Suchera Putthakosa, a Doctoral student in the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (IME) program from the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) in Thailand, shares her remarkable adventure during an exchange program at the Prefectural University of Hiroshima (PUH) in Japan. Here is her story:
The prospect of studying abroad is a dream many students harbor. The exhilaration that coursed through me upon receiving an email from the Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) about an exchange program is indescribable. The unexpected nature of this opportunity, perfectly aligned with my academic pursuits, made it all the more thrilling. Without hesitation, I applied and was selected. Little did I know that more challenges awaited, such as finding the right advisor to match my academic background. Despite the hurdles, my determination prevailed, and my journey to Japan commenced.
On September 15, 2022, I touched down at Kansai International Airport in Japan, and from that moment onward, I was captivated. The stark contrasts between my home country and Japan—be it in culture, people, language, or way of life—were eye-catching. As a non-Japanese speaker, navigating the language barrier initially daunted me. However, this challenge fueled my determination to immerse myself in the culture and learn as much as possible from this experience.
PUH, a public university in Hiroshima Prefecture, boasts over 2,600 students dedicated to learning, high-quality research, and training. Renowned as one of the top public universities in the Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu areas, PUH encompasses three campuses: Hiroshima, Shobara, and Mihara. I had the privilege of joining Associate Professor Dr. Daisuke Hirotani’s lab group on the Hiroshima campus, with accommodation available at the Eikei University dormitory—a mere 25-minute bus/train ride from the Hiroshima campus.
The day after my arrival, I confidently made my way to PUH to meet my advisor. Despite initially taking the wrong bus and getting lost, I arrived on time. During the meeting, I assertively presented my research proposal, only to realize that I was the sole doctoral student due to the absence of a doctoral curriculum at PUH. Subsequently, I was tasked with writing and publishing a research paper within six months, reporting weekly progress, delivering weekly presentations on supply chain management, and attending the intelligent production systems class without earning credits. Despite these demanding time constraints, I was determined to seize this opportunity and accomplish all assigned tasks.
Participating in language classes and cultural events significantly enhanced my experience as an international student. During my time at PUH, I engaged in an introductory Japanese language class, providing essential words and sentences for daily use. Additionally, I attended a welcome party for international students, where I was paired with a Japanese buddy, facilitating navigation through daily life and language barriers. However, the highlight of my PUH tenure was the two study tours, one of which led me to the Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens in Fukuyama City—an amalgamation of Zen and art. The breathtaking natural surroundings, especially the ship-shaped Kohtei pavilion, left an indelible mark on my senses. The Zen meditation at the International Zen Training Monastery was equally unforgettable, providing an hour of profound peace and tranquility.
While at PUH, I actively engaged in weekly discussions with my advisor to finalize the research topic. After presenting and deliberating various options, we settled on “Developing a Two-Stage Supply Chain Model using a Discrete Time Markov Chain Model During Supply Chain Disruptions.” Despite the challenging nature of the research, I adeptly managed my time, completing weekly assignments, attending class, preparing presentations, and conducting research at AIT on schedule. This experience underscored the significance of time management and self-discipline in achieving success, showcasing my ability to independently own the research and make consistent progress. Upon returning to Thailand, collaboration with my Japanese advisor culminated in the acceptance of our paper by a journal, slated for publication by December 2023.
Residing in the Eikei University dormitory in Hiroshima was a stroke of luck, offering a central location for exploration. Walking distance to landmarks such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden, and the Hiroshima Museum of Art, the dormitory facilitated convenient access to shopping malls, grocery stores, and transportation hubs. The dormitory experience not only fostered international friendships through shared activities like cooking, baking, parties, and barbecues but also provided a safe and peaceful living environment, thanks to the helpful and responsive dormitory staff.
My academic program was a blend of rigorous study and memorable experiences. I seized every opportunity to explore diverse locations with friends, venturing to Miyajima Island in different seasons and marveling at its divine beauty—a recognized top-three view in Japan. Attending the Etajima Fireworks Festival and visiting Rabbit Island (Okunoshima), where friendly rabbits approached for treats, added to the unforgettable moments. Exploring Hiroshima amidst snowfall and strolling through the city were equally delightful experiences.
Being an exchange student in Japan demanded proficiency in the Japanese language, and the support of friends, buddies, and PUH facilitators proved invaluable. Their guidance eased the challenges of daily life, transforming my stay in Japan into a positive and enriching experience.
As the sole exchange doctoral student at PUH, this opportunity not only bolstered my confidence as an independent researcher and lecturer but also immersed me in a city rich with history, providing a unique cultural experience. Living in Hiroshima, a melting pot of cultures, allowed me to learn the Japanese language, interact with people worldwide, and broaden my horizons. The exchange program between AIT and PUH offered abundant opportunities for networking, collaboration, and research, paving the way for a robust academic and professional network that will undoubtedly benefit my future career.
I extend my immense gratitude to AIT and PUH for affording me the chance to embrace a new culture, forge lifelong friendships, and expand my perspectives. My exchange program will forever be etched as one of the most cherished memories of my life.
