Japanese
Japanese

Voices of International Students

Hyowon-1.jpg

HYOWON LEE

Visual Communication Design Course, School of Art and Design

From Korea

What sparked your interest in this university?

There were two main reasons I was drawn to the University of Tsukuba.
First, it is one of the few comprehensive universities where students can study art. This allowed me to interact with people from various academic backgrounds, offering me new perspectives on design and the opportunity to broaden my knowledge beyond my field.
Second, I was attracted to the flexibility of the curriculum. I could plan my studies freely and take a wide range of courses to create the kind of work I envisioned. Especially in the first and second years, I had the freedom to explore different areas within the School of Art, which helped me deeply reflect on my future academic and career path.

What aspects of Japanese culture or customs surprised you? How did you adapt to them?

One cultural aspect that surprised me in Japan was how quiet public spaces are, especially on trains and buses. People avoid talking on the phone or speaking loudly, and everyone seems to respect the shared space in a very thoughtful way. Coming from a culture where phone conversations in public are more common, this was something I had to adjust to.
At first, I was worried that I might unintentionally disturb others, but by observing and learning from the people around me, I gradually understood and appreciated this unspoken rule.

What do you enjoy about Tsukuba?

To me, Tsukuba feels like a "green area"—filled with clean air, open skies, and beautiful natural surroundings. It provides a perfect balance to academic life, offering peaceful places to refresh the mind. Whether it's cycling through campus, taking walks around the lake, or simply watching the sunset, nature is always close by.
Participating in the Tsukuba Marathon and hiking Mt. Tsukuba have been particularly memorable experiences. They allowed me to connect with the region on a deeper level and feel a sense of accomplishment outside of the classroom. These unique opportunities are what make life in Tsukuba so special and fulfilling.

What do you hope to achieve during your time here?

During my time at the University of Tsukuba, I hope to grow both academically and personally. I want to create designs that are not just visually appealing, but that clearly communicate a message and encourage people to take action. I had a few items on my bucket list for Tsukuba, such as watching the sunrise from Mt. Tsukuba and completing the Tsukuba Marathon—both of which I achieved by 2024.
Building on these experiences, I hope to continue approaching both my studies and campus life with even greater passion.

What do you think makes the University of Tsukuba special?

I believe it's the people who make the University of Tsukuba truly special. The campus is filled with passionate and driven students from all over the world, creating a vibrant and inspiring environment. I've had the chance to meet people with completely different backgrounds and perspectives, and those interactions have helped me grow both academically and personally.
What I appreciate most is the respectful and encouraging atmosphere. People here are genuinely curious about each other's ideas and cultures, and that makes it easy to build meaningful connections. This spirit of openness and mutual respect is something I deeply value, and it's what I believe defines Tsukuba.