About Studying Abroad
Studying abroad during your university years is an invaluable experience in today’s globalized society. It can give you an advantage in future career opportunities and enrich your life in lasting ways. In the Mathematical Science Course, we actively support students in gaining international experience through two unique study-abroad programs adopted by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO):
- Environmental Innovator Development Program – Study mathematical sciences at universities in Europe.
- Pan-Pacific Green Science Program – Study science and environmental studies in Guam or the Philippines.
For details, please visit:
https://www.crossover.riko.akita-u.ac.jp/studyabroad/
Four students from the Mathematical Science Course were dispatched to Europe for a three-month study abroad experience through the Faculty of Engineering Science’s Environmental Innovator Development Program.
Three students (Akimoto, Sayama, Konno) stayed at Comenius University in Slovakia for three months to pursue research in geometry, algebraic geometry, and algebra.
One student (Sasaki) stayed at University of Debrecen in Hungary to conduct research in computer science.
Study Abroad Experience Report
Ryunosuke Sato – 4th Year, Mathematical Science Course
I studied abroad at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s, Canada, from June 2022 to April 2023.
Although I started planning later than most students and faced concerns due to visa timing and COVID-19, the International Office supported me throughout the process, allowing me to begin my studies as scheduled.
ESL Program at Grenfell Campus (June–August)
Because my submitted TOEIC score did not meet the language requirements, I participated in the ESL summer program before enrolling in Computer Science classes. At first, I worried about making friends due to my English ability, but many Korean students and local first-year students participated in the program. Through daily interactions, assignments, and group activities such as interviews and theater performances, I quickly made friends and enjoyed the experience immensely.
Computer Science Studies at St. John’s Campus (September–April)
After completing ESL, I began taking Computer Science courses, including: Network systems, SQL and data handling, Computer graphics, Algorithm efficiency, Computational complexity.
One of the most memorable courses was Visual Computation and Applications (3301). Using Python and OpenCV, I worked on an edge-detection program. At first, I struggled, but as I learned coding techniques, the program gradually took shape—and I found the process exciting.
Another challenging but rewarding course was Nature-Inspired Computing (3201), conducted in Java. Although I initially lagged behind, I asked classmates and professors for help, eventually mastering the content and achieving a perfect score on the final assignment.
Growth in English and Life Experience
Even after ESL, I often felt my English was insufficient, and it was difficult at times. But through conversations with friends, classmates, and dormmates, my skills steadily improved. I also traveled to New York during winter break—the first overseas trip of my life. When I missed a connecting flight, I managed the situation by explaining everything in English, which greatly boosted my confidence.
By the fall semester, I had gained enough confidence to enroll in upper-year courses, including a fascinating computational complexity course that I hope to build on in my future research.
Reflections on 10 Months in Canada
As I adapted to life abroad and built friendships, leaving St. John’s at the end of the program felt truly bittersweet. Since I want to work as an engineer overseas in the future, I plan to continue studying English and participate in engineering internships to gain practical experience.
Study Abroad Through the Environmental Innovator Development Program
Yukino Itō – 4th Year, Mathematical Science Course (Yamamura–Fazekas Laboratory)
Yukino Itō participated in the Environmental Innovator Development Program and studied for three months at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, where she took courses in machine learning and attended seminars while also working on her graduation research.
Study Abroad Report – Yukino Itō
I studied at the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, from October 17, 2022, to January 11, 2023, through the JASSO-supported exchange program.
I lived in the university dormitory, sharing a triple room with students from Bosnia and Slovakia.
The campus features a cafeteria, café, library, study rooms, hammocks, sofas, gaming computers, and even a large outdoor chessboard.
Courses Taken
Introduction to Computational Intelligence
A master-level seminar held twice a week. We learned about AI, regression analysis, probability, and clustering. The English was difficult, but the content was familiar thanks to my studies at Akita University.
Introduction to Cognitive Science
Another master-level seminar, focusing on robotics and modeling. The terminology and volume of material made it quite challenging.
Linear Coding
Also a master-level class. Since I joined five weeks late and was unfamiliar with the content, it took considerable effort, but with thorough preparation I could understand about 70% of the material.
Probability Measure and Mathematical Statistics
A self-study–based course featuring tests, assignments, and oral exams. Explaining concepts in English was difficult, but the professor was kind and encouraged me through the process.
Dormitory Life
Dorm fees consisted of a €160 deposit and €55 per month.
Facilities included a kitchen, shared restrooms and showers, laundry machines (€2.75 per use), a gym for boxing and Muay Thai, study areas, and weekly linen service. Meals at the cafeteria were affordable (0.9–3€ with an ISIC card).
Interaction and Cultural Exchange
Although I arrived after the Welcome Week, I participated in other events such as food culture exchanges, trips to Vienna, and Christmas markets.
Through these experiences, I met many people and built friendships that I will treasure.
Reflections
Studying abroad had always been my dream. Although I faced challenges, experiencing diverse viewpoints and communicating in English boosted my confidence and motivation. I conducted my graduation research in English, based on what I learned in Slovakia.
I am truly grateful to the people in Slovakia, my professors, academic staff, and my family for supporting me.