Why did I choose Osaka University?

There are many great reasons to study at Graduate School of Science (GSS), Osaka University. One of the reasons is that the students have an opportunity to study and work with many research centers, such as Institute for Protein Research (IPR), Research Institute for Microbial Disease, etc. We also have a chance to conduct some research projects of the structure and function of biological molecules at Spring-8, one of the world’s largest synchrotron radiation facilities. Many professors and students of GSS have been affiliated with these research centers for educational activities.

What is good about being a researcher here?

The good things of being a researcher here is that it is really helpful to polish research skills because many labs at Osaka University have nice equipment and it is a good opportunity to learn how to improve our skills on scientific research. Additionally, we can learn how to be a good scientist by communicating with other professors and researchers. It makes us more creative and innovative to design our strategy for research and this environment can increase our research experiences.

  My first visit to Graduate School of Science of Osaka University was six years ago, which also gave me the first impression of Japan. Without much prior knowledge of the country’s language, culture, etc., I almost instantly felt this place: orderly lifestyle, filled with dynamic minds. Later I joined GSS as a master course student in SISC program and now I am at the final-year of my PhD study. In these past years I have not regretted my choice. I decided to pursue a career as a researcher in biology because I have always been curious about nature and enjoyed experiments to unravel complex matters. GSS-OU has state-of-art facilities and pioneer researchers across disciplines, and, above all, a passion for originality. “Are you doing and thinking anything original?” I was asked many times. And now I have started to ask myself this question every day. I have learned that the path to a successful research career is not easy; being able to give a positive answer to the question above is my motivation to continue.

So this is something important I learned in OU and I would like to share.

posted on Feburary 25, 2016

  Our life is a book with never ending stories. Once you are finished in a chapter, you have to start a new one. We make our own stories and we choose how to write it. As I started a new chapter in my life, a journey to achieve my aspirations, I decided to pursue my studies. In choosing a reputable research institution, I considered the research area, the environment and the distance to my home country. I learned that our university has a very good collaboration with Japanese universities, especially with Osaka University.The research disciplines in this university are very fascinating and advance. I also have senior colleagues who recommended Osaka University as one of the best choices to pursue my studies.

I applied to Osaka University because it gives good research opportunities to international students like me. When I entered the university in Spring Semester of 2015, I felt nervous and excited because I do not know what to expect. New colleagues and staffs in the university are very welcoming and I easily felt like it’s my second home. Of course not every day you are satisfied with what you have achieved. Sometimes you would feel down, but most of the time you would feel fulfilled. I am happy that I chose to be in this university. I have met and exchanged good conversations with a lot of people, traveled to a lot of places and felt good companionship with my colleagues.

The most interesting experience here in Japan is living alone and discovering what Japan has to offer. When I finish my studies here, I will be coming back to my home country to work in the academia or industry, but I will definitely come back here because this awesome place is my other home.

posted on Feburary 23, 2016