How did Cambridge International A Levels prepare you for university?
The skills I developed through Cambridge International A Levels were crucial for preparing me and helping me adapt to university life. One of the most important skills I’ve learnt is how to write properly and express my ideas coherently – a skill I’ve honed through AS Level English. This skill supported me through my university applications and continues to help me with my assignments and reports.
Cambridge International A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics also helped me adapt to the pace and general difficulty of mathematics-based classes in university. Further Mathematics especially helped develop my number sense and gave me the skills to understand abstract concepts faster. Thanks to my mathematical foundation rooted in the A Levels, I feel as though most of the maths topics at university are either a review or an extension of what I’ve already learnt.
Why did you decide to study in Japan?
I realised I wanted to study abroad quite early on, narrowing it down to either Japan or Germany, as I felt those two were good for studying engineering. In the end, I chose Japan as it’s relatively cheaper compared to Germany, and there are more scholarship options for undergraduates here. I felt that living here as a student would be great as well – the food is stellar here, especially the seafood. The people here are also very warm and welcoming, and the international community is very tightly knit. Many communities welcomed me with open arms, and thanks to them I don’t really feel that homesick.
How did you adjust to life as an international student in Japan?
When I first came, I felt slightly overwhelmed with the amount of paperwork. However, the university gave us a lot of support, so in the end a lot of the things I needed to do (such as declaring my arrival in the Ward Office, the first payment of insurance) were guided directly by university staff. At no point did I feel lost or confused, thanks to their help.
I learnt Japanese for a few years before coming here, so I could understand enough to survive. However, there are mandatory Japanese classes that start from a very basic level. There are a lot of chances to interact with Japanese people as well! There are many clubs, and the dorms are split evenly between the Japanese and foreign students.
What new opportunities has studying in Japan opened up for you?
There are a lot of labs that I have the chance to enter here – close to 100 only for my major, which I think is huge! If I’m lucky, I’ll be in touch with a lot of very cutting-edge technology here as well. A lot of these labs are doing joint research with private companies, so I hope I could get in contact with them as well.
As part of my scholarship, I will also join a programme visiting research facilities outside of my major as well, which I think is great for expanding my view on cutting-edge STEM topics.
Cambridge has launched a new Cambridge IGCSE Japanese as a foreign language qualification. How do you think this will benefit students?
If you want to study in Japan, I believe it is crucial that you first learn Japanese. Even though you get support from the university for documents that are in Japanese, being able to speak the language makes it so much easier to do things on a daily basis. I think it’s also easier to make friends with Japanese people and, once your Japanese is advanced enough, to discuss with your professors in Japanese. Not only will they appreciate it, I think that their explanations might be clearer with a language they are more comfortable with.
I think that it is also important to know Japanese customs and etiquette before you arrive. A Japanese as a Foreign Language class will most definitely benefit those who are interested in studying in Japan.
What advice would you give to other Cambridge students who are considering applying to university in Japan?
If you’re not fluent in Japanese yet, I recommend taking the international programmes at Japanese universities instead. As someone who is currently in an international programme that is taught entirely in English, I must say that the selection process is very competitive. Out of over 100 people who applied for my major, only 12 were accepted. Try to get good grades overall, but also take time to prepare your essays! Don’t ever rush your essays.
What are your career plans after university?
I’m planning on working in Japan for a year or two after I graduate. After that, I’m thinking of finding work or pursuing a graduate degree in another country.
