Name: Kang Min NGO
Hometown/Country: Singapore
Research Topic: Tree growth in forests and on the streets, and their carbon sequestration potential

- Since I live 5 minutes away from campus, it is easy to get into a daily rhythm of work, be it rain or shine. It is also convenient to invite friends to my home for meals and parties. Coming from a tropical country, it was also my first time to experience winter and snow. I had skin problems within the first two months of coming to Japan, but after seeing a doctor and returning to Singapore for two weeks, it is much better now. I make trips to downtown about once a month, sometimes to join other Singaporean students during gatherings to celebrate various festivals we have at home.
Since I studied mainly science subjects in Singapore, I was not used to being surrounded by students with humanities backgrounds. However, I’m beginning to accept it and take this as a learning opportunity on subjects that I would usually not have examined in detail. The broad exposure is useful when trying to think of my study topics from other perspectives.

- Three years to complete a doctoral degree, from project design to publication, is a very short time. My research topic will therefore be carried over from work I have done previously in Singapore, but meanwhile I hope to start new projects in Japan while I’m at TMU. I also hope to improve my Japanese through the classes at TMU, and take the JLPT N1 test within the three years at TMU.

Name: Nedyomukti Imam Syafii
Hometown/Country: Indonesia
Research Topic: A climatology study on water bodies in urban environment

- I am getting along pretty good in Tokyo, though it is a big city comparing to my hometown. The weather is cold but I can still enjoy the beautiful scenery, so it's a payoff. The people in my neighborhood are also warm hearted and kind, lots of activities to come and experience also.

- I am hoping to be able to learn much new things in TMU, specifically of those concerning on architecture and environmental studies. I think TMU is a great and the right place for my study. Hopefully after I graduated, I would like to develop knowledge and expertise in the area and would embark on further research, collaborated with my Professors, colleague or the students from TMU.

Name: Nguyen Dai Hung Linh
Hometown/Country: Ho Chi Minh City/ Vietnam
Research Topic: CT and MR in the Imaging Diagnosis

- The transition to living, learning and integrating into a new environment, in Tokyo capital of Japan, is one of the most modern, civilized cities in the world, not only a challenge but also an excitement for everyone, of course not exclude me. Therefore, I also inevitable to encounter some difficulties in the life, such as: the language of communication, the telephone registration, credit card procedures… However, the first moments, worry, nostalgia were gradually erased by the sincere support of the professor, teachers at the school and hospital as well as the friends and Japanese people. Fresh habitat, charming natural scenery, modern and safe transportation, delicious food... helped me feel comfortable and confident to step on the road ahead. I hope and believe that will be experienced and obtained many interesting things in the life in Tokyo as well as in other cities of your beautiful and hospitable country during three years in this place.

- Like the other fellows, certainly I will achieve a lot of knowledge during the period of study at the Tokyo Metropolitan University. Actually, for me, as a doctor specialized in the diagnostic imaging, I want to be practicing at the hospitals with modern equipment and studying with the skilled, experienced medical staff. In addition, I also want to learn in-depth knowledge in diagnostic field, including the new techniques and advances in my specialization. Besides that, learning about the method of scientific research is very important for me. Regularly updated, improved the knowledge of theory and clinical practice, have the chances to be expanded, exchange the experiences with colleagues and friends… will be becoming the valuable baggage for me when I return to my country. I will use this useful understanding to apply to my job at the hospital, training, teaching and research subsequently.

Name: Eungi Lee
Hometown/Country: Gyeonggi-do/Republic of Korea
Research Topic: A study of sustainable community development - Focused on the formation of local governance

- I already have been in Tokyo for about 5months. I’m adjusting to my new life, and I have been busy with my new school life. How would one define Japan and Japanese? To define Japanese is nearly impossible. But they are so geniality and gentleness. Despite the fact that I am not available speak Japanese well. Japanese try to teach culture and history of them kindly. I am touched by Japanese’s kindness. I really appreciate to know new culture and history with them who well-disposed. I have got a good Japanese friend who helps me to adopt new surroundings. And I am having a great time in Tokyo!

- After I came to Japan, I realize that TMU is a great school to research and network. Because TMU is a melting pot where study together a lots of people who come from variety of nationalities. I think that spending a time with people who have different backgrounds, culture, personality and nationalities is also important as much as research for Doctoral Course. Of course, I want to complete the Doctor’s course and to become a professional in my studies. After I graduate from TMU, I want to continue my study by getting a job as a researcher in the national research institutes.