XINGYA YUAN

Voices of International Students

Aug 25, 2026

Doctoral Program in Heritage Studies, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Science

From China

Leading a class session as a Teaching Fellow

What sparked your interest in this university?

I became interested in the University of Tsukuba because of its reputation in Heritage Studies and its interdisciplinary research environment. I was especially interested in the way the program brings natural and cultural heritage together. These two areas are studied separately in most other universities, but students at Tsukuba are encouraged to look at heritage from many different perspectives, including nature, landscape, culture, history, and local communities. This approach is very close to my own interests in understanding how people can conserve nature and heritage while also supporting the needs of local communities. The opportunity to learn from specialists with diverse academic backgrounds and to engage in interdisciplinary research was also especially appealing.

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

One aspect of Japanese culture that surprised me was the importance placed on consensus-building and mutual respect. In both professional settings and everyday life, people often take time to communicate carefully and consider different perspectives before making decisions. As I became more familiar with Japanese culture, I began to appreciate how this approach helps build trust and supports long-term cooperation. In many situations, taking the time to understand different perspectives and build mutual trust can lead to more sustainable and meaningful outcomes. It continues to shape both my research and the way I work with others.

Fieldwork during a week-long course on Chichijima Island, Ogasawara

What do you enjoy about Tsukuba?

One of the things I enjoy most about Tsukuba City is the balance it offers between academic life and everyday life. It is close enough to Tokyo for cultural activities while offering a quieter environment that is comfortable for studying and daily living. Whether taking a walk around campus, visiting Mount Tsukuba, or simply enjoying the changing seasons, the natural surroundings give me a welcome break from research and help me recharge. Tsukuba City recently became the most populous city in Ibaraki Prefecture, with the highest population growth rate in the prefecture. I think this growth reflects the city's unique appeal as a place where people can build a life.

A wild Japanese serow encountered in Hakusan National Park, Ishikawa Prefecture

What do you hope to achieve during your time here?

During my time at the University of Tsukuba, I hope to deepen my understanding of Heritage Studies and nature conservation while continuing to connect ideas from different fields. I also hope to remain open-minded and keep an interest in new perspectives and ways of thinking. Both academic research and professional practice often require us to focus on responsibilities and immediate tasks. I hope that, even while meeting those demands, I can continue to make good use of the learning environment at Tsukuba and keep the curiosity that first led me to this field to complete research that I believe meaningful.

What do you think makes the University of Tsukuba special?

What makes the University of Tsukuba special to me is that it creates an environment where students can fully devote themselves to learning and personal growth. There is something about the atmosphere here that makes it easier to set aside distractions and truly enjoy studying and doing research. Perhaps it comes from the peaceful surroundings, the close relationships between students and professors, or the people who make up this community. As an international student, that sense of belonging meant a great deal to me. It gave me the confidence to explore new ideas, ask questions, and gradually grow as both a researcher and a person. Looking back, I realize how deeply this environment has influenced my time at Tsukuba.