Ngo Kieu Trinh, School of Environmental Science

Study Abroad in Japan ; Through the Eyes of a Vietnamese Student
Ngo Kieu Trinh, Department of Ecosystem Studies

I am Ngo Kieu Trinh - an international student from Vietnam. I'm currently a second-year student in the Department of Ecosystem Studies, School of Environmental Science, at The University of Shiga Prefecture.

I have been interested in studying abroad since I was young, and in 2022 I came to Japan to pursue this goal. After arriving in Japan, I enrolled in a Japanese language school in Osaka, where I studied Japanese and prepared for university entrance examinations.

During this period, I developed an interest in environmental studies and began searching for universities that offer specialized education in environmental science. Through this process, I learned about The University of Shiga Prefecture and its School of Environmental Science. After applying and taking the entrance examination, I was accepted into the Department of Ecosystem Studies.

My first impression of The University of Shiga Prefecture was its beautiful campus. I clearly remember my first visit on November 25, when I came to take the entrance examination. As soon as I stepped onto the campus, I was impressed by its spacious layout and well-maintained environment. At that time, the campus was covered in autumn colors, with red and yellow leaves surrounding the buildings. The calm and organized atmosphere of the campus left a strong impression on me.

I entered The University of Shiga Prefecture in April 2024. At the beginning, adjusting to university life required time, as I had moved from Osaka to Hikone and the academic content was more advanced than I expected. During the early period, there were some classes in which it was difficult for me to fully understand the lectures in Japanese.

However, I was able to make friends soon after enrolling. Although I am the only international student in my department, I have built good relationships with Japanese students. They have supported me in both my studies and daily life by explaining lecture content that I did not fully understand and helping me improve my Japanese. In addition to support from my classmates, the faculty members have also been very supportive. As the only international student in the department, professors are always willing to answer my questions and often check whether I understand the lecture content. Their guidance has been an important part of my academic life.

One of the things I like most about my major is fieldwork. Through fieldwork courses, students visit actual field sites and conduct on-site observations and practical activities. This hands-on learning approach helps me better understand lecture content and apply theoretical knowledge in real environmental settings.

*The picture on the right shows a fieldwork class in Maibara City, where we studied local water resources.

In addition to academic studies, I have had opportunities to participate in campus activities such as bonfire events (焚き火) and student clubs. Through these activities, I have made many friends and gained valuable experiences outside the classroom.

I have also participated in activities outside the university. I joined as a volunteer at the annual Hikone City marché (マルシェ), where I met local residents and students from Shiga University. This experience allowed me to interact with the local community and learn more about the city. Hikone is not a large city, but it offers all the facilities necessary for daily life. The local residents are friendly, and the city has a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by rich natural environments, Hikone provides a comfortable living environment for students.

Currently, I am enjoying a fulfilling student life at The University of Shiga Prefecture. I believe that the university is an ideal place for international students, especially for those who are interested in nature and environmental studies. Studying and living in Hikone allows students to balance academic learning with daily life in a rich natural environment.

(December, 2025)