Japanese

Voices of International Students

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MD MEHEDI HASAN

Doctoral Program in Computer Science, Degree Programs in Systems and Information Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology

From Bangladesh

MD MEHEDI HASANi
Enjoying the beautiful autumn season

What sparked your interest in this university?

I became interested in the University of Tsukuba because its strong reputation in research, international environment, and interdisciplinary approach to education. As a student interested in nonlinear dynamics, time series analysis, and biomedical signal processing, I found that the university provides an excellent environment for advanced research in these fields. I was particularly interested in working with my current PhD supervisor because of his strong research expertise and contributions in this area, and I wanted to learn from him. In addition, my former supervisor in Bangladesh completed his PhD at this university, and his research skills, achievements, and professional reputation inspired me to join the University of Tsukuba. Another important factor was the University's openness toward international students. I felt Tsukuba would provide not only academic growth but also a chance to experience Japanese culture, build global connections, and develop myself personally and professionally.

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

One of the most surprising aspects of Japanese culture for me was the high level of discipline, punctuality, and respect for others in everyday life. People carefully follow rules, maintain cleanliness in public spaces, and value quietness and consideration for others. I was also impressed by how efficiently public transportation and administrative systems operate. At first, adapting to indirect communication styles and formal social etiquette was challenging because the communication culture in Bangladesh is generally more direct and expressive. However, over time, I learned to observe, listen attentively, and become more mindful in social interactions. I adapted by practicing basic Japanese, learning cultural norms from friends and teachers, and gradually developing routines that matched the organized lifestyle in Japan.

MD MEHEDI HASAN
Enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery during my travels in Japan

What do you enjoy about Tsukuba?

What I enjoy most about Tsukuba is its balance between academic focus and peaceful daily life. The University of Tsukuba has a large and beautiful campus with excellent research facilities, libraries, and spaces where students from many countries can interact. I especially appreciate the collaborative research atmosphere and the accessibility of professors and researchers. The Tsukuba region itself is calm, clean, and convenient for students. I enjoy cycling around the city, visiting parks, and experiencing the seasonal beauty of Japan throughout the year. At the same time, Tsukuba is scientifically vibrant because many research institutes are located nearby, which creates a motivating environment for students interested in innovation and research. Overall, Tsukuba provides a comfortable and productive environment for both study and personal growth.

What do you hope to achieve during your time here?

During my time at the University of Tsukuba, I hope to strengthen my research skills and contribute meaningful work in the field of nonlinear time series analysis and biomedical signal processing. My goal is to develop reliable classification methods that can help analyze complex biological and dynamical systems more effectively. I also want to publish high-quality research papers, present my work at international conferences, and collaborate with researchers from different disciplines. Beyond academics, I hope to build strong international friendships. I would also like to contribute to the university community by supporting other international students and sharing my own experiences. Ultimately, I want to grow into an independent researcher capable of contributing to both academia and society.

What do you think makes the University of Tsukuba special?

I believe the University of Tsukuba is special because it combines academic excellence with openness, diversity, and innovation. The university encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students and researchers from different fields to work together on complex problems. Its strong connections with various research communities and institutes create valuable opportunities to collaborate with prominent researchers across multiple disciplines. This environment is especially valuable for modern research areas that require knowledge from multiple disciplines. Another unique aspect is the strong international atmosphere. Students from many countries study here, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and global perspectives. I also think the university's connection with major research institutes in Tsukuba Science City provides exceptional opportunities for advanced research and collaboration. In addition, the campus environment is both peaceful and intellectually stimulating, which helps students focus on learning, research, and personal development at the same time.

MD MEHEDI HASAN
Exploring the culture and attractions of different regions of Japan