Admore Phindani Mpuang, 3rd year Ph.D. student, Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI)

Date of Interview: December, 2022

Before Coming to Kyoto University
During my life in Botswana, I developed an interest in studying earthquakes. It was during my studies in Geophysics that I learnt a lot about Japan, its rich culture, history and amazing landscape. I suddenly knew where I wanted to go to further my studies, and I was lucky enough to be awarded an opportunity to study for my Master's degree in Kyoto University through the Monbukagakusho scholarship.

Life at Kyoto University. My life in Japan and at Kyoto University has been nothing but fulfilling. From the moment I arrived, I have made friends from different cultural backgrounds including Japanese and other international friends. Making friends made adapting to life in Japan much easier. I cannot forget my supervisor's very supportive efforts in making my adaptation as smooth as possible, I am very grateful to him. I spent my first 6 months in Kyoto University studying the Japanese language and preparing for my research. This period allowed me to adjust to the high demands of the academic life as a Kyoto University student. I have since graduated with a Master's degree and I am now in my final year as a PhD student. I have discovered a lot about myself, and my experiences here have made me into a better person than I was 4 years ago when I first arrived. Kyoto University life has never been better, despite the challenges of research and the coronavirus.

-What did you enjoy most during your time at Kyoto University?
I have relished the opportunity to meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds. This has opened up my eyes to the differences that we have as humans, and how we can leverage the strengths that they bring. Taking part in international conferences has been the highlight of my time at Kyoto University thus far. It makes me sad thinking that I will have reduced opportunities after I leave Kyoto University.

-What were the biggest challenges you met?
The biggest challenge I faced was the language barrier. Before coming to Japan, I did not learn the Japanese language. This made communication with locals difficult to impossible. The first year was especially the hardest since my learning was a bit slower than I would have liked, it was tough managing time to balance social life, research and learning Nihongo.

-What did you work on to overcome the challenges?
At one point I thought I could never improve my Japanese language skills. But I never stopped trying, I kept enrolling in the language classes that Kyoto University provides. It has been 4 years now and I am still taking weekly language classes. Although my current Japanese ability is nowhere near perfect, it has improved so much that I am able to have simple conversations and listen to important announcements in Japanese.

-How smooth was your experience adjusting to life in Kyoto?
I never expected an easy adjustment to life in Kyoto, considering the cultural differences between Botswana and Japan, so I was mentally ready to face challenges. Perhaps it was my mental preparedness, in addition to the ample support I received from my supervisor, that made adjusting to life in Kyoto smooth for me.

Life during COVID-19. I will never forget this period of my life. I remember how scared everybody was, but what dreaded most was the sudden change of our lifestyle. Such a drastic change can be stressful, especially if you're being forced to isolate at home and you live alone. I didn't want to think that I came all the way to Japan to be stuck at home alone and unable to experience Japan, because in a way that will be the same as distance learning but not from a distance. It was hard to accept at first, but I understood that for the world to return to normal we had to isolate and practice social distancing. So, with hope in mind, I followed the guidelines and took precautions.

-What were the beneficial/challenging aspects of life during COVID-19?
By disrupting our daily rhythm and forcing us isolate, I guess COVID-19 forced us to confront the darkest depths of ourselves and do some much needed self-introspection, "facing your demons" so to speak. At least that is what I did, I discovered some new strengths during this time. I realized that I can do anything, face any challenges and that my mind is capable of learning so much more than I imagined. Being isolated was actually beneficial for writing my Master's thesis since I had plenty of time to focus, and writing took my mind off of the frustrations due to Covid-19. Now, of course, the situation has improved, and life is almost back to normal.

Research at Kyoto University
My research in Kyoto University is centered around understanding crustal structure beneath Botswana. This was an especially important theme to me since there was a large magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Botswana in 2017. Although there were no resulting fatalities, it left the people scared about what the future may hold. I am hoping that I could answer some of their questions through my research. Kyoto University enables me the opportunities to discuss the results of my research at seminars and scientific conferences, which I think is great. I am more than grateful to Professor Takuo Shibutani, my supervisor, for his unwavering support in allowing me the freedom to pursue the research of interest to me and pointing me in the right direction.

-What do you hope to do after graduating from Kyoto University?
We cannot know for certain what the future holds, but my hope is to continue my research all over the world. I believe that if we ask questions to nature, nature will provide the answers.

Message for Future International Students
I know it can be a challenge being away from your home country, family and friends, but you will find plenty of support to make your life and studies enjoyable. Life at Kyoto University is fun and full of opportunities, follow your dreams and to do what your heart desires.