Japanese
Japanese

Voices of International Students

Chun-Pi-1.jpg

CHUN PI HSIEH

Master's Programs in Informatics, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences

From Taiwan

I served as a staff member at the lab exhibition.

What sparked your interest in this university?

What sparked my interest in the University of Tsukuba was its strong commitment to welcoming international students. I was impressed by how diverse the student community is and how much support is provided for those coming from abroad. For me, it was important to find a university where studying and living would not be limited by language barriers. Tsukuba offers many opportunities to engage in academic and daily life without excessive worry about communication, while still encouraging cultural exchange. This balance made me feel that I could focus on learning and personal growth, and at the same time, connect with both local and international peers. It created a truly supportive environment that stood out to me.

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

Since I often visited Japan with my family when I was young, I did not face major cultural adaptation problems. Daily life already felt familiar, which made it easier for me to settle in. What truly surprised me, however, was the amount of time and effort required for administrative procedures such as paperwork and official registrations. While I successfully completed them, I found the process more complicated and time-consuming than I had expected. Adapting to this challenge taught me patience, attention to detail, and persistence, and it gave me a deeper understanding of how everyday systems and responsibilities work in Japan.

What do you enjoy about Tsukuba?

What I enjoy most about Tsukuba is its peaceful and simple lifestyle. The quiet environment and abundant greenery create a very relaxing atmosphere that makes daily life comfortable. The location also allows me to focus on both study and personal well-being without too many distractions. At the University of Tsukuba, I especially appreciate the many opportunities to join international student activities. For example, I have participated in several language exchange events, which not only helped me practice communication skills but also gave me the chance to meet people from different backgrounds. These experiences have made my life in Tsukuba both meaningful and enjoyable.


Spring moments with a cat and cherry blossoms

What do you hope to achieve during your time here?

During my time at the University of Tsukuba, I hope to succeed in my academic studies and create many meaningful and memorable experiences. I want to challenge myself by trying things I have never had the chance to experience before, so that my student life in Japan will feel truly fulfilling. Although I have not yet decided whether I will continue on to a doctoral program or begin working after graduation, my goal is to build a strong foundation that will allow me to remain in Japan and contribute further. I wish to make the most of this opportunity both academically and personally.

What do you think makes the University of Tsukuba special?

I think the University of Tsukuba is special because it provides a very welcoming environment for international students and creates a truly comfortable place to live and study. The campus is surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful atmosphere that supports both focus and relaxation. Compared to my past experiences visiting big cities in Japan, living in Tsukuba has given me the chance to enjoy the calm lifestyle of the countryside, which I found surprisingly easy to adapt to. The university also offers excellent academic resources and many opportunities for international exchange. These experiences make my time at Tsukuba not only valuable for my studies but also deeply enjoyable and memorable.