My life as a British graduate student at a Japanese university

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST ) is a new graduate school with an innovative education model. Its graduate program is governed by a philosophy of collaboration, both international and interdisciplinary, and by a desire to produce independent thinkers and future science and technology leaders.

There are no departments in this university. As long as a student feels confident in his or her ability, she or he may enroll in any class offered. Students are recruited from around the world. Currently, 18 countries and regions are represented in the 34 matriculated students. Moving to Okinawa to study at a university whose reputation has not yet been established is a risk for those that accept, but it is precisely the risk-takers that OIST would like to see apply.

My fellow students and I design our own individual programs in close consultation with the dean, faculty, and staff. We are encouraged to take classes and work with laboratories in fields with which we have little or no experience. We are taught to approach problems from different perspectives and even given the freedom to establish collaborations between research groups. In addition, there is a large range of experimental equipment available for us to pursue our varied research interests, and this is facilitated by communal access to equipment.

I graduated in mathematics at the University of Warwick, which is in Coventry, England. As I wanted to apply some of this learning, I stayed at Warwick to take a master’s course in systems biology. I enjoyed broadening my knowledge base and being exposed to active research topics. Since starting at OIST last autumn, I have worked in various laboratories and studied everything from typhoons to electron microscopy.

I am currently working in a unit that investigates the fundamentals of quantum physics, and with whom I might like to begin my PhD. However, I am confident that I would enjoy any unit I choose to join, not least because I have had the chance to get to know many of my potential advisers well.

Indeed, one of the most important reasons that I study at OIST is the relatively small size of the institute. Everybody is friendly and I recognize almost everyone by face and by name. I often attend parties hosted by one of the professors or share a meal with laboratory members. This year there are more professors than there are students. With an average class size of five students, the institute is able to provide the individual attention I need to understand difficult and sometimes unfamiliar subjects.

The small number of fellow students has also meant that I have a lot of influence over what courses are offered and the way in which they are taught. We feel that we are pioneering this new system of education, not just because we are taking part in it, but also because we have control over how it evolves.

Life in Okinawa

The island of Okinawa itself is relatively small, and when you first find it on a map, you may be surprised at how isolated it seems. Although it has a vibrant history and culture, you will be able to see its attractions fairly quickly. However, it is no wonder that Okinawa is a popular tourist destination for the Japanese: It has beautiful coral reefs for divers or snorkelers and great coastal roads for cyclers.

Members of OIST are active outside the institute, and many sports and activity clubs are registered with the university. Since I arrived here, I’ve tried my hand at calligraphy, volleyball, badminton, and rock climbing. I would encourage anyone who likes relaxing by the sea, engaging in outdoor sports, and exploring nature to come to Okinawa. People who thrive here are active in searching out new things to do, an attitude that is also beneficial when it comes to studying at OIST.

There is a genuine sense of community at OIST: Everyone wants to see the university and its students succeed. This is a big responsibility for students, but it has also given me the confidence to try new things and ask questions without embarrassment. Because of students’ diverse scientific and cultural backgrounds, it often happens that no two of us share the same perspective, and this makes for lively debates.

No matter what I choose to do once I have completed my PhD, I feel that I will be positioned to work in an increasingly international scientific environment. I know, too, that I will have a friendly place to stay in countries around the world.

Will Powell grew up in Wiltshire, England. When he’s not enjoying the great outdoors, he is interested in the philosophy of science and having a drink with friends.