Timothy Teteki Taoaba
(AY2025, 1st (Spring) Semester, From the Republic of Kiribati)
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Q1. Could you please introduce yourself and your background?
My Name is Timothy, 32 years of age, married and I have a one-year-old baby boy. I'm originally from Kiribati, located in the South Pacific and I arrived in Japan in September 2024 to pursue my master's degree under the JICA SDG scholarship Program.
Q2. Could you tell us about your studies at Ehime University?
I currently pursure my studies in Transportation Engineering under the course social infrastructure program.
Q3. What motivated you to choose Japan as your study destination?
The main reason for choosing to study in Japan because it's known worldwide for its innovation, advanced technology and strong education system. As a Civil Engineer from the tiny nation in the world, I wanted to experience and learn how Japan integrated cutting edges technology into daily life and education. On top of that I also admire the commitment and discipline culture in which I believe it will shape me into a more efficient and responsible person in my career.
Q4. What factors influenced your decision to study at Ehime University in particular?
I chose Ehime University because it offers a high-quality education and strong program in my field of study. I was impressed by the background of the professors and research that being conducted and the opportunity to work closely with experienced professors. Also consider the location of Ehime University, Matsuyama seemed like a great place to focus on my studies with peaceful and culturally rich area while experiencing real Japanese Life. I believe that studying here will prepare me well for both academic and professional success.
Q5. What are your impressions of Ehime and Ehime University?
Ehime is a peaceful and beautiful place. It's not too big and too small. It's the right size for student. The city is clean, safe and quiet which makes it easy to focus on studying without big city life distractions. Ehime University gives a high-quality education, the university supports international students very well and not only that but also they value their student to make sure they reach and achieve their goal. Many Opportunities also available at EU and classes are practical which offer student both learning opportunities in class and real projects too.
Q6. Could you tell us about your student life?
I enjoy calm and focused study environment. Ehime is the best place to be. It offers a great balance, support, comfort, nature and culture. A great place for personal growth, good academic experience and a chance to immerse into Japanese Life without the rush of a big city like Tokyo.
Q7. Do you have a favorite place in Ehime? If so, what makes it special to you?
My favorite place in Ehime is Okaido lively shopping street. It has many shops cafes and restaurants where I can enjoy local food. It's a fun place to relax after studying and to experience the daily life of the city.
Q8. What advice would you give to students who are considering studying in Japan, especially at Ehime University?
Learn some basic Japanese before you arrive. It will make daily life and study much easier. Ehime is a peaceful city, but many classes and activities happen in Japanese. Finally, enjoy the calm environment its great place to focus on your studies and experience Japan in a more relaxed way.
Francis Besala
(AY2024, 1st (Spring) Semester, From the Democratic Republic of the Congo)
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Q1. Could you please introduce yourself and your background?
I am Francis Besala, from DR. Congo, in the center of Africa. I study computer science. Now I am learning robotics to improve my ability. I am married. My wife was also a foreign student at Ehime university. She is now a doctoral student at Tohoku University.
Q2. Could you tell us about your studies at Ehime University?
I am studying robotics. I am using AI technology to give intelligent abilities to robots. Currently, I am using deep learning to improve the traditional wild boar trapping system. Deep learning is used to detect wild boars effectively.
Q3. What motivated you to choose Japan as your study destination?
The reason is that I wanted to improve my ability in technology. That is the reason why I came to Japan.
Q4. What factors influenced your decision to study at Ehime University in particular?
Because my wife came to Ehime University before. She told me that it was good to study at Ehime University. I had the information about the laboratory I study now, it is good for me to improve my ability. That is the reason.
Q5. What are your impressions of Ehime and Ehime University?
It is a quiet city. Not noisy. It is very good for me. The university is well organized. The system of the university is very friendly for foreigners. It is clear for us to know where to get the information. If we have problems or questions, it is easy for us to know where to ask how to solve the problems.
Q6. Could you tell us about your student life?
As a researcher, I am always busy. I do not pay much attention to my life. Mostly, in my daily life, there is no pressure. I can focus on my studies.
Q7. Do you have a favorite place in Ehime? If so, what makes it special to you?
I like Ishitegawa Park. It is not far from my apartment. The reason is that it is very quiet. I like to stay in a quiet environment.
Q8. What advice would you give to students who are considering studying in Japan, especially at Ehime University?
For foreigners, it is very easy to get support in Ehime University. The office of the university provides useful information and help. In Ehime, the people are very friendly to foreigners. The Matsuyama families introduced by Matsuyama International Center (MIC) talk, give information, and have meals with foreigners. They give many helps to us.
Benedicta Obenewaa Dankyi
(AY2023, 2nd (Fall) Semester, From the Republic of Ghana)
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Q1. Could you please introduce yourself and your background?
My name is Benedicta Obenewaa Dankyi from Ghana. I am a PhD student in Applied Chemistry at Ehime University.
Q2. Could you tell us about your studies at Ehime University?
I study malaria immunity in young children. My research focuses on identifying potential vaccine targets to help reduce the disease burden.
Q3. What motivated you to choose Japan as your study destination?
Japan is known for advanced research and technology. I wanted to learn in a country with strong scientific achievements.
Q4. What factors influenced your decision to study at Ehime University in particular?
As someone from a malaria-endemic country, I wanted to focus on malaria research. Ehime University has excellent expertise in this field, and working with Professor Takashima, whose research aligns with my interests, made it the ideal choice.
Q5. What are your impressions of Ehime and Ehime University?
Ehime is peaceful, safe, and has kind people. The university is supportive and provides a good learning environment.
Q6. Could you tell us about your student life?
I spend most of my time in the lab, but I also enjoy cultural exchange activities and meeting international and Japanese friends.
Q7. Do you have a favorite place in Ehime? If so, what makes it special to you?
Yes, Matsuyama Castle. I hike there every morning to stay fit, and to also enjoy the beautiful view from the top.
Q8. What advice would you give to students who are considering studying in Japan, especially at Ehime University?
Be open-minded, enjoy the culture, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Ehime University is welcoming and supportive for International students.
Alisa Slabbinck
(AY2022, 2nd (Fall) Semester, From Belgium)
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Q1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Alisa and I am living in Belgium. My mother is Japanese and my father is Belgian. Currently I am studying Mathematics at the KU Leuven, but from September 2022 till February 2023, I went to Ehime University for an exchange.
Q2. What did you study at Ehime University?
I had courses in mathematics and I also joined a research in the field of engineering.
Q3. Why did you choose to study in Japan?
I really wanted to go to Japan because I'm half Japanese but I didn't ever study in Japan for a longer period than 1 month. I wanted to get to know how the student life of a Japanese student would look like.
Q4. Why did you choose to study at Ehime University?
There was a good connection between my home university and Ehime University.
Q5. What do you think about Ehime as a city and Ehime University?
I liked Matsuyama city in Ehime a lot, there were a lot of things to do, but at the same time there was also a lot of nature.
About Ehime University, I noticed that the professors and teachers were very friendly. I could ask any question and they helped me a lot to get further.
About Ehime University, I noticed that the professors and teachers were very friendly. I could ask any question and they helped me a lot to get further.
Q6. What is student life like in Ehime?
I joined the dance club and the Shorinji Kenpo club. I realized that university clubs are the best places to get to know new people.
Q7. What is your favorite place in Ehime and why?
I think I would say Okaido. If you don't know what to do or what to eat, you can just go to Okaido and it is ensured that you will find something.
Q8. Do you have any tips for others interested in studying in Japan, especially in Ehime?
I think Ehime is a nice place to stay. Also the community of international people is not too big, so that makes it easier to make friends. To get to know more local people, I would recommend to practice the language before arriving.
