Pande Putu Marco Surya Pratama, School of Engineering_Eng

Study Abroad in Japan : Through the Eyes of a Indonesian Student
Pande Putu Marco Surya Pratama, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering

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I am an international student from Indonesia, and this is my fourth year living in Japan. When I first arrived, the country was still dealing with the effects of COVID-19. Immigration procedures, lifestyle changes, and the shift to online classes made my first experience abroad even more challenging. However, despite those difficulties, I was fortunate to enroll at The University of Shiga Prefecture, and life here has now become an invaluable part of who I am.

There are two main reasons why I chose The University of Shiga Prefecture.

First, I had a clear academic field I wanted to pursue. Since childhood, I have been fascinated by robotics, and I believed that studying in Japan would allow me to engage with cutting-edge technology. I am particularly interested in robot hand control and factory automation. This university offers both excellent facilities and academic support that align with my research interests. In classes, I learn the fundamentals of mechanical engineering and dynamics, while also having many opportunities to design, build, and evaluate prototypes. This combination allows me to balance theory with hands-on practice.

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The second reason was the university's location. When I was attending a Japanese language school, I enjoyed the lively atmosphere of Osaka, but I eventually hoped to live somewhere calmer. As I researched more, I found that Hikone offers beautiful natural surroundings along with convenient living conditions. There are plenty of essential facilities, as well as places to relax such as cinemas and bowling alleys. The view from Hikone Castle, especially with the changing seasons, is stunning and never fails to lift my spirits.

After entering the university, I joined the music club and formed a band with my friends. This summer, we even had the opportunity to perform at a charity music festival held in Hikone. Performing in front of a large audience was a memorable and rewarding experience. Music has definitely enriched my student life.

Outside of club activities, I also took part in an internship to gain real-world experience. As a third-year student, I joined an internship program in Hiroshima, where I learned firsthand how manufacturing works and how teams collaborate to solve problems. This experience helped me develop a clearer vision of the kind of engineer I want to become, and it has been extremely valuable in shaping my future goals.

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In addition, I became a Yoneyama Scholarship student this April and have been participating in monthly meetings while receiving scholarship support. These meetings allow me to learn about business etiquette, local issues, and even global topics such as international politics and economics. Through field trips and social gatherings, I have had the chance to visit historic places such as Sanjusangendo in Kyoto and Nagahama Castle. Experiencing Japanese history and culture up close has been inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for the kindness and support of everyone I have met.

Looking back, the anxieties and challenges I faced when first arrived, helped me appreciate the importance of learning and meaningful relationships. The University of Shiga Prefecture has provided me not only with academic development but also with opportunities for personal growth through club activities and community involvement. To those who are considering studying abroad, I encourage you to follow your interests and proactively take on challenges. As for myself, I hope to use the experiences I have gained here to become an engineer who can help make the world a better place.

(December, 2025)