Hi! I am Beatrice Nicolle Oppus, a Water Engineering Management Program student at the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), AIT. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a program at Ochanomizu University, Japan, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you.
On February 10, SET announced a summer program opportunity at Ochanomizu University in Japan. The moment I learned about it, I sought approval from my academic adviser to attend. I was ecstatic when he gave his enthusiastic consent, and we applied with high hopes, eagerly awaiting the selection results.
To my great joy, on May 1, I was selected to participate in the program! My excitement about going to Japan was boundless. As I already had a vacation scheduled in my home country, I took the opportunity to prepare my visa documents while in the Philippines. After two weeks of meticulous preparation, my visa was finally approved, and I was ready for this incredible journey.
The Ocha Summer Program began on July 1 and was conducted virtually via Zoom until July 12. The program included orientation and project work, offering a unique opportunity to explore and compare cultures while drawing on various countries’ educational practices. It aimed to develop leadership skills through collaborative learning in multicultural groups. The program provided four courses for 4 credits each: Natural Science: Basic Questions and Applications; Gender, Globalization, and Diversity in Contemporary Japan; and Exploring Human Life and Environmental Sciences: Integrating Perspectives on Health, Society, and Technology. I chose the first course.
On July 17, Kysiah Putalan, Faye Simon, and I arrived at Narita Airport in Japan at 6:30 PM. I’m excited to share my experiences in Japan, and I hope you enjoy reading about them.
July 18 – First Day in Japan. It was our first day in Japan, and we couldn’t wait to start exploring! We wandered around our hotel, looking for authentic Japanese food. We found a cozy spot and enjoyed delicious bowls of ramen and plates of gyoza. The flavors were incredible—nothing beats food made in Japan.
July 19: Opening Ceremony. The next day was the program’s opening ceremony. Receiving the JASSO Scholarship felt like a dream come true and opened up opportunities beyond my wildest expectations. I was thrilled to write on the Wall of Freedom, representing my home country with immense pride and excitement. My gratitude extends beyond words to AIT Alumnus Mr. Taweechai Termkunanon and the AIT Alumni Association Headquarters for their incredible support in making this journey possible. Their generosity lightened the financial burden and fueled my determination to make the most of this extraordinary experience.
July 19: Campus Tour. Later that day, I met my amazing groupmates: Lynn, Gege, Remy, Eli, Yahwen, and Celine, who were all pursuing Master’s degrees. Coming from diverse backgrounds—Burmese, Chinese, Thai, Czech, and German—each brought a unique perspective that enriched our time together. It was an absolute joy to get to know them. We bonded quickly as we toured the campus, shared tips, and made unforgettable memories. The camaraderie and laughter we shared during our explorations made the experience even more special.
Upon arriving at Ochanomizu University, we headed straight to the entrance gate for a group photo. The beautiful entrance made for a stunning backdrop, capturing the excitement of our first day. It was the perfect way to kick off our journey here in Japan!
One of the highlights for my friend was exploring Japan’s book collection. With the country’s rich tradition in literature and manga, every discovery added a new layer of excitement. Japan’s vibrant anime culture made exploring its stories an unforgettable experience for them.
July 20: Hachiko Station, Shibuya Crossing, and Tokyo Tower: Visiting Hachiko Station was surreal, especially since I remember watching the movie about Hachiko as a child. Standing by the statue of the loyal dog brought childhood memories to life and left me feeling nostalgic.
Afterward, we headed to the iconic Shibuya Crossing. It was an exciting experience as it’s one of the coolest spots in Tokyo! We were blown away by the massive crowd and how everyone moved together. The vibrant energy of the place made it an unforgettable part of our trip.
Even though it was almost raining, we didn’t let that stop us from visiting Tokyo Tower. Standing close to this amazing landmark was an awe-inspiring moment. The cloudy weather couldn’t dampen the beauty of Tokyo’s skyline, and the experience was one I’ll never forget.
July 21 Asakusa: Exploring Asakusa was like stepping back in time. The five-story pagoda stood tall as a symbol of Japan’s cultural heritage. Walking through the Kaminarimon Gate felt like entering a different era, surrounded by traditional architecture. The experience deepened my appreciation for Japanese history and culture.
Our visit to the Sky Tower offered breathtaking views. The tower majestically rose against the cityscape, its elegance and serenity adding to our memorable experience.
During our field trip, we had the chance to make Taiyaki, a traditional fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste or other delicious fillings, cooked in a special mold until golden and crispy. This hands-on activity allowed us to immerse ourselves in Japanese cuisine.
Making shaved ice with friends added a fun and refreshing twist to the day. We experimented with colorful syrups and toppings, creating customized cool treats. The simple act of making these treats became a shared memory, filled with laughter and a sense of camaraderie.
July 22, Learning Japanese: During the Japanese playground activity, we exchanged greetings in our dialects, sharing how we say “hi.” It was fascinating to see the diversity in our group and how each language carried its unique cultural touch. We also learned other Japanese words, which deepened our connection to the language and made the experience both educational and fun.
Our group of AIT students, including those from SET and the School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD), were united by a shared passion for learning and cultural exchange. Despite our diverse nationalities, we proudly carried the AIT name, fostering a spirit of gratitude that transcended borders.
July 26, Kodo Class: The Kodo class, where we discovered traditional Japanese fragrances, was challenging and intriguing. We were tasked with identifying various scents without any hints. Each fragrance had its distinct and powerful aroma, reflecting the uniqueness of Japanese culture. Fortunately, a sharp SET student, Faye Simon, guessed the scents perfectly, impressing everyone with her keen sense of smell.
July 22, Learning about Japanese Fireworks: In our last session of the Japanese Playground Activity, we learned about the different types of fireworks displays that are a big part of Japan’s festivals. Kysiah, Faye, and I worked together and won a fun guessing game, earning a token as a reward. It was a memorable experience that tested our knowledge and brought us closer together.
July 31, Cook and Eat Onigiri: Making onigiri was a fun and hands-on experience. We were shaping the sticky rice into triangles or ovals, filling it with ingredients like salmon or tuna, and wrapping it in seaweed made for a simple yet satisfying snack. We were fortunate to learn this tradition from our friend Yuri, who was taught by her grandmother and shared it with us wholeheartedly.
My groupmates, Yuri (Japanese), Benedikt (German), Tanawat (Thai), and Toko (Japanese), had been working together since our online classes. We decided to focus on educational equality, making international comparisons on issues like teacher shortages and the role of AI, including tools like ChatGPT. Each of us brought unique perspectives, and we combined our insights to present a comprehensive analysis to the entire class as our final output.
July 27, Exploring Tokyo: Kysiah and I took some time to explore Japan on a side trip, and one of our highlights was visiting the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo. The Ootorii, Japan’s largest wooden myojin-style torii gate, was awe-inspiring, and the vibrant, colorful sake barrels displayed in honor of the gods were truly captivating. We also visited the iconic stairs from the movie “Your Name (Kimi no Na wa),” a spot that any anime lover would instantly recognize and appreciate.
July 27, Kyogen: Later, we were fortunate to catch a traditional Japanese comic theater performance called “Kyogen” in Shibuya with free admission. It was fascinating to see how the entire family worked together to preserve and pass down this cultural tradition. Before the show, they gave us a brief lesson on the basic movements and how to portray different characters, making the experience even more engaging.
July 28, Tokyo Disneyland: One of the most unforgettable highlights of my trip was our visit to Tokyo Disneyland—a dream I’ve cherished since childhood. Coming to Japan was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I wanted to savor every moment. My excitement was shared by my aunt, Nikki Joan Oppus, who generously sponsored my Disneyland adventure.
From the thrilling rides to meeting beloved Disney characters, every moment felt like stepping into a magical storybook. The enchanting world of Disney came to life, and I found myself lost in the wonder and joy it brought. This trip wasn’t just a visit to an amusement park; it fulfilled my childhood’s greatest dream. My heart is overflowing with gratitude and happiness—I feel beyond blessed.
July 29, National Museum of Nature and Science: As a part of another field trip, our class visited Japan’s largest science museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, at Ueno Park in Tokyo. The museum boasts over 25,000 exhibits covering various topics, from outer space and dinosaurs to Japanese ecosystems and the latest technological advancements. It was an incredible opportunity to explore so many fascinating aspects of science in one place.
July 29, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory in Shinjuku: We also visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory in Shinjuku, an incredible experience. Standing 243 meters tall, it’s one of the city’s most iconic structures, offering breathtaking views. From the south observatory, we could even see Mount Fuji along with a stunning skyline of skyscrapers! We stayed until nightfall to witness the building’s impressive light projections, adding to the unforgettable experience.
August 2, Presentation: Everyone delivered strong presentations at our last meeting with Prof. Misako Hirano about our project work at Ochanomizu University. The focus was on global issues and how to address them through international comparisons. It was a great privilege to be part of such an insightful and impactful session.
August 2, Closing Ceremony: On our last day at Ochanomizu University, the AIT group gathered for a ceremony where we received certificates for completing the summer exchange program. It felt great to be recognized for all our efforts and experiences over the past few weeks. We celebrated the friendships and knowledge we gained, making the moment even more special. It was a perfect way to wrap up our time there and appreciate our shared journey.
I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this summer program. My heartfelt thanks go to the SET family and AIT International Affairs for their support in making this experience possible. I also appreciate the Alumni Association Headquarters’ generous financial assistance, which made it feasible for me to participate. I am thankful to the staffs at Ochanomizu University for organizing such a valuable program and their support through the JASSO Scholarship.
Connecting with people from different cultures and building friendships from the other side of the world has been an enriching experience. It has broadened my perspectives and provided new insights that I will cherish. I am excited to share the lessons I’ve learned and the experiences I’ve gained in Japan. This opportunity has been an important step in my academic and personal development, and I am grateful for the chance to grow through it.
