Jennie is from New York City in the US. She transferred to GSC from Stony Brook University.

How did you first hear about GSC?

Through the MEXT Global 30 project. They had a list of English taught programs on their website. I was considering coming here for graduate school but then I saw this program listed and decided to apply.

What motivated you to apply?

I always wanted to come to Japan. At first I was interested in anime, watching Pokémon, and Sailor Moon on Cartoon Network, and then I got into manga. After that, I came to Japan during my first two summers as a university student. For the first year, I took part in a study abroad program at Gunma University. In the second year, I did research at the UTokyo Pharmaceutical Sciences School.

Have you experienced any culture shock moving to Japan?

Not really. Especially after the first time I came to Japan, I realized how easy it was to adapt to living here.

What positive experiences have you had here?

I really like sightseeing and travelling. During the weekends, I try to travel around Japan. In February, I went to Hakone. I walked around the perimeter of Lake Ashinoko. That type of walking adventure isn’t something you can do as easily in America. It was beautiful and there was still snow up there, which was really nice.

What has been your main impression of the GSC program?

I would say its life changing. I’ve matured and become much more adaptable. Also, living in Japan makes you more laid back and trusting.

What makes GSC unique?

It’s the only transfer program that’s taught entirely in English in Japan. It gives you the chance to be able to try out multiple areas of research while you’re still an undergraduate student. That’s just not possible in America.

What do you consider to be the best features of this program?

The research opportunities and the depth of the research you do. In the labs they give us small short-term projects to work on. Although we only do the shallowest surface of whatever research the lab is doing, it still gives enough of an idea of their research and what you need to know in order to improve yourself and the research for that lab.

I really like the research of the Nakamura and Nishihara labs. Currently I’m in the Nishihara lab working on synthesizing nanosheets. I’ve mainly been using the AFM machine (Atomic Force Microscopy). You wouldn’t get to use this type of technology as an undergraduate student elsewhere, unless you really put yourself out there and got special permission.

How does GSC set you apart from other students?

The international aspect. A lot of employers, especially in America, want you to be flexible and adaptable. If you’ve studied in Japan for 2 years, they would think you were unique and different. It gives a good impression if you are willing to pick up your roots and move to a different country for school or a job.

Have you made friends here?

I have made good friends. There’s a very good sense of community in the international lodge at Komaba, so I’ve made friends there. I’ve also made friends with everybody on the program. During lab rotations, I talk to the other Japanese students when they are not doing work. They are really friendly and willing to help you.

What are your plans for after GSC?

I want to go to graduate school. I want to find a place with a laboratory which I really love and would enjoy spending 20 hours a day there. I’ve been considering Japan, US, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden… all around the world. After that I would probably do a post-doc, and then find an entry level research job in academia or in the industry.

Would you recommend the GSC program?

If you join this program, you will be moving to a different country with a different language, culture and educational system. I would recommend it to others if they really thought about it and considered it seriously.

Last words of advice?

Definitely do your research really well about this program and living in Japan. Try to connect with the GSC office, or former GSC students, and talk to people who have experienced living in Japan.