Ashley Yeo Min Qi

Snow in Hokkaido Was the Deciding Factor

I discovered MJSP while searching for universities in Japan online. I considered studying in Tokyo, but found out that tuition and rent in Hokkaido University was more reasonable as well as in comparison with Singapore. This was reassuring for my parents. 

Actually, a major reason for choosing Hokkaido was snow. When I traveled to Japan the year before, I visited Hokkaido and was captivated by the beauty of snow. “If I study in Hokkaido, I can see snow again”—that thought pushed me forward. 

I discovered MJSP while searching for universities in Japan online. I considered studying in Tokyo, but found out that tuition and rent in Hokkaido University was more reasonable as well as in comparison with Singapore. This was reassuring for my parents. 

Actually, a major reason for choosing Hokkaido was snow. When I traveled to Japan the year before, I visited Hokkaido and was captivated by the beauty of snow. “If I study in Hokkaido, I can see snow again”—that thought pushed me forward. I discovered MJSP while searching for universities in Japan online. I considered studying in Tokyo, but found out that tuition and rent in Hokkaido University was more reasonable as well as in comparison with Singapore. This was reassuring for my parents. 

From 6 Months in a Dormitory to an Apartment

When I first enrolled, I lived in a university dormitory where we were housed with other international students who were on exchange as well. MJSP doesn’t have a dedicated dormitory, but they introduce you to general student dormitories for 6 months. That period was enough to get used to living there. 

To be honest, I did not interact much with my roommates, aside from small greetings and short conversations in the common areas like the kitchen. Most of the time we would be in our own rooms. 

After a few months, apartment hunting began. I was worried about the language barrier as I was not confident of my level of Japanese then, but it turns out there is an apartment hunting support desk on the first floor of the Student Communication Building that can assist students in English, Mandarin and Korean. 

I have also learned something from apartment hunting. There are city gas and propane gas, and city gas is the affordable option for students. I didn’t know this at first, so I recommend to those coming here to look out for which type of gas they can choose. Also, try to move into your apartment before it starts snowing as moving things will get much more difficult with snow. 

My current apartment is a 10 minute walk from the university. It’s a very convenient distance. 

Cooking at Home and Part-Time Work

To save on food costs, I basically cook at home. I would buy ingredients at the supermarket and sometimes from the convenience stores, but cooking at home is much more economical. 

I’m planning to start a part time job next week. Through a friend’s introduction, it’s a job delivering tourists’ luggage between the airport and hotels. It’s a service that allows people to explore Sapporo without worrying about their luggage, and I’m looking forward to it. 

My friends around me also have part time jobs. Hotel restaurants, Vietnamese restaurants, English tutoring— there are many jobs that international students can do. There’s no need to worry about language barrier. 

A Day in My Life

My first class starts at 8:45 AM with my last class ending at 6PM. There is 15 minutes of break in-between classes and a one hour lunch break. 

In spring and summer, I go to convenience stores or the cafeteria. There’s a large space in the building next door where there aren’t many people, so I can leisurely enjoy lunch there with my friends. It gets really cold in Winter, so I usually bring a bento from home. 

When there is a long break between my next classes, I tend to wait in the lobby instead of going home. I’ll use that time to do my homework if any or prepare for the next class. If the lobby gets too noisy, I like to use the study room next to it. It’s a quiet environment where I can concentrate. 

Learning in Both Japanese and English

Currently, I’m taking both Japanese and English classes. One of MJSP’s appeal lies in this flexibility. 

During the preparatory course, there was a class called “tandem course”. I got to interact with Japanese students and learn how to converse with them in Japanese of course. At the same time, they would use that opportunity to practice English with us— It was mutually beneficial. It was also during that exchange that we got to befriend Japanese students. 

As I have begun the programme, I can participate in classes offered in other faculties or multicultural classes — conducted in Japanese. By taking classes together with Japanese students, I can engage more deeply with Japanese culture. 

Bonds Because We’re Only 20 

You might think 20 students per year is small. But that’s exactly why we can all build close relationships. Everyone helps each other, studies together before tests, and supports each other when there are problems. I think these bonds are something you can’t get with larger cohorts. 

How I Spend Weekends

On weekends, I refresh myself by going to cafes with friends, taking long walks, or reading books. Since it’s snowing now, I plan to go snowboarding. Last year, I purchased my very own snowboard and gears. I was able to buy them at a discount through news from the snowboarding club which I joined in my first year of MJSP. 

After school, I sometimes go to nearby restaurants with friends. There are lots of Chinese and Nepalese restaurants near the campus. 

Coming from the heat of Singapore, Hokkaido’s climate is cool and comfortable for me. I’ve gotten used to the cold now. 

My Future Dream

In the future, I’d like to work in Japan if possible. If I have the chance, I want to do work related to international relations. 

I look to a senior who works at Takikawa City Hall after graduation, and I think that path is also attractive. 

To Those Aiming for MJSP 

Before deciding to enrol, talk with your parents or even friends, and seriously consider the pros and cons of why you want to go to this school. If you’re still hesitating about applying to MJSP, I’ll tell you something my senior always tells me. 

“Just try.”

If you don’t try, your chance is 0%. But if you allow yourself to try you will never know what possibilities will arise. 

You might be worried about language barriers, and that is completely alright. But MJSP will help you overcome them. By immersing yourself in a university environment, along with daily Japanese, you’ll naturally be forced to use the language, and before you know it, you’ll have made so much progress as compared to when you first started out and you won’t even know it! 

So don’t hesitate — take the challenge. 

Applying to MJSP is the beginning of a journey. You won’t know what paths lie ahead until you take the first step. As you walk that path you can decide for yourself where to go next. 

We’re waiting for you in Sapporo!