Krzysztof Medrzycki (HUSA 2011-2012), Enrolled in the Master’s Program of the Graduate School of International Development and Cooperation (IDEC) 2014-2016

Decision and Necessary Preparations

      When I heard about the possibility of going to Japan thanks to an exchange program offered by Hiroshima University I did not hesitate to know more about it. In 2009 there was little information to be found about HUSA program at my University. Luckily I am a rather stubborn person and once I decided that I want to visit this “Oriental Paradise”, nothing could stop me. So in September 2011, I finished everything that was necessary to begin the program and embarked on 38-hours long trip from Warsaw-Dusseldorf-Beijing-Dalian and finally arriving at Hiroshima Airport next to Shiraichi Station. In Hiroshima Airport I met my future best friend (Dima), he came on the same flight from Dalian.
     The contact with real Japanese weather almost “killed me” once the doors opened and I took first steps from the airport. Humidity was still high in the last weeks of September.

First Days at Hiroshima University and My Research

     When I came to the Hiroshima University for the first time, it was the level of organisation that I noticed immediately. For first two days of the orientation, we received so much information and helpful tips regarding student’s life and how it will be organised.
     During first weeks of my studies, I had to prepare a plan for the master thesis. My main goal in this program was to write my master thesis and learn more about the current problems of Japanese society and politics. I was writing about two transformations of Japan that occurred in the last 150 years. The First was the Meiji restoration and creation of a modern, westernised state. The Second one was rebuilding Japan after World War II and shaping into a model democracy in Asia.
     The HUSA program had interesting classes regarding Japanese cultural, society, but it did not offer classes solely focusing on domestic and international politics. However, the program was flexible, and I could without any problems participate in the classes provided by Law Faculty and IDEC (Graduate School of International Development and Cooperation), which were necessary for me to obtain knowledge regarding politics, history and policy making of Japan.

Life after University

     Every day during the time as HUSA student, there was a moment in which University life came to an end, and we had freedom to do our favourite activities. I usually read books, played video games and met with friends and go some nice cafeteria or restaurant to chat and spend some quality time. Additionally, I participated in several part time jobs called “baito” to have some spare money if I wanted to travel a little bit around Japan. During my stay, I visited Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto and most famous landmarks surrounding Hiroshima area.

The Unknown Future

     My time in Japan had come to an end in August 2012 and that it would remain in my memory forever. I started to work for a company, but something unexpected happened. One of the Professors at Hiroshima University was interested in my research, and I had a chance to study at Hirodai again.
     In 2014 my academic journey had begun (again). I am happy to do my research in Graduate School of International Development and Cooperation (IDEC). The moment I am writing this text, I already finished my master program and moving into the PhD course.
     This fantastic opportunity would not be possible without the HUSA and Hirodai Professors that in the moment of dire need were always there to help and assist.