In the spring of 2022, Ms. Serina Suzuki (4th year, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science of Science), who participated in the "International Student Exchange Program" subsidized by the Nakatani Foundation for Medical Engineering Measurement Technology (hereafter referred to as the Nakatani Foundation), wrote about her study abroad experience in Atlanta. to introduce.
Treasure Hunt Recommendations
The study abroad program of the Nakatani Foundation allows undergraduate students to spend a month and a half participating in research at the world-leading Georgia Institute of Technology during their summer and spring vacations. The foundation will pay for everything, including travel expenses and accommodation expenses to the United States, as well as 200,000 yen that can be used freely. Recruitment information for this dream-like program was quietly pasted on the wall of the 4th floor of School of Science Building No. 5. Have you checked the posters on the bulletin board? That place is a treasure trove.
Big city Atlanta and hammocks
After applying and passing the interview, I'm finally going to study in America this summer! As soon as I thought, I was hit by the corona misfortune. It was difficult to get a visa, and only 4 of the 15 people in the same period who had luck and an unbreakable heart went to the United States in the summer as planned. On the other hand, I couldn't get my visa in time and was about to give up.
The image of America in my mind was a place like the countryside of Michigan, where I lived for a year when I was in elementary school. The sirens that never stopped ringing, the highway had 8 lanes on each side...it was just like a picture-perfect city. However, I was shocked to find hammocks everywhere in the university, which was full of greenery. Hokkaido University is also a university with a lot of greenery, so I wish there were more relaxing spots like this. Setting up a hammock is recommended.
ホヤの研究とメンターとの闘い
事前に聞かされていた通り、滞在中はかなりの時間を研究に費やすことができました。私は、ホヤの神経発生を研究しました。写真のように、ホヤの幼生に光タンパク質を組み込んで光らせ、その場所や役割を特定する実験です。メンターには、実験指導だけでなく、食事や買い物などアメリカでの生活もお世話になりましたが、彼の口癖は「もっと遊びなさい」「研究なんて時間の無駄だよ」「It’s interesting（皮肉）」の3つでした。滞在中は日夜研究をやりたい私と、せっかくアメリカに来たのだから遊ぶべきだと主張するメンターとの攻防が続きました。研究室のメンバーは日々の生活を非常に大事にしており、夕方5時には帰って恋人とコンサートに行ったりします。彼らからすると、遊びにも行かず遅くまでラボに引きこもっている日本人がcrazyに見えたのでしょう。
Study abroad life, not just research
In this program, I had to make two big presentations during the research period of only one and a half months. But I realized that I should look beyond research to the wonderful opportunities to experience life in America. With the advice of my mentor, I spent my time experiencing various American cultures during my stay. There were many events planned by the Foundation, such as watching a soccer game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and having a barbecue at a professor's house. We all got along well with each other, and we went to sightseeing spots together almost every week. Also, the friends I made in the area taught me various things. In addition to sightseeing, I also had the opportunity to send emails to professors I admired in class and visit them in person, and to ask professors and current students about going to graduate school in the United States. It was a very enjoyable and fulfilling stay, as I was able to experience things that I would never have been able to do on my own.
The research presentation was also a very good experience. I was quite nervous until just before the presentation, and honestly, the presentation itself was not satisfactory. I was. In addition, I was able to receive a lot of praise for the clumsy presentations of the undergraduate students, and I felt that this warm atmosphere was the reason for everyone's dignified presentations.
glad i participated
Now, I am so busy with my daily experiments and preparing for graduate school exams that I feel like studying abroad in the United States is a distant past. It was strange and painful when I was there, but now it has turned into a beautiful memory. In addition to presenting in front of a large crowd, each and every person involved in the field gave me new options. I am grateful for this wonderful program of the Nakatani Foundation that gave me a valuable experience. Those who are going to participate will have a different impression than I do. I look forward to reading everyone's experiences.
Click here for the Nakatani Foundation study abroad report:
https://www.nakatani-foundation.jp/achievements/ries_achievements_list/
Report: Serina Suzuki (4th year, Department of Biology, School of Science of Science)