Q1. Why did you decide to study in Japan?
A: Ever since I was young, I started reading manga and watching anime from Japan, and it had always been a dream of mine to study aboard in Japan. I studied biomaterials during university. However, I had difficulty forwarding my research with the technology available in Indonesia. In comparison, Japan offered what I needed and thus decided to conduct my research in Japan.  I am also interested in Japanese culture. The Japanese are diligent, polite, and punctual, and so I decided to study in Japan.

Q2. Why did you choose Fukuoka as your study abroad destination?
A: The reason I chose Fukuoka (Kyushu University) is because of a recommendation from my university professor. Before coming to Fukuoka, I studied Japanese at a Japanese language school in Kyoto for about a year and a half. At that time, everyone in Kyoto always told me, "Fukuoka is the place to live, it's affordable, and people are kind." After moving to Fukuoka, I realized that all that was said about Fukuoka, the kindness of its people, the low cost-of-living and affordable accommodation and transportations, were all true.

Q3. What did you do to prepare for your study aboard in Japan?
A: I was most concerned about the language barrier before coming to Japan. Therefore, I studied a bit of Japanese before attending a language school in Kyoto. I also estimated the potential costs of living in Japan. Food was another thing that worried me. I brought over sweet soysauce and spicy chilis and other ingredients that weren't available in Japan. Clothing was something that I didn't overprepare. Since there are four seasons in Japan, I bought clothes in a Japanese clothing store. As for accommodation, the school gave us several options and I just chose an apartment that suited my needs.

Q4. What was the entrance exam like?
A: International students need to take the Examination for Japanese University Admission before the general entrance exam. Depending on your department, the Japanese exam is divided into Sciences or Humanities & Arts. If you are in the Arts & Humanities, you will take mathematics and general subjects (world history, world geography, Japanese history, Japanese geography, etc.) For those in the Sciences, mathematics, physics and biology or chemistry are required. You can take exams in Japanese or in English. There is a university entrance examination after the Examination for Japanese University Admission.

In the case of graduate school, students usually contact the professor of their desired department on their own. If the professor accepts the students, exams and interviews will take place. In my opinion, it makes economic sense to apply for a scholarship before entering graduate school. I did not have a scholarship before entering graduate school, but I applied for one after I became a first-year student, and I got it thanks to my professor.

Q5. What did you find worthwhile about studying in Fukuoka?
A: I had a lot of positive experiences after coming to Fukuoka. Fukuoka is a beautiful city with lots of nature. I often cycle around beaches to destress when work in the laboratory gets too stressful. There are plenty of flower viewing places in Fukuoka. The place that I like is Nokojima. Different type of flowers blooms across as the season changes. You can also go mountain climbing and shopping in Fukuoka! Plus, there is also delicious food, halal and non-halal, in Fukuoka.

Q6. What would you like to say to those who are thinking of studying aboard in Fukuoka or in Japan?
A: It has become easier to study in Japan recently. Information about scholarships, schools and universities can be found on the Internet. Also, get in touch with Indonesians living in Japan to gather more information. I strongly recommend studying abroad in Fukuoka because it's the place great people and unforgettable experience come together.