This program was a truly rewarding experience.

現地の人との交流について印象に残ったことは？
How was your experience interacting with local people? 

I was very impressed by my interactions with the people at UC Davis and the opportunity to discuss research. Everyone there was deeply committed to their research, and I was impressed by the way they explained their research themes in a very clear, concise, and engaging manner. Additionally, when I attended the Entrepreneurship Academies program, I learned that collaborative research at UC Davis is very active, with professionals from various fields working together to achieve significant outcomes. This stood in stark contrast to Japan, where there is often a tendency to limit collaboration to people who are very close. I felt that the people at UC Davis truly value every encounter, and the research environment itself is open, with a positive and free atmosphere.

プログラム期間中の活動で特に印象に残ったこと
Please write about what left a strong impression on you during the program period. 

Visiting four universities—UC Davis, UCSF, Stanford, and UC Berkeley—was truly a valuable experience. Being able to see the top-tier environments at these institutions firsthand motivated me for my future research activities and above all, it strengthened my admiration for them. However, I also realized that the research conducted at these institutions is not drastically different from what we do in Japan, which reassured me that the research I am currently engaged in at Kanazawa University will undoubtedly be beneficial in the future.  I came to understand that daily efforts can lead to significant achievements and valuable experiences, which has made me even more motivated to work hard and improve my skills.

プログラム中の経験で将来のキャリアのために役立つと思うこと
What was a useful experience for your future career among your experiences during the program?

This program gave me a firsthand experience of what research life is like abroad, which will give me more options for my future career path. As I mentioned in the previous section, I saw that at the universities we visited, inter-laboratory collaborations across different fields are very active, making it easier to incorporate diverse perspectives. I believe that working in such an environment leads to more unique and original ideas than discussions within narrowly defined fields. I realized the importance of noticing the differences in what one can gain from different environments and how essential it is to strive to improve my current environment. I think this will be helpful when considering my future career path.

次年度以降、同じプログラムに参加する学生に伝えたいこと
Comments for students who will participate in the same program next year.

This program was a truly rewarding experience. There were many things I could never have experienced had I simply gone to the U.S. on a trip, so I believe it is definitely worth participating in. While participation before being assigned to a research lab is recommended, I personally believe it would be even more beneficial to participate after gaining some exposure to research, as this would allow you to absorb knowledge and insights that can be applied to your future research activities. I strongly recommend meeting researchers in person who are conducting creative and innovative research in excellent facilities.

渡航前・渡航後のCOILを含め、プログラム全体を通しての感想
Feedback on the program, including COILs before and after trips to the US/Japan.

As someone considering a career as a researcher, this program was extremely meaningful. I now understand why overseas experience is so valuable, and it has made me even more excited about my future. The people at the universities I visited seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their research activities, and their pursuit of what they found “fun” left a strong impression on me. However, I also believe that to truly enjoy research, there must be challenges and struggles along the way. I realized that effort is necessary to make the things you enjoy even more fulfilling. I feel that this realization will have a significant impact on my future. Through this program, I’ve come to strongly believe that I want to work in a field I enjoy, make daily efforts to continue enjoying it, and strive to incorporate opinions and perspectives from multiple directions.