How was the application and admission process in TMU?

I found the application and admission process at TMU to be straightforward, efficient, and quick.  They send emails to notify status of your application. Afterward, they inform and guide you of the next steps you have to take.  

How was your experience adjusting to life as a foreign student in Japan?

The adjustment phase during the first few months was challenging, but it was also a time filled with learning and growth. Everything felt new and unfamiliar, which can be scary at first. However,  when I began to see it as an opportunity for self-development, I got to enjoy every part of it, even the struggles.   

How was your experience doing research as part of your laboratory?

I am working under the Animal Ecology laboratory, and my research revolves around the genetic mechanism underlying queen differences in the Myrmecina nipponica ant. Doing my research has not been an easy task; it can be challenging and exhausting at times. However, it can be fun and fulfilling too, especially after accomplishing tasks that may seem impossible at first. I am glad that I get to work on my research with my current laboratory, as the people here have all been really helpful, supportive, and dependable. I am enjoying my experience so far.  

What challenges did you face as a student and how were you able to cope with them?

As a master’s student in my field, one of the challenges I have faced is self-doubt. Whenever I encounter new concepts and ideas that are hard to grasp, I start questioning my ability to pursue the field. However, I was able to overcome this through patience and a shift of perspective. I started thinking that complicated things take time to understand, and they can be learned, eventually. 

As a foreign student in Japan, the language barrier has been one of the major challenges that I have encountered. I wouldn’t say I have fully overcome it, but it is more manageable now. Through time, I got to learn common basic words and phrases that I encounter daily through casual interactions, allowing me to familiarize them, reducing the language barrier.  

Would you recommend prospective students to do their graduate program in TMU?

I highly recommend prospective students to do their graduate program at TMU. I think that TMU values the importance of research, which can be evident in how they support the research work of their existing laboratories. If you’re interested in pursuing research, I believe TMU offers a strong and supportive environment to help you grow in that direction.