SAKNARIN NIN-INJAN

Voices of International Students

Jul 21, 2026

Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences

From Thailand

What sparked your interest in this university?

What sparked my interest in the University of Tsukuba was its outstanding reputation, not only in Japan but also around the world. The university offers excellent research facilities and a supportive environment for both academic and personal growth.
I actually became interested in Japan when I was young, through watching anime like "Crayon Shin-chan" and "Detective Conan." These shows opened my eyes to Japanese culture and daily life, and made me curious about the country.
Another reason why I chose Tsukuba is the city itself. I do not like living in a big city with many people, so Tsukuba is a perfect place for me. It's a quiet science city, but Tokyo is only about fifty minutes away by train. This particular environment, coupled with the strength of the university.

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

Before I came to Japan, I had heard that Japanese people were not very open to foreigners, so I was a little nervous about making friends and adapting to a new environment. But my experience was completely different than what I expected.
When I came to Tsukuba, I joined a volleyball club and was surprised at how friendly everyone was. Even though most members were not confident speaking English, and my Japanese was still at a beginner level, they always tried to talk with me and include me in activities. Their kindness made me feel relaxed and supported.
I have been actively learning Japanese to adapt. I like to practice whenever I can, like at convenience stores or in daily conversation. I'm improving my language skills and my knowledge of Japanese culture with each and every conversation. Through this experience, I've learned that language barriers can easily be overcome with friendship and kindness.

What do you enjoy about Tsukuba?

I like Tsukuba because it's a good balance of academic life and daily life. The University of Tsukuba offers a great research environment, with modern facilities, supportive professors, and the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds.
I like living in Tsukuba City. Tsukuba is peaceful, green, and easy to live in, unlike big cities. I like the easygoing vibe, as I'm not one for crowded cities. But it's also only about 50 minutes by train to Tokyo, so it's convenient for transportation when I want to go somewhere else.
Another thing I love is the international community. I met a lot of friends from Japan and all over the world. It has been a great way to learn about other cultures and share mine. Tsukuba really feels like a science city where people can focus on learning, research, and self-development.

What do you hope to achieve during your time here?

I hope to develop both academically and as an individual through my experience at the University of Tsukuba. I would like to improve my research skills in medical science and gain more experience in conducting high-quality research that can contribute to improving healthcare and addressing antimicrobial resistance.
Outside of the laboratory, I hope to continue participating in extracurricular activities, particularly volleyball, where I can build friendships and learn more about Japanese culture. I also want to improve my Japanese language skills by interacting and communicating with local people daily.
In addition, I hope to be able to contribute to the international community at the university by sharing Thai culture, supporting new international students, and promoting cross-cultural exchange. Through these experiences, I hope to become a better researcher and a more open-minded, globally-minded person.

What do you think makes the University of Tsukuba special?

The University of Tsukuba is special in that it is a unique combination of academic excellence, innovation, and international diversity. It is one of the top research universities in Japan with great research facilities and collaboration opportunities with experts from various fields.
Another unique feature is its location in the science city of Tsukuba. The city is a quiet and comfortable place to live, but it is also close to Tokyo, allowing students to focus on their studies and research without the distractions of a large metropolitan area.
I like the international environment of the university as well. Students and researchers from many different countries work and study together, providing opportunities to exchange ideas and learn from diverse perspectives.