Name:                  KIM HAZEL ARAFILES 
Home Country:      Philippines
Status:                 Master's Student (Apr.2013 Enrollment)
Department:          Molecular Biotechnology
Laboratory:           Cell Biochemistry
Academic Advisor:  Prof. Tsunehiro Aki

(Interview in June 2014)

I specifically picked AdSM because of the research that my sensei’s group is conducting. Even as an undergraduate, I already had interest in the unusual microorganisms, the thraustochytrids, that they specifically use for their research. I came here, hopefully, to learn more about these organisms and also learn techniques to which to better understand them, along with other useful microorganisms.

The public transportation system is REALLY good. There’s so many ways to get around, you can take a pick on whether you want to go by bus or by train—whichever is convenient for you. The train lines are so sophisticated in some places and everything’s almost always on time, so people’s time is not wasted on sitting, waiting in traffic.

Since I’ve been here awhile, I’ve adjusted quite well to living in Saijo. I think here’s a very good place to study since life is very quiet and easy.

After graduating from master’s program I’m planning to continue unto Ph.d also here in Japan at AdSM.

Studying abroad is a great way to learn more about not only your field of specialty, but also exposes you to other cultures, which can enrich you in your academic field and widen your perspective of the world. Adjusting to a different place (with an entirely different language) may seem hard, but it also an opportunity for you to gain more knowledge and experience, and allows you to discover more about yourself and also the things that you truly value. Hiroshima University, I am sure is just the place where can find your best self—all while teaching you the little joys of life and learning along the way.

At preservation districts of historical villages in Takehara City