Alumni Voice
Ms Windi
Being a double degree student is a proud and challenge
Congratulations to all students who have been accepted as double degree student. It's going to be your honors and surely, challenge. In my view, DDP was very unique program, due to study in two different universities, with different culture and academic atmosphere. It is also challenging, since you have to able to finish the program within two years. Well, it's sound so difficult firstly, but don't worry, you can do it. You've been chosen, so everyone put the trust on you.
I would like to share you, what I did during I stayed in Japan, also some tips, that might be useful to pass DDP within 2 years. Good luck and cheers.
Prepare your self
Well, the first thing you have to do is prepare your self. Make sure your self that you will be ready to live in Japan where it is very different situation with your own country. Make sure also that you have to do your best, in order to be able finish the DDP. By preparing your self, it's going to be a good step ahead.
Manage your time very well
Since the DDP is a very tight program, regarding the double thesis that you have to write. You have to be able to manage your time very well. Make a good schedule, a list to do for today, tomorrow and so on. By owned your agenda, you will be able to manage your time. But don't worry for not enjoying your time in Japan. Go for holiday is very important. There are many interesting places in Japan. In my case, I always make schedule, then I know well what should I do then. Further, I'm working hard on weekdays, but often I played on weekend. I went to Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and climbed Fuji Mountain. It was very exciting for me.
Don't worry about Japanese language
Language is very important for daily communication. Mostly Japanese speak on Japanese language and sometimes its very difficult for foreign in understanding Japanese language for the first time. But don't worry about Japanese language. Ibaraki university provide Japanese class for foreign. It holds 1 times a week. Also, if you have more time, you can join Japanese class in International Community in Ami Chuo Ko-minkan. My tips: don't be shy and afraid on try to speak Japanese language. Just try to say something and make communication. Also, do not pointed too much on Japanese grammatical. Just Speak!! It's a good step ahead.
Make a good friendship
It's sound very good when you have many friends in Japan. However, you are a foreign. Making good relationship with everyone will help you a lot to survive here. It's also will be memorable time during your stay in Japan. Don't worry about Japanese daily live. You will have a student tutor, who is very kind help you a lot. Make a good relationship with her/him. Your Tutor is your best friend.
Adapt your self on Japanese culture
Japanese culture is different with your own country culture. To understand Japanese culture, be adapt with Japanese, make good communication and friendship. By the time, you will understand Japanese culture, about how they work, about social liv ect. Be active don't be passive, then you will be able to adapt with Japanese culture.
About Halal Food and Praying (For moeslem)
I notice this pointed for moeslem. Probably, you will be very hard to find Halal food or a place for praying. I would like to give you some suggestion. For food, please read the ingredients firstly before you eat. Although the ingredients also written in Japanese language, but remember the important ones such as pork (豚肉), Sake (酒)、alcohol (アルコール). If it is very hard to remember kanji, you can ask your friend. Just ask to he/she for making sure you can eat it or not. About halal store, you also can find it in several shops, such as in Gyoumu Supa, near Tsuchiura city, or Hanamasa, in Tsukuba city. They sell Halal Chicken and meet that you can eat. Do not be shy to ask, they will help you very kindly. For praying time, it's might be hard to find Masjid or any proper place for praying. The closest masjid was in Tsukuba city, about 30 minutes by car. For the daily praying, you should ask your sensei/tutor, where is the good place for praying. In my case, I always pray in FSC Library or in research room.