Student Voices (Ms. Tran Nguyen Phuong Linh)

Ms. Tran Nguyen Phuong Linh　※Using “Pre-arrival-Admission”

During the early days of my university studies in Vietnam, I never thought about studying overseas. Upon entering my second year, however, my Japanese language instructor advised me to seriously consider to study abroad. That led to me taking the EJU, as well as an interview test for Nagaoka University of Technology (NUT). Passing both of those tests, as well as receiving the support of my parents, I made the decision to study overseas. I also imagined that studying and researching my own specialty in Japan would raise my chances of finding employment in that field, further supporting my decision to study abroad.

I currently study at Nagaoka University of Technology (NUT), which is located in Nagaoka City in Niigata Prefecture. As a student of the Twining Program of Minh University of Technology in Vietnam and NUT, there was no real need to choose a university for a study abroad program. But even so, I spent some time researching Nagaoka City. My impression was that while it is less lively as a community, it is clean and neat in appearance.
After living in Nagaoka for about one year, I have grown quite fond of the city. Prior to studying there, there was a need to make various preparations such as purchasing clothing and other items necessary to live and study in Nagaoka.

For the EJU, I took the tests for Mathematics (Course 2), Chemistry and Physics. I studied those subjects at high school in Vietnam, but because I forgot much of the material I spent about three months before the exam reviewing those subjects. For Mathematics, because the exam includes basic questions and exercises for each problem, during my reviews I particularly paid attention to brushing up my basic knowledge.
For Chemistry and Physics, the extensive range of questions convinced me to also place the priority on reviewing the basic knowledge. In addition to that, I also read books from the chemistry and physics courses that I studied in high school, while also referring to the book of examination questions several years ago. Because the examinations were given in Japanese, it was also necessary to learn numerous specialized terms concerning mathematics, chemistry and physics in that language.

I have now studied at universities in both Vietnam and Japan, thereby becoming aware of both the differences and similarities. For classes in Japan, the instructors begin by explaining the class contents, making it important for students to study on their own at home. Reports and tests are used to confirm what students have actually learned. While this resembles the approach at universities in Vietnam, major differences can be found in the research work and lifestyles.
At the seminars and laboratories of Nagaoka University of Technology, students are able to study their own themes and conduct the required experiments. The research facilities are quite advanced, with my upperclassmen at laboratories kind and enthusiastic. In terms of the student lifestyle, with all classes taught in Japanese I encountered various struggles in that regard. However, I gradually grew accustomed to both the language and the routine.
I was able to make friends, and came to understand much more about life in Japan. With a large number of other Vietnamese students also attending the university, while I often became nostalgic about my family and home country, I never felt lonely. All in all, therefore, I am enjoying my lifestyle in Nagaoka City.

I definitely feel that use of the Pre-arrival Admission system is beneficial for non-Japanese applicants. If you carefully study the admissions requirements for the school you are interested in, then take the necessary tests in your own country and achieve solid scores, you will be more likely to be admitted. The advantages include the ability to confirm what university you really want to attend before arriving in Japan, making it easier to apply for a visa as an international student. Scoring well on the EJU may also help students receive scholarship support.
It is important for students preparing to take the EJU under the Pre-arrival Admission system to review the basic knowledge necessary for their own specialty fields, as well as learn Japanese. I am confident that such efforts are highly beneficial when studying at a Japanese university.

I think it is a good way to take the EJU for anyone interested in studying in Japan. The examination is an important key for studying in Japan, and preparing for the EJU is an excellent way to review the basic knowledge required and make other progress. In view of these various advantages, I highly recommend to take this exam. Studying in Japan is a stimulating experience, and also an opportunity to experience a new lifestyle and culture. In conclusion, the Pre-arrival Admission system is an outstanding way to pursue your goal of studying in Japan.