ABOUT_狗万app足彩,狗万滚球

Voices of International Students

Sep 02, 2025

IBRAHIM AKID

Doctoral Program in Life Science Innovation, Degree Programs in Life and Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology / Food and Medicinal Resource Engineering Open Innovation Laboratory (FoodMed-OIL)

From Tunisia

What sparked your interest in this university?

Hello everyone. I'm AKID?Ibrahim, though my friends in Japan know me as AkiDo (秋戸, lit.,?The Gate towards Autumn), a kanji name I composed to bring me closer to their beautiful language. I come from Tunisia, and my journey with the University of Tsukuba began right there. In fact, there is no other Japanese university that has a representation bureau in Tunisia except UT, which is in itself a detail that captures its greatest strength: its outward?looking spirit. You may not know this, but UT is the only national university in Japan with a campus beyond the archipelago, and for years it has led -- or ranked among -- Japan's top universities for the proportion of international students. In short, this is a place where no foreign student ever feels alone. It is a community of diversity and opportunity, a place where you forge lasting friendships with locals and internationals alike.

This is a cherished photo to me. One day, while I was sitting near the Central Library enjoying the sunset time, a Japanese man appeared out of nowhere. He took a picture of me without my noticing, printed it instantly, handed it to me without a single word, and then walked away. Remember when I spoke about the campus being open to the public where people can enter freely? This photo would never have been possible if the University of Tsukuba did not embrace such a philosophy of openness. Perhaps, by some chance, if he ever reads this article, he will know that I have kept this photo all this time, and that I am grateful!

What aspects of Japanese culture or customs surprised you? How did you adapt to them?

My worst habit is stuffing every vital document (ID, bank cards, cash) into one bulging wallet that won't fit in a pocket, so I keep it in my bag. In my first month in Japan, at Tokyo's very busy Kita?Senju Station, I recharged my IC card and left my wallet on the ticket?machine ledge. Two stops later, panic struck: 30 minutes in one of the world's busiest stations must have doomed it. I raced back, despondent, yet there it sat, untouched! That shock revealed to me a nation scarce in resources yet rich in values. Months of observation have shown why: strict guidance, layers of regulations, and countless tacit moral codes shape daily conduct. Learning these rules by reading and quietly watching Japanese people can be difficult, but remembering that my wallet remains safe because of them makes every effort worthwhile, deepening my respect for Japanese society to this very day.

What do you enjoy about Tsukuba?

What I like most about Tsukuba is how calm and grounded it makes me feel. After spending time in Tokyo, with all the crowds, noise, and constant rush, coming back here is like a breath of fresh air. It's quiet but not boring—just the right balance.
There are lots of nice parks, chill cafés, and little places to discover. And the university itself offers so many opportunities beyond just academics. You can take classes in things like sculpture, painting, or even marine sports like diving. In winter, there are options for skiing and snowboarding too, which I never expected from a university. Also, the range of clubs and circles is honestly amazing—there's pretty much something for everyone. You've got things like the yacht club, hiking club, horse riding, and so much more, from cultural groups to creative ones and even niche hobbies.

In the Cell Culture Room at ISODA Lab, University of Tsukuba

What do you hope to achieve during your time here?

The next step I'm aiming for is to continue into a master's program at this university, especially since I'm currently researching radionuclide dispersion in the ocean. I want to deepen my understanding of ocean dynamics and environmental modeling, and eventually use that knowledge to help the community—whether it's through improving environmental monitoring, contributing to safer policies, or raising awareness about ocean health.
As part of my research, we also go out for fieldwork, collecting ocean samples and environmental data. It's hands-on and sometimes physically demanding, but it really helps connect what we do in the lab to what's actually happening in the environment.
Outside academics, I try to stay active—I go to the gym, swim, play badminton with friends, and go hiking when I can.

What do you think makes the University of Tsukuba special?

Thing that really stands out is the strong connection to real research. Being in Tsukuba Science City means you're not just studying from textbooks—you're literally surrounded by some of Japan's top research institutes, like JAXA, KEK, AIST, and more. There are seminars, collaboration opportunities, and even chances to visit or intern at these institutions, which makes learning feel more alive and meaningful.