible, you will never get the second chance in the year.

Was there anything especially difficult about studying abroad?

I found it kind of hard to fit in the laboratory at first, because the way of lab management, lab atmosphere and the relationship with the professor are quite different from China.

What do you think is most appealing about studying in Kyoto?

Study in Kyoto is like you are study in a historical site but you don’t need to pay for the tickets.

How do you want to utilize your study abroad experience in the future?

I want to make full use of what I have learnt and experienced to enrich my life and find a good job

What is your post-graduation dream?

My dream in the future would be engage in a career which is agriculture related. I want to make full use of what I have learnt so far to make contribution to the society. On the other hand, if there are some possibilities, I want to pursue a career which I can help deepening the communication between China and Japan, enriching the mutual understanding and let Japanese people know more about China, and Chinese people know more about Japan.

Lastly, please give a message to students considering studying abroad in Kyoto.

Kyoto is the place which will never fail your expectation!

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