Voice From Alumni

I am Jayanta Kumar Khamari from Odisha, India. I am an officer of Indian Railway Service of Engineers posted at Bhubaneswar. I came to Japan for pursuing a Master Course in Civil and Environmental Engineering under MEXT scholarship in Saitama National University. My lab is Foundation and Earthquake Engineering under Professor Masato Saitoh.

I am staying in International house of Saitama University. It is 30/40 min from Tokyo, cool, greenery throughout and without any pollution. In Japan, you can find same facilities everywhere, there is hardly any disparity in developments.

Before coming to Japan, I too bit worried about the food ,weather and language. But after reaching here it took only one week to adjust even though I am very much non-adjusting type person. The weather is too good, no pollution, people are polite and caring. For food either you can cook by own or u can try selectively. Also there are number of Indian / Nepali restaurant. Language is not a big thing few words you have to learn. Every university teach basic thing for beginners. I have attended that class and it is easy for me now.

Saitama is near to Tokyo, and mix environment of local and urban. I prefer it due to the subject and the Professor. Japan is pioneer in Earthquake Engineering. My professor had worked in Japan Railways before joining this University. So I got an opportunity to study under such a person who has an experience of both Railways and Earthquake engineering. Due to Earthquake and Railways, the response of structure (buildings, Bridges) due to dynamic loads can be studied. That attracts me to study here and I am quite happy that my Professor is a enthusiastic person in all respect be it study or research or extracurricular activities.

I find basically there is no difference in our cultures. We worship more, they may not. But they are the best in the world in respect of humanity and caring. They are peaceful hard working, compassionate, fit, politeness yet tech savvy, modern and cheerful people. I feel safe, secured, free and stress-free. They have a balance life style of work and relax. Every human has self respect, no matter how big or small.

I would suggest to all Indian students who wish to study abroad, live in Japan will change your thought, We are in rat race. Once you land in Japan, you yourself feel the difference. The hospitality , the official response is awesome. My only suggestion is try to adjust for first week and learn Japanese. Then you will enjoy the Japanese life and culture. Rest is assured, your 2/3 years of staying will pass very fast no matter which university or city u got. Thanks