MEXT Scholarship Series: Research Student at Kyushu University- Tadis Dillon

My Name is Tadis Dillon, 33, from Trinidad and Tobago, South Trinidad to be more accurate. I am currently a research student at Kyushu university, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. My research is focused on solid waste management which I hope to learn principles and practices which can be adapted to Trinidad and Tobago and also the wider Caribbean.
 

As of this writing I have been in Japan for a month thus far. The first week was a bit of a whirlwind with trying to check into the dormitory and also completing all the procedures for enrolling in the university and also being a long term resident in japan. There were many forms to fill out, offices to visit and orientations to attend. Not to mention stores to visit to buy the daily necessities. Thankfully the university has a system where they assign senior students who assist you in completing all the necessary steps and providing assistance when needed.
 

The Kyushu campus is very diverse and I have been able to meet many individuals from all across the globe and hear about their areas of specialization and learn about the situation in their country and their motivation for being here as well. Within my own laboratory there are also many international students and researchers. Being able to learn from their experiences in my field of research is proving to be a worthwhile experience for me. While being a research student and having to prepare for the entrance exams I plan to take to become a regular student I am not able to undertake any experiments yet, however I am enjoying having access to all the research databases and journals where I can further refine my research topic so that it will hopefully be beneficial to not only me but the entire scientific community.
 

Before I applied I had my reservations of leaving my job to further my studies at this point in my life. However after being here for this time so far I feel that it truly is an opportunity that should not be bypassed if one has the chance to access it. They say there are moments and experiences that only come along once in a person’s lifetime and the MEXT Scholarship program is certainly one of those opportunities. Apart from being to learn from one of the top universities in the world and from some of the best experts in the field, the opportunity to be apart of this global community is an valid draw by itself. Not to mention the opportunity to explore a country of such interesting culture and sites. I would encourage anyone considering the MEXT to not hesitate and embrace the opportunity with open arms.


MEXT Scholarship Series: Research Student at Kyushu University (Japanese Embassy Facebook)


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