Tokyo Tech News

Preparatory study session held for UK-bound TiROP students

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Published: August 25, 2015

The Tokyo Institute of Technology International Research Opportunities Program (TiROP) is comprised of inbound and outbound study abroad programs supported by the "Re-inventing Japan Project," a mobility scheme under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It is a research-oriented program organized by Tokyo Tech and implemented in cooperation with 17 partner universities in the US, Europe, and Asia.

There are two types of outbound programs for Tokyo Tech students:

  • A research-focused program for students in their final year of an undergraduate program, and master's and doctoral students. Participants conduct research at a TiROP partner university for a period of one month to one year.
  • A short visit program for 3rd- and 4th-year undergraduate students. Observing lectures, visiting labs, receiving briefings by local faculty, and interacting with local students, participants experience the challenges and charms of studying overseas during an approximately 10-day program that includes visits to two or more TiROP partner universities.

The TiROP Short Visit Program aims to motivate students to improve their English language ability and encourages them to participate in long-term study abroad programs in the future. It is recognized by the Global Scientists and Engineers Course, and students registered for the course receive credit for participating in the program and attending its orientations, preparatory study sessions, and debriefing session.

The September 2015 Short Visit Program will be based at Imperial College London (ICL) and includes visits to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. A study session in preparation for the trip was held for Tokyo Tech students on July 22.

Gurdon Institute researcher Shimo

Gurdon Institute researcher Shimo

The session kicked off with three special lectures.

  • Researcher Hanae Shimo from Keio University, who is affiliated with the Gurdon Institute of the University of Cambridge, introduced her lab and asked participating students what they would like to see and experience during the program.
  • TiROP Summer Program inbound student Paulene Abundo shared a presentation about ICL and London.
  • Dr. Michael Norton, a visiting professor at Tokyo Tech whose extensive background includes careers in the British Department of Trade and Industry and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, and involvement in science and technology at the British Embassy, gave a lecture comparing Japan and the UK and discussed British culture.
TiROP student Abundo from ICL

TiROP student Abundo from ICL

Visiting Professor Norton

Visiting Professor Norton

During their visit to the UK, TiROP participants will get a tour of the production line at the MINI automobile plant located near Oxford. To set the stage for this, students visited the official MINI Ota Showroom situated just around the corner from Tokyo Tech's Ookayama Campus. Mr. Mitsuyuki Ami, the dealership manager, described the history and features of the MINI brand and offered the students a test drive of the vehicles.

MINI Ota Showroom
MINI Ota Showroom

MINI Ota Showroom

Comments from TiROP participant

Yuta Shimizu (3rd-year undergraduate in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering)

During the first half session, we listened to a talk from Ms. Shimo, who is studying at Cambridge. Frankly speaking, I was amazed to hear her speaking English so fluently and clearly.

Next, we learned from Paulene about the environment at ICL and in London, and about the differences between ICL and Tokyo Tech. Hearing about the budget pubs in the dormitories left an impression on me.

The lecture by Professor Norton compared universities in the UK with Tokyo Tech and included some tips for us when studying abroad. He said it is important to give a self-introduction that captures people's interest. I realized I should really think about my self-introduction before going abroad.

During the latter session, we visited the MINI Ota Showroom. As I am fond of automobiles, it was fun to get a close look at the MINI. We were also given a full description of the history of the brand and the features of its products, which was fascinating. I learned that MINI customers can purchase various parts sold at the dealership to customize their cars and express their own uniqueness. I am very much looking forward to the Plant Oxford tour.

TiROP students with Mr. Ami, the showroom manager
TiROP students with Mr. Ami, the showroom manager

Contact

TiROP Office,
International Student Exchange Division,
International Affairs Department

Email tirop@jim.titech.ac.jp
Tel +81-3-5734-2984

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