Punnat Changsalak
PhD Program, Graduate School of Science and Engineering

I believe it was fate that I ended up studying abroad at Chiba University. I was offered the opportunity to study in a nation I prefer after receiving a scholarship in Thailand, but I only began looking in January 2023, and I didn't have much time because Japan admits students in the spring. I conducted research on the reputation and academic standing of Japanese universities in the field of science. Chiba University consistently ranked well in these assessments, making it an attractive option for my studies. Still, I feel there is something fateful about it.

I believe it was fate that I ended up studying abroad at Chiba University. I was offered the opportunity to study in a nation I prefer after receiving a scholarship in Thailand, but I only began looking in January 2023, and I didn't have much time because Japan admits students in the spring. I conducted research on the reputation and academic standing of Japanese universities in the field of science. Chiba University consistently ranked well in these assessments, making it an attractive option for my studies. Still, I feel there is something fateful about it.

I decided to study abroad because the COVID-19 pandemic reduced opportunities to meet people from overseas, and I thought that staying in my comfort zone of a familiar environment would hinder my growth. Among others university in Southeast Asia, Japan's educational system is very comparable to Thailand's, which is why I selected it.

In the first few months, I was greatly helped by my supervising teacher. I couldn't speak Japanese and couldn't handle all the procedures for the apartment contract, electricity, water, and phone by myself. I think Chiba is a perfect environment, being close to Tokyo, not too urban, not too rural.

My research focuses on fungal diversity, specifically examining changes in mushroom communities in the forests over the past 30 years. I had access to a valuable sample collected by Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute from the forests of Ibaraki Prefecture, spanning from 1992 to the present. This approach allowed me to analyze trends in fungal diversity over time while considering the limitations of the available data. A really good point was that my supervisor introduced me to researchers at the institute, who were very helpful and made it easy for me to access and use the necessary facilities independently. I don't know about other laboratories, but usually, research is conducted in line with the main theme of the lab, but in my lab, there are various facilities not limited to the professor's area of expertise, and the professor encourages us to expand our ideas and abilities. I think that freedom is very good. Furthermore, in the lab, I am also entrusted with planning and budget management, so while the responsibility is heavy, I believe those skills will be necessary when I become a postdoc or a working professional. Also, I think there is a lot of job information available in Japan after graduation. I believe this is good to avoid anxiety after graduation. The professor is kind, and even if I don't understand the class due to the language barrier, I can see the materials and PowerPoint later. I can take photos of the blackboard and translate or research them later, and in ecology and biology classes, I can obtain materials to deepen my research from links, allowing me to explore not only the lectures but also topics of interest in depth. The occasional drinking parties with lab members were a great way to socialize and build camaraderie. I especially valued the opportunities to engage in deeper conversations with the international student tutors during these events.

Starting in 2024, my life in Japan changed dramatically as I began working as an international student exchange officer in Chiba City. For example, one of the activities in the summer festival that I participated, I thought I would be a part of dancing with everyone, but instead, I was in charge of a booth, selling drinks and making soba. I also participated in the local activities like farmers' market held weekly in Chiba City, selling vegetables, and participated in mochi pounding. Additionally, I took part in disaster prevention training, where I learned how to respond to earthquakes and provide first aid which are definitely helpful. Interestingly, elderly people, including those with mobility issues, actively gathered for these activities. Furthermore, the upcoming event at the end of March, I will be introducing Thai’s culture, Muay Thai, at a nearby public high school as the final activity on this position. Becoming an international student exchange officer in Chiba City has allowed me to experience many things that I wouldn't have been able to as a student at Chiba University. As a traveler, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to participate in local community events, so I am grateful for this chance.

I don't know about the future right now because I'm busy with research, but I'm getting to know many professors and preparing for what's ahead. I think Chiba University is a good research institution in terms of science.

The advice for those studying abroad in Japan is to learn Japanese anyway. I think it's better to study Japanese that you will use for self-introductions, ordering in stores, going to the hospital, and everyday situations before coming. Also, if you are interested in horticulture, I think the Matsudo campus has a Thai community, which is nice. Additionally, it's often the case that the name of the department or major differs from the actual research being conducted, so I think it's a good idea to thoroughly investigate whether they cover the field you are interested in.