Student Spotlight

Why I Chose Keio SFC and Japan

I chose SFC because I thought its flexible curriculum would allow me to freely explore subjects that don't necessarily relate to my majors, such as 3D design. SFC was also appealing to me as it offers a wide range of Seminars to choose from and you can join them as early as from your second semester. Another reason was the advanced technology available to students for conducting projects or research. Studying in Japan, one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, you can integrate cutting-edge technology into your studies. I was drawn to Japan also because the Japanese are humble and easy to get along with. I've never felt anxious speaking with them in Japanese though my Japanese is limited. Finally, a big appeal was the scholarship --I've been receiving a 4-year scholarship from the Fast Retailing Foundation.

Challenges and Upsides of Attending a Japanese University

Communicating with the Japanese was challenging at first, but as I continued learning the language, I started to get the hang of it and made a lot of Japanese friends. Most of my GIGA friends were also learning Japanese, so we helped each other along the way. Putting yourself in an international environment means you will encounter people with different cultures and religions. I learned everyone is different and we should respect each other, which is a simple but powerful realization. On a practical level, I found it fascinating to participate in traditional Japanese events held on our campus. I got to experience Japanese culture while thoroughly enjoying these fun activities.

Comparing Learning Environments at SFC and Universities Back Home

The largest difference between Vietnam and Japan is the technology. As Vietnam is still a developing country, advanced technology was not available in my high school years. I was amazed at how Japan operates using fully automated systems, such as self-checkout counters in convenience stores that you can never find in Vietnam. SFC offers high-tech equipment, with my favorite being 3D printers which have been a huge help in my personal projects.

Message to Prospective Students

Don't hesitate to join us at SFC. Everyone is friendly and genuinely supportive. You can make the most of the state-of-the-art technology here for your research. You can choose subjects that interest you, and you are not strictly confined to your research area. Lectures at SFC are stimulating and always offer something new to learn. The student diversity here will also give you the opportunity to learn about each other's cultures and how to get along with one another.

(This story was captured in 2024.)