I am an instructor at my home country, in the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas. My background includes being a hospital laboratory technologist, and a masters in public health.

What attracted you to Kyushu University?

Basically, it was the ease of communicating with Professors in the university with my sensei being able to communicate in English. It is also the fact that the university has a good STEM program. Lastly, I think Kyushu has a more relaxed and cheaper environment than Honshu.

What’s the most interesting part about your program?

That I get to work on cells and that technology used are globally competitive. The program is also is very much properly structured, and the professors are good at teaching.

How’s student life at Kyushu University?

It’s fun. I get to attend coffee hours in the dormitory. There are a lot of immersion into the culture. I get to work part time as an adult. And there are free Japanese classes.

What do you like about Fukuoka?

The rent is cheap. The transportation is very convenient. The nature and places to see in Fukuoka are plenty and are very nice. There are a lot of international students, and it’s not too crowded like Tokyo or Kyoto.

Any advice to prospective international students?

Try and see what Fukuoka life is like for yourself by maybe being a research student. Prepare for your entrance exams early and reach out to professors you want to work under as much as you can. The Japanese culture (including food) is diverse and very interesting, so learn the language a little.