Participating in the CA6 program was a meaningful and transformative experience that significantly shaped my academic perspective and personal growth. My motivation to join this program stemmed from a strong desire to broaden my international academic exposure, deepen my understanding of global educational practices and engage in intellectual exchange within a multicultural environment.
As a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction, I was particularly interested in how different cultural and academic contexts influence learning, research and collaboration. The CA6 program at the University of Tsukuba provided an ideal platform to achieve these goals.
One of the most memorable aspects of my time at the University of Tsukuba was the academic atmosphere that emphasized both strict standards and openness to ideas. I was deeply impressed by the way professors encouraged critical thinking, independent inquiry and respectful discussion. Beyond formal coursework, interactions during seminars, presentations and informal academic discussions allowed me to see how research ideas are refined through dialogue.
Additionally, the university’s strong commitment to internationalization and interdisciplinary learning left a lasting impression on me, reinforcing the importance of viewing education and research from a global perspective. The experience gained from the CA6 program will play a crucial role in my future research and career. My research focuses on physical activities for young children and exposure to diverse educational philosophies and research methodologies has expanded my analytical framework. I plan to apply these insights by incorporating more cross-cultural perspectives into my research design and by developing educational approaches that are adaptable to different social and cultural contexts. Professionally, this experience has strengthened my aspiration to work in academic that value international collaboration and evidence-based practice.
Looking toward the future, my long-term dream is to become an educator and researcher who contributes meaningfully to the development of early childhood education. I hope to design programs and policies that promote holistic development through physical activity while also fostering international research partnerships. Ultimately, I aim to bridge theory and practice in ways that positively impact children, educators and educational systems.
Spending time with multinational students in the CA6 program was one of the most enriching aspects of the experience. Through daily interactions, group work and cultural exchange. I learned the importance of empathy, open-mindedness and effective communication. Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds helped me appreciate different viewpoints and problem-solving approaches while also improving my ability to work in international teams. These experiences not only enhanced my intercultural competence but also reinforced the value of diversity in academic and professional settings.
In conclusion, the CA6 program at the University of Tsukuba was a pivotal experience that strengthened my academic skills, clarified my future goals and enriched my global outlook. The knowledge, relationships and perspectives gained through this program will continue to influence my research, career path, and personal development in meaningful ways.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the sensei for providing valuable knowledge and experiences both in the classwork and during field work. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all coordinators from the University of Tsukuba for their dedication and hard work in supporting and taking care of the students in the CA6 program. In addition, I am deeply grateful to my tutors and all my friends in the CA6 Program 2025 for sharing such meaningful and memorable moments together throughout the three-month program.
Opening ceremony: “We received a warm welcome from the sensei and coordinators
The tutors gave us helpful suggestions on how to live in Tsukuba City
