A report from Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2023 student on a Research Course (Wesley Steve Aru at Kyusyu University)
2024/4/26
The following is a report from Wesley Steve Aru, a Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2023 student taking the Research Course at Kyusyu University.
I am currently studying at Kyushu University, specifically on Ito Campus in Fukuoka City.
Prior to coming to Japan, I knew that my limited knowledge of Japanese culture would make life slightly difficult for me. As a result, like many foreign students who are interested in Japanese culture, I enrolled myself in the Japanese language program. While there were several challenges that I faced during my initial weeks and months in Japan, such as the language barrier and difficulties in making new friends, the most significant thing that made my life happy and easy-going was the selfless character of the locals I encountered. For me, there are no words to describe the kindness and generosity that the Japanese people showed towards me.
During the past six months, I have been studying the Japanese language and experiencing their culture in numerous ways. I have had the opportunity to meet new Japanese friends, visit beautiful places, taste many delicious foods, and adapt to the new environment. Although learning Japanese was a bit challenging, it turned out to be more fun and interesting than I first thought. Acquiring basic language skills has helped me to easily connect and interact with Japanese students, teachers, and locals. I also enjoyed sharing about the many different parts of Vanuatu's culture, and observing the variety of cultures from other people through class presentations. The more I learned about other students' culture, the quicker I started to make new friends with international students.
Upon completing the language program, I am currently enrolled as a research student at the Faculty of Economics for the first semester of this year 2024, starting in April. Furthermore, I will pursue the International Program in Public Economics by Doctoral Course. My research interest is about the impact of foreign aid investments; such as education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture on the economies of Small Island Developing States in the Pacific region. Specifically, I am interested in the effects of these aid investments on income distribution and economic growth in the 14 Pacific Island nations.
Over the past six months, in addition to my daily routine at the university, I have been attending a local church community in Fukuoka City. I go there on Saturdays, and I have built strong relationships with both the young and old members of the community; it feels like a second family to me, and I always feel welcome and at home there. The support and friendship I have received from this community have been invaluable in helping me navigate through some challenging situations. Additionally, I have had the pleasure of enjoying some of the best local dishes prepared by the mothers in the community.
Thanks to the Japanese Government and the MEXT scholarship for the opportunity to study in Japan.
Prior to coming to Japan, I knew that my limited knowledge of Japanese culture would make life slightly difficult for me. As a result, like many foreign students who are interested in Japanese culture, I enrolled myself in the Japanese language program. While there were several challenges that I faced during my initial weeks and months in Japan, such as the language barrier and difficulties in making new friends, the most significant thing that made my life happy and easy-going was the selfless character of the locals I encountered. For me, there are no words to describe the kindness and generosity that the Japanese people showed towards me.
During the past six months, I have been studying the Japanese language and experiencing their culture in numerous ways. I have had the opportunity to meet new Japanese friends, visit beautiful places, taste many delicious foods, and adapt to the new environment. Although learning Japanese was a bit challenging, it turned out to be more fun and interesting than I first thought. Acquiring basic language skills has helped me to easily connect and interact with Japanese students, teachers, and locals. I also enjoyed sharing about the many different parts of Vanuatu's culture, and observing the variety of cultures from other people through class presentations. The more I learned about other students' culture, the quicker I started to make new friends with international students.
Upon completing the language program, I am currently enrolled as a research student at the Faculty of Economics for the first semester of this year 2024, starting in April. Furthermore, I will pursue the International Program in Public Economics by Doctoral Course. My research interest is about the impact of foreign aid investments; such as education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture on the economies of Small Island Developing States in the Pacific region. Specifically, I am interested in the effects of these aid investments on income distribution and economic growth in the 14 Pacific Island nations.
Over the past six months, in addition to my daily routine at the university, I have been attending a local church community in Fukuoka City. I go there on Saturdays, and I have built strong relationships with both the young and old members of the community; it feels like a second family to me, and I always feel welcome and at home there. The support and friendship I have received from this community have been invaluable in helping me navigate through some challenging situations. Additionally, I have had the pleasure of enjoying some of the best local dishes prepared by the mothers in the community.
Thanks to the Japanese Government and the MEXT scholarship for the opportunity to study in Japan.