国際学生ワークショップ2010 - 参加者レポート -
UC DAVIS CBSEver-increasing global integration means young researchers need to learn how to communicate within the growing international scientific community. The International Student Workshop and Symposium created this kind of scientifically and culturally stimulating environment for its participants from Japan, China and the U.S. Not only was this event a complete success in introducing us to a more international scientific stage but it far exceeded our expectations on a personal level. Our hosts at NAIST were abject professionals setting up and assisting with all the technical aspects of the presentations. Their friendly and welcoming approach allowed all of us to not only focus on the delivery of our research findings with greater ease but also communicate more openly in a social setting.
Seeing my Japanese and Chinese roommates earlier memorizing entire scripts, made me appreciate their efforts more; it reminded me of the added pressure of doing a technical presentation for those of us whose native language is not English. The native English speakers also adjusted, asking direct clear questions to avoid any unnecessary confusion. Yet, I was curious how the communication would look outside of the conference hall. Without the added pressure of being on stage, a lively debate immediately broke out among the participants. It was incredible to talk with different students about their projects on every break and I soon realized how seamlessly we were all able to form a unified community despite some language barriers. This amazing environment was fueled by a shared scientific as well as cultural curiosity which turned into real warmth and friendship as we ate, drank, and explored together.
I was impressed at how so many people coming from different backgrounds could find common passion and even humor in such a short amount of time. Somewhere in Nara, Osaka, and NAIST between singing karaoke, visiting temples, learning to wear a kimono, eating an incredible array of food, and talking with one another, we became good friends.
I would like to thank our hosts who not only organized a fantastic symposium but kept us all happily engaged during our entire stay.
CAS IGDBIt was an amazing experience for all of us to join this International student workshop. Students with different background were taken together to talk about their research, life and dreams. The communications benefit for improving our English skills in presentation, changing research ideas. We become unforgettable friends and keep in touch in future. It is an important treasure for our life.
At the workshop, we need to present our works and to raise questions for other students in different research field. It is really not easy for students from China and Japan. The mixture of students from different countries in one room provides us an excellent opportunity to talk in English. The comfortable environments make us confident in presentation and have willing to talk with each other. The party at night must be the favorite part for most of us. It catalyzed the reactions between all of us.
We were totally attracted by the warmness of host, the delicious foods and the culture of Japan. Dr Ian Smith met us at the Airport and companied with us along the workshop. I would never forget his smile and patience in talking with us. Dai and Lim showed us around to visit Osaka and Nara. We enjoyed the culture travels and amazing Japanese foods.
We thanks for NAIST providing this fantastic workshop for us. Thanks for all the people that involved in this workshop. It is an unforgettable memory for all of us. It builds the connection between students from different countries. I hope this successful party will go on.
NAIST BSThis workshop was a wonderful experience for me. Not only that I have gained many new knowledge but also made a lot of new friends too. Total of 53 students including ten graduate students each from CAS-IGDB and UCD-CBS and 33 graduate students from NAIST-BS were gathered together at I&I Land for three days where we exchanged experiences, ideas as well as building good friendships.
In this workshop, there were participants from different research background, ranging from microbiology to plants and animals. This gave me a very good opportunity to understand what other types of research that are carrying out by other graduate students; thus showing me different perspective on research methods. On top of that, the number of participating students was just right, not so big that it's chaotic, but not too small, either. Thus, it encourages a more efficient discussion during the oral presentation and poster session. In fact, many of these discussions that I have had with the other students were actually very fruitful and brainstorming.
After staying together for several days, we have built many good friendships. During the mixer, we were not only having conversation all about science and career, but also learning about each other’s culture. Apart from that, having cultural visit to Kyoto, Osaka and Nara actually gave a good opportunity for foreign students to understand more about the Japanese culture. I believe that walking around the historical Nara-machi in kimono was really a once in a lifetime experience for many of the participants including myself.
Although many of us are non-native English speaker, but this do not become a obstacle for everyone to get to know each other more and most importantly to exchange scientific knowledge. In my opinion, it’s the passion for science that brings us all together and breaks down the language barrier. In conclusion, this workshop was a great success with lots of fruitful takeaway. Last but not least, I would like to thank NAIST GCOE program for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I am very grateful to have participated in this workshop which has really broadens my view.