Hello!
I’m Aom, currently a second-year Thai student under the Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP).
When I first heard about the program with that long name, I had almost no idea of what I will face within the next four years. However, I chose to join because I would like to try stepping out of my comfort zone and learning many new things. Until now, I have made it half-way through the course. I would like to share some interesting moments from this exceptional journey with you.
GSEP is a program under the Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering. As its name suggests, the department aims to produce engineers equipped with knowledge from diverse disciplines to tackle global issues.
In the first year, we prepared ourselves with fundamental knowledge of science and engineering. Then, in the second year, we learned more specific knowledge of every branches of engineering such as chemical engineering, electrical engineering, biological engineering, etc. We also studied about project management and international development to practice solving real problems systematically. Meanwhile, we got to study other additional courses of our own choice. Examples of classes I took are German, conflict and peace building, Japanese traditional music, and research and development of defense technology in America. These subjects may not seem to be related to engineering. However, I found that my perspective was broadened by learning from experts outside my discipline.
Engineers are trained to design systems capable of solving problems. In real life, social problems cannot be easily categorized. Sometimes one system alone cannot solve social problems. For example, villagers might not want to apply a particular system due to religious reasons. Dialogue between stakeholders are required to figure out the most appropriate solution, given the village’s background. Therefore, understanding and exposure to other ways of thinking will surely help engineers to communicate and collaborate with people from other fields. Moreover, looking at a problem through different filters might help create new alternative solutions not readily available for those trained in traditional engineering concepts.
Studying in GSEP has given me so much opportunity. I received not only academic knowledge but also opportunities to gain extraordinary experience I had never imagined. Last summer, I climbed mount Fuji with friends and seniors. I participated in a university program called ‘Science Communication Research Group (SCRG)’ and visited places that are related to science communication in the United Kingdom.
Tokyo Tech is a good place to broaden your connection and get to know many interesting people. Studying here, I often talk with master and doctoral students or sometimes even professors. Those conversations widen my thought the way no lecture can do. The university provides opportunities for students to utilize their ability to the fullest with lecture, equipment and many activities. I am proud to say that the program fit my initial goal and I hope I will continue to learn more and more about the world and myself throughout the rest of the time here.
Living in Japan for almost two years, I beame more familiar with the lifestyle. We mix with Japanese people during classes and other activities, so there are plenty opportunities to practice Japanese. I improved my Japanese skills to some extent while there are also some other keen students in the program who studied on their own and already pursued N1 or N2, top levels of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
During our freshman year, GSEP students all stayed at peaceful and cozy Umegaoka dormitory which is a little far from the university. At the beginning of 2017 (on my 2nd year), most of us moved out to new places. The female students including myself moved together in a unit in Senzokuike house which is a Tokyo Tech dormitory for girls located only 15 minutes by foot away from the campus. I fell in love with the area! Every day, on the way to campus, we walk past a public library and a big pond where one can see mothers with their kids, elder couples, dogs with their owners, and other heart-warming scenery. Seeing those images before going to the class charges my energy for the whole day!
I also got more familiar with Tokyo Tech Ookayama campus. My favorite places in the campus are the library and the slope. Tokyo tech’s library received its nickname, cheesecake, from its triangular shape. There are big variety of books, some so difficult to be found elsewhere, lying inside modern and calm structure. The slope refers to a big green grass slope where students can sit down eating their bento (Japanese word for lunch box), work quietly, chat with friends or lie down enjoying the atmosphere. Sometimes, families also use this area for picnics; one can see small kids running around with big cheerful smile.
These are some part of the experience that impressed me during my two years study under GSEP which I want to share with you.
If you want to try experiencing a world outside of your comfort zone (but not so far away for Asian students), if you are looking for a place where you can explore both yourself and the world from all aspects, I believe GSEP would be one of your recommended choices. It’s not just a simple study program but a whole new experience. Your story might eventually be different from mine but I guess it would feature the similar level of happiness.
