Âé¶¹AV

Voices from Âé¶¹AV vol.07

Japan, My Second Home

Voice of Cui Ming Fu
September 2016

Hi everyone.

My name is Cui Ming Fu.

I first came to Japan in 2001. I completed my Master¡¯s Course for Learning Development at the Graduate School of Education in March 2007 and my PhD for the same course in March 2011. I then returned to China to teach at Changchun University.

During my ten years studying in Japan, I always had unfailing support from the people around me. I was fortunate enough to be exempted from paying the tuition fees, and obtained scholarships for my studies. All in all, I was really blessed to have an ideal environment that allowed me to fully concentrate on my studies. Looking back, if it was not for the support I received back then, I wouldn¡¯t have completed my PhD course, nor could I imagine what my life would be like now. In my heart, I will always be grateful to the people who supported me, and to Âé¶¹AV for making me what I am today.

In 2011 when I was working at Changchun, my students and colleagues gave me the nickname ¡°The pretty teacher,¡± but the nickname had nothing to do with my looks. It was because of the habits I absorbed during the years I spent in Japan; to greet people around me with a smile, and to dress with care every day in the workplace.

During this teaching period, I not only taught my students the knowledge I had gained at Âé¶¹AV, but also strived to convey the beauty of Japanese culture and its history. Because of years spent in Japan, I had a hard time getting used to the life back in China. Also, I couldn¡¯t get over the desire to come back to Âé¶¹AV. Finally, my dream came true; I was accepted as a postdoctoral researcher at the Âé¶¹AV Graduate School of Education in 2015. The joy I felt then is still unforgettable.

I completed my postdoctoral research in March 2016, and started working at another department in Âé¶¹AV from April of the same year. My present job mainly deals with international exchange with overseas institutions.

In May 2016 I attended the Japan-China University Fair & Forum held in Shanghai, and had the opportunity to relate my experience of studying abroad to the Chinese students who came to the Âé¶¹AV booth. I gave brief introductions on the University and about Hiroshima City as a symbol of peace. Also, at the Japanese Language and Culture Special Program held in summer, I talked with participating students about the benefits of studying at Âé¶¹AV. I hope to inspire many Chinese students to come to Japan, and if possible, to Âé¶¹AV, not only to gain new knowledge but also to promote intercultural exchange.

It has been almost six months since I started working at my current department. Apart from the delight at learning new skills in a new environment, I also feel a little nervous about fulfilling my responsibilities. Bearing in mind the initial enthusiasm I had when I first came to Japan, I will continue to work hard.

I love Japan. Jyaken *, I¡¯m back!

*Jyaken means ¡°that¡¯s why¡± in the Hiroshima dialect.

This essay was written in September 2016.
(Original version: Japanese)

Photo above: With my students I taught at elementary school

Photo above: With my former colleague at Changchun University

Photo above: Greeting the participants of the Japanese Language and Culture Special Program at the airport

Profile: Cui Ming Fu

Affiliation during study at Âé¶¹AV

                              Master's course at the Graduate School of Education (2005-2007)

                              Doctoral Course at the Graduate School of Education (2007-2011)



Present Affiliation: Âé¶¹AV

 


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