Japanese

Voices of International Students

Liang-1.jpg

LIANG LIU

Degree Programs in Systems and Information Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology

From China

What sparked your interest in this university?

My interest in the University of Tsukuba comes from its open and free campus atmosphere. The university offers different levels of Japanese language courses, some Japanese classes for job hunting, and unique international cultural activities that help international students better adapt to life in Japan. At the same time, there is a wide range of 365体育投注-based academic courses that support international students in their research. The university also provides opportunities for cross-disciplinary exchange and learning, allowing students to freely explore and develop their research interests. In addition, the well-equipped facilities and peaceful campus environment create a space where students can stay focused on their goals and grow with an open mind.

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

I was most surprised by the strong sense of politeness in Japanese culture. People are always considerate of others' feelings and try not to cause inconvenience. On the roads, cars follow traffic rules carefully and politely yield to pedestrians. In return, pedestrians often jog across intersections to give cars more time to pass. Even during busy hours around the university, the flow of people and cars remains highly organized. I was also touched by the friendliness I experienced while hiking. People greeted and encouraged each other along the way. By paying attention to these small acts of consideration, I gradually learned how they create a harmonious atmosphere, and I adapted by trying to carry the same mindset in my daily life.

What do you enjoy about Tsukuba?

I really enjoy spending time in the Central Library at the University of Tsukuba. The library has plenty of space, allowing students to study comfortably with the materials they need. There are also many reserved study rooms where I can focus on my work without distractions. One of my favorite spots is the study room on the fifth floor, where the windows overlook the central fountain and Mount Tsukuba. During breaks, I can watch the lively campus scenery or admire the mountain view in the distance. If I get tired, I can simply stop by the Starbucks on the first floor for a coffee to refresh myself. With many cafeterias nearby, I don't need to worry about meals and can stay focused on my studies.

What do you hope to achieve during your time here?

During my time at the University of Tsukuba, I was glad to participate twice in Google Summer of Code. My code was merged into the main branch of the community and became available for developers worldwide. My research focuses on blockchain and cybersecurity, and I hope to contribute to improving security and development in the community. In academia, there are still many questions I want to explore and solve. My goal is to earn a PhD degree within three years, not only to become a researcher who truly enjoys life but also to carry out academic work independently with confidence.

What do you think makes the University of Tsukuba special?

I believe what makes the University of Tsukuba special is its strong support for students' daily life and its high level of academic excellence. Whether it is a first visit to the campus or in large events, there are always staff members providing guidance. The tutor system offers international communication opportunities and valuable support for students in their daily lives. University of Tsukuba is also equipped with excellent barrier-free facilities, making it easy to move around the campus even for those with limited mobility. In academia, every professor concentrates on research and always encourages students to improve their research and academic writing. I am proud that at the University of Tsukuba, I have been able to strengthen my ability to discover and solve academic problems.