岡野 翔大(Okano Shodai)
九州大学大学院 工学府土木工学専攻3年 構造解析学研究室
(Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University,
Department of Civil Engineering, 3rd year,
Structural Analysis Laboratory)
Article:
The Dual Degree Program between Kyushu University and National Taiwan University (a program to obtain two master’s degrees from both universities within three years) started in 2023. I studied at NTU for one and half year as the first student of this program. Taiwan is a place where technology is rapidly advancing. I chose to study abroad there to experience this trend firsthand, broaden my horizons for the future, and improve my foreign language skills.
During my study abroad, everything was new to me, and everything from my daily life to my campus life was a series of challenges. For example, in the beginning, I was not very good at my English pronunciation (called “samurai accent”). However, when I saw foreign students from other countries speaking with the accent of their own country, I realized that communication isn’t about perfect pronunciation, but about conveying my message clearly. This helped me gain the confidence to express my own opinions. As a result, when I participated in an international academic conference (KKHTCNN) as a representative of NTU, a professor of a Thai university said to me, “Your research is very interesting and above all, your presentation was good. Please keep up the good work.”
In addition, the most valuable thing I gained from my study in Taiwan is my friends in the laboratory. They do not treat me as a foreigner in any special way and often take me out for dinner and fun. During the Lunar New Year when most stores were closed, they even invited me to their house and treated me to a traditional Taiwanese meal. Although we have different cultures and values, we are connected through our common goals of research and study. I feel that I have been able to understand different cultures and values through my interactions with them, and I have also been able to grow as a person.
Now that I have returned to Japan, I am actively taking care of international students from NTU to Kyushu University. I am now in a position to return the kindness I received from my Taiwanese friends, and I am more deeply appreciative of my friends’ kindness. When I see they are fighting and adapting to the Japanese lifestyle and research environment, it reminds me of how I used to be, and I naturally know what kind of support I need to give them. When they are struggling with language barriers, I listen carefully, remembering the “anxiety of not being able to communicate” that I myself experienced in Taiwan, and help them as an interpreter when necessary.
When I look back on the various challenges I faced during my study abroad, I realize that I have developed a mindset that even things that seem difficult at first glance can be managed if I am determined to give it a try. Before my study abroad, I was hesitant to enter a doctoral program because of financial concerns and the fear of being in the minority, but now I have decided to give it my all and try what I am interested in. I feel that taking “just a tiny step” from Japan to very close Taiwan is a “great step” that greatly changed my view of life and values, and expanded my future possibilities. The lesson “I can’t know everything unless you try,” will continue to guide my actions in the future. I believe that the friendships I made in Taiwan will be more than just memories of my study abroad period; they will be lifelong treasures that will add color to my life.
Some photos:https://photos.app.goo.gl/H8NJ9xDenmHKMX9L8
