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What’s your background?
I am an international development professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Over my career at Japan’s international cooperation agency, I have mainly worked as a project manager overseeing bilateral development projects implemented across Africa, Asia, and Latin American countries.
After gaining a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, I completed two master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics and an MBA.
Why did you choose to study Pre-sessional English course face-to-face?
I wanted to brush up on my speaking and writing skills to prepare for my master's program. Also, I thought it would be a good idea to attend the class in person to become accustomed to the learning environment at UCL and in London.
I chose UCL because it was the only university that offered a program specializing in responsible finance.
Which degree are you studying now and what is it like?
Over the last five years, I have pivoted my career direction to private sector engagement, where I found immense potential for the private sector to generate positive social and environmental impacts in emerging countries.
To further deepen my expertise in cooperation with the private sector, I decided to pursue UCL’s master's course to gain essential foundations and a human network in responsible finance (impact investing). This is a relatively new form of investing intended to generate positive impacts on society and the environment through investment.
I am learning a lot from cutting-edge theories and practices of impact investing from experienced internal and external lecturers. The program also challenges me to handle programming languages (like Python) and solve problems in the context of responsible finance. As I had no experience in programming, it has been highly challenging, but I am gradually gaining confidence with hands-on teaching.
How has the Pre-sessional English course helped you in your degree?
Unexpectedly, rather than focusing on speaking or writing skills, the Pre-sessional English course focused on seminar and research skills. Looking back, this was beneficial to me because the learning from the course helped me a lot in my master's program.
For example, my master's course did not have any program to work on a dissertation in the first term. However, during the Pre-sessional English course, I was able to conduct preliminary research on my topic, write a summary of my findings, and present it to my cohorts.
As a result, I was able to associate my research topic with the contents of the master's program, which served as valuable preparation for my dissertation.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your time on the Pre-sessional English course and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was my health condition. Before coming to the UK, I overloaded my schedule, which made me exhausted and sometimes sick.
To search for the right accommodation for my family members, I had to live alone and move twice during the session. Towards the end of the course, we were tasked with submitting the research summary paper and presentation slides, which was the hardest part of the course for me.
However, with the advice and support from lecturers and staff, I found the right hospital and fully recovered in the end.
What advice would you give to future face-to-face Pre-sessional English students?
Don’t make yourself too busy before coming to London and arrive well ahead of the beginning of the lecture. This will allow you to secure time to prepare for the course and deal with unexpected events.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The course provides a safe environment where there are no stupid questions.
Talk to your cohorts and hang out with them during the course. Even after the course, I still sometimes meet up with friends from the program. It is nice to have a community apart from the one I have in my main course.
What is it like to live and study in London?
London is overall a safe, accommodating, and comfortable place to live and study. People are kind, especially when moving with a buggy for kids. Not only men, but even women often offer support to lift the buggy in stations.
Speaking of public transportation, it sometimes terminates operations unexpectedly for many reasons. Interestingly, users seem to be more patient than those in Japan. For people in London, the termination of public transportation is not something special. Take it as usual so that you do not feel stressed.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with at UCL so far?
The group project was the most interesting experience for me. In my master's course, I usually form groups with my cohorts from China, India, the U.S., and Moldova.
Working with people from totally different backgrounds is challenging because I need to understand how each member works and determine what ground rules to put in place for us to work harmoniously.
At the same time, it is an exciting and rewarding experience that reinforces my career as an international development professional.
How is the UK education system different to your home country?
Generally speaking, the UK’s education system requires more participation from students than Japan’s.
It depends on the programs, but you are usually expected to raise your hand and give your own opinions. As I went through public and private schools where diverse teaching methods were practiced, I did not feel stressed in the courses UCL delivered.
Where is your favourite place on campus and why?
The Japanese garden on the Bloomsbury campus is my favourite place.
There is a stone monument listing the outstanding figures who studied at UCL and later significantly contributed to reforming the Edo government and modernizing Japan. One of the figures is Hirobumi Ito, Japan’s first prime minister.
Standing in front of the monument and imagining their student life here at UCL back in the 1860s, as well as their conviction to change Japanese society, I feel energized and gain the power to move forward. I am looking forward to viewing the cherry blossom tree planted in the garden in spring.