Ms. Kim Cho Won
- Ayang, South Korea
- Department of Agri-food and Environmental Policy, School of Agriculture
Q. Why did you choose Japan and Meiji University?
My father runs a food distribution company, so I was interested in things related to food from childhood. I hoped to come to Japan to study because Japan is a superior country in terms of food safety and sanitation, to say nothing of the service. When I decided to apply to Meiji University, I first attended a Japanese language school in South Korea. I had a difficult time getting an application form and doing other related procedures.
Q. Why did you choose Meiji University?
My sister is also a student of the Department of Agri-food and Environmental Policy, the same department that I attend. She is a fourth-year student now. She recommended Meiji University to me, pointing out that the curriculum of the department is suited to me and the fulfillment of my dreams. At first, I was thinking about going to a cookery college, but I decided that I wanted to learn knowledge rather than techniques, so I changed my mind to take the entrance exam of Meiji University. I am not good at science and mathematics, but this department is the only humanities course in School of Agriculture, so I can study without difficulties. One more thing that I like about Meiji University is that you can have chances to experience Japanese culture through university activities. In Meiji University there is the Meiji Navigation Program which encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities. Thanks to the program I have been able to enjoy a Kabuki performance at the National Theatre of Japan.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
My dream is to run a restaurant using safe and fresh ingredients. I hope to offer some fusion menus of Japanese and Korean food. Japanese technological know-how of cooking is fantastic. Even bread at stores tastes very good, soft and moist. We don’t have such tasty bread in South Korea. After I graduate from university, I’d like to acquire experience at a food company in Japan for a while, and someday I hope to realize my dream of running a restaurant.
Q. Message to prospective students of Meiji University
I enjoy studying everyday so much that I have never regretted entering Meiji University. There are a lot of interesting classes, such as organic agriculture, self-sufficiency in food, and farming practice. I always review my classes at the library in order to retain what I learned. All my friends at university are honest and enthusiastic about studying. I confidently recommend Meiji University to all those people who are interested in food and environment.
Mr. Turkel Bilen
- Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture
Q. Why did you choose Japan and Meiji University?
I have been interested in biology since I was a junior high school student. I hoped to study life sciences in a country that is advanced in the field. Japan is a well-advanced country in the study of life sciences. Also, I heard about how safe life in Japan was from a senior at my high school in Turkey, who had been to Japan to study. These were the two main reasons why I decided to come to Japan. After studying Japanese at a language school for one year, I started to investigate which universities in Japan I should enter. I searched the internet and researched materials I picked up at the language school. My investigations showed that Meiji University is the most advanced university in life sciences among Japanese universities. I wanted to study what I am most interested in at the most advanced university, so I decided to apply to Meiji University.
Q. What surprised you about life in Japan or on campus?
I was surprised that so many people walked outside wearing flu masks. In Turkey, people don’t wear masks unless they are seriously ill, much less because of a cold or pollen allergy. But while living in Japan, I have come to realize that wearing masks is reasonable, since we can spread colds by sneezes and other symptoms.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
I am considering going on to graduate school to be a scholar in the field of life sciences. I want to engage in research to contribute to both Japanese and Turkish society. I am focusing on recombinant DNA techniques at present. This is a subject that is currently gaining attention in Turkey. However, few people have actually begun research, so I aim to be a pioneer in the field in Turkey. Recombinant DNA techniques can contribute to various fields, such as food, biofuels, and so on. Some people are unwilling to have genetically recombinant food, but it has great potential. I think it can solve food shortage problems which are getting more serious in some parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and other regions. Through recombinant DNA techniques we can increase food supply by discovering new methods of cultivation which are suitable to each region.
Q. Message to prospective students of Meiji University
Make many friends of not only foreign students but also Japanese students as early as you can, and learn Japanese language and culture. I hope you have meaningful time in your campus life overseas.
