YANG HU

Voices of International Students

Jun 06, 2025

College of Media Arts, Science and Technology, School of Informatics

From China

What sparked your interest in this university?

What initially sparked my interest in the University of Tsukuba was its unique academic flexibility. Unlike many other universities, Tsukuba allows students to take courses across various faculties, even if they are not directly related to their major. This freedom to explore diverse academic fields really appealed to me because I have broad interests and enjoy connecting knowledge from different disciplines. I believe that true innovation often happens at the intersection of fields, and Tsukuba's open academic environment fosters exactly that. In addition, I was also drawn to the university's strong emphasis on research and its supportive atmosphere for international students. These factors convinced me that Tsukuba would be the ideal place for both personal and academic growth.

What aspects of Japanese culture or customs surprised you? How did you adapt to them?

One aspect of Japanese culture that really surprised me was the close and equal relationship between classmates who enter university in the same year, known as "dōki." I had expected the hierarchical senpai-kōhai structure to dominate all student relationships, but I found that among dōki, people interact more casually and supportively. This made it easier for me to make friends and feel like part of the group. I joined a university club, and my peers were very welcoming. They didn't treat me differently because I was a foreigner. Instead, they helped me improve my Japanese and guided me through many aspects of daily life. Thanks to them, I was able to gradually adapt to Japanese customs, communication styles, and even unspoken social rules.

What do you enjoy about Tsukuba?

One of the things I enjoy most about Tsukuba is the peaceful and nature-rich environment. The city is calm and surrounded by greenery, which provides a refreshing contrast to the fast pace of larger cities. Despite this tranquility, Tsukuba is still highly convenient, with well-developed shopping areas and restaurants. I also appreciate how the university campus is deeply integrated with the city itself--it feels like the entire town is centered around student life. This unique "college town" atmosphere fosters a strong sense of community and makes it easy to meet people from all walks of life. Whether I'm biking through the parks or attending academic events, I always feel like I belong here and can fully focus on both learning and personal growth.

What do you hope to achieve during your time here?

During my time at the University of Tsukuba, I hope to achieve several key goals. As a student majoring in informatics, my primary focus is on building a strong foundation in computer science, data analysis, and media technology. I want to develop both technical skills and theoretical understanding that will prepare me for future research or a career in the tech industry. However, I also see university life as more than just academics. I aim to interact with students from various disciplines, exchange ideas, and broaden my worldview. My personal philosophy is to "know everything about something, and something about everything." Tsukuba's interdisciplinary environment makes it the perfect place to grow not just as a specialist, but as a well-rounded individual who can thrive in diverse environments.

What do you think makes the University of Tsukuba special?

What makes the University of Tsukuba truly special, in my opinion, is its forward-thinking and adaptive approach to education. While many other institutions are hesitant or even restrictive when it comes to using new technologies like large language models or AI tools such as ChatGPT, Tsukuba encourages students to explore these tools responsibly. Rather than banning them, professors teach us how to use them ethically and effectively to enhance our learning. This shows the university's commitment to innovation and real-world relevance. Additionally, Tsukuba promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and offers a diverse, inclusive environment for international students. All of this creates a dynamic space where students are not just absorbing knowledge, but also learning how to apply it in meaningful, future-oriented ways.