Application for the Internship

The application for the internship was started in November 2016. I came to know about the IJEP Internship program through an email from the Office of International Relations, IIT Kanpur.  We had to select a lab from a given list of host labs. One could submit up to two recommendations from professors of the home institute. There were no interviews or any need to contact host professors. Selection of candidates was made purely by academic records, statement of purpose and recommendations from professors. If you already have an excellent academic record and good experience in the field you are applying for, I would recommend preparing a good statement of purpose. Be sure that your statement of purpose is original and reflects your interests and research goals. Results were declared by the end of February, and I was notified of it through an email from the IJEP secretariat.

Before arrival in Japan

All of us were recommended different accommodation places in Japan by the IJEP Secretariat. I selected Fujimi House Evergreen Yoyogi as it was close to my lab in IIS Komaba. The flight tickets (round trip) were provided by the IJEP Secretariat. The return date was flexible, and so I extended it to one more week than the minimum required days. All the necessary documents for the visa were provided ahead of time, and IJEP people helped a lot in case of any doubt.

After Arrival in Japan

I stayed at Fujimi House along with another IJEP intern from IIT Kharagpur. The facilities provided at the Fujimi House were excellent. It was entirely furnished, and we also had unlimited internet access (Both wireless and LAN). I was anxious about the internet connection before coming to Japan, but Fujimi House had a very good internet connection. My lab was 30 minutes walking distance from my house, but I used to take the metro for daily commuting. The nearest station was only 3 minutes walking distance from my house. If you get into such a situation, I would recommend getting a bicycle. It’ll save you a lot of money.

We had an orientation session where we had a heartwarming welcome by the IJEP coordinators, and we were taken to Hongo campus tour of the University of Tokyo. We were astonished by the beauty of the campus and splendid architecture of buildings. On the 2nd day itself, we had Japanese language class from Furuichi san where she taught us day to day Japanese words/language which proved to be very useful during our entire stay, and it was fun too. We also had a Traditional Chado Tea Ceremony.

I had a welcome party by my lab members, and since I was vegetarian, they had specially ordered vegetarian items for me.

1. Food

When I came here, I was a vegetarian. I had brought ingredients from India for cooking. I didn’t know cooking before and learned everything in Japan. It was an awesome experience to learn cooking. I can assure vegetarian people with all sincerity that you are not going to face any problem at all if you bring ingredients from India. Also, there are very good Indian Supermarket so even if you run out of the ingredient, you can always buy them here. I would recommend having dry fruits like Cashew, Almond, etc. It’ll help you a lot. There are so many good Indian restaurants in Tokyo. So, if you don’t want to cook, you can always go to a restaurant in Tokyo.

2. Lab and Research Work

For my internship work, I was assigned a mentor who was a 2nd year Masters Student at The University of Tokyo. My task was to work on long term GPS raw probe data of Indian vehicles with her. Despite being research mentor, she helped me throughout my stay. She helped me in buying SIM cards, Train Pass, Food, etc. during my initial days. She was always the first person from whom I used to seek help. Despite her busy schedule, she was always ready to help.

Every Wednesday, we used to have Bootcamp (Lab-meetings) where all lab members had to show their research progress. We used to have good and healthy discussions.  We also used to have joint lab seminar of two labs every other Saturday. It was really great to know about other people’s research work.

All lab members were amiable and helpful. I could talk about anything with them. Also, there was no problem of resources in the lab. Whenever I required anything for my research, I got them immediately.

I finished my internship work very early and then I was assigned another task which I also completed ten days before leaving Japan. For my main work, I submitted my work for international conferences. My skills and experiences improved significantly because of this internship. Before coming here, I was not sure about my career, but now I am determined. I am very much inclined toward research now.

3. Major Events and Trips

There were regular events during the stay. The most important of them was May Festival and IIS Open House. May Festival is like IIT’s Cultural and Tech Festival combined. It is held for two days. It was a great opportunity to learn Japanese culture. I got so many Indian seniors in May Festival through UTISA. Some of them also went on a trip with us and helped a lot through our stay. In the end, they also gave us a big treat.

IIS Open House is also a two-day event where every lab of IIS Todai presents their work. It made us familiar with the level of research that goes here. I felt mesmerized by some of the presentations like ‘Treasure Hunting’.

We also had a trip by IJEP coordinators. We visited DMG Mori Plant, Nara, and Kyoto. We took Shinkansen (Bullet Train). The entire cost of the trip was taken care by IJEP coordinators. Traveling in Shinkansen was a lifetime experience.

There were regular events during the stay. The most important of them was May Festival and IIS Open House. May Festival is like IIT’s Cultural and Tech Festival combined. It is held for two days. It was a great opportunity to learn Japanese culture. I got so many Indian seniors in May Festival through UTISA. Some of them also went on a trip with us and helped a lot through our stay. In the end, they also gave us a big treat.

IIS Open House is also a two-day event where every lab of IIS Todai presents their work. It made us familiar with the level of research that goes here. I felt mesmerized by some of the presentations like ‘Treasure Hunting’.

We also had a trip by IJEP coordinators. We visited DMG Mori Plant, Nara, and Kyoto. We took Shinkansen (Bullet Train). The entire cost of the trip was taken care by IJEP coordinators. Traveling in Shinkansen was a lifetime experience.

 

4. City Life

You are never going to be bored in Tokyo. My house was very close to Shibuya and Shinjuku. They are the most happening place in Tokyo. Even roaming around these locations is so exciting. You can watch Shibuya Crossing all day sitting at Starbucks.

There are so many places to visit in Tokyo. Some of them such as Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku Observatory is must for everyone. For anime lovers, Akihabara will be like heaven. You also have Tokyo Disney Resort nearby. There are so many hills you can trek. We trekked Mt. Mitake, Odake, Nokogiri. The list of places goes on and on. It is left up to you to explore them.

People of Japan are awesome. Japanese people are very polite, disciplined, helpful and hard-working.  There are so many things to learn from Japanese people. Tokyo itself is a very safe place to live. I would recommend you all to apply for IJEP internship and experience Japan once. You will never regret your decision.

If you have any doubt, feel free to message me here: http://facebook.com/ashutkg

 

“Voice of Indian Students at UTokyo” has been released in collaboration with the UTokyo Indian Students Association (UTISA).

UTokyo is appointed the Coordinator for Study in Japan (India) on behalf of all of Japan, and is working actively to connect people between India and Japan.

We hope this video will help showcase the attractiveness of studying at UTokyo.

↓click here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74FUsFQLAT4

 

 

 

2017 was the first time when IIT Bombay was included in the IJEP Program and hence me being the first one from my institute selected for this internship program, didn’t have any seniors to talk to about their experience and it was these Student’s Voice accounts that helped me get some idea about the internship affairs, and so I’ll try to keep this sufficiently detailed.

I did my IJEP internship at the Information Science and Technology at Suda Lab. The internship process in India was simple. After completing the application and receiving the confirmation and acceptance one had to discuss and finalise the internship dates and durations with one’s professor and it is usually flexible. The necessary documents were provided and were sufficient for obtaining the VISA. (Note: It may require few documents from your side as well like your fathers pay-slip etc. and hence it is advisable to get the process started as soon as you receive all the documents from the university; The documents are usually addressed to the Consulate in Delhi but works everywhere)

Accomodation

Accommodation is something that might be of some concern as it is not provided by the program but the recommended lodgings are trustworthy and live up to the images on their websites. Some of the most common ones are Fujimi House and Sakura House, the former being costlier. Housing is expensive in Tokyo and hence sharing a room is advisable to save money. I stayed in Fujimi House – Princess Court Tabata Station and the stay was quite comfortable and all the necessary goods required are easily available in the neighbourhood.

Upon Arrival

After coming to Japan, one will quickly realise that it is nothing like India. The ubiquitous cleanliness, traffic rules (being followed), and the security is outstanding. And one cannot forget the convenience of the public transport; the trains, subway and the buses (Note: Look for IC Cards – Pasmo or Suica; They are really helpful). The IJEP staff from the University provide all the necessary orientation to kickstart your stay in Japan and along with the JLCSE department of UTokyo they also introduce you to the culture and some basic Japanese Language phrases! Though, your meeting with your professor and rest of the activities are totally based on the mutual consent between you and your professor and the IJEP staff and nothing to do with it. They will occasionally send emails regarding the JASSO Scholarship collection and other events going on in the university! (Note: No money was provided when we arrived in Japan and we had to fend for ourselves in the first month till the first instalment was provided)

Japan

Japan is a very beautiful country while being modern as well. There are loads of places to visit and thing to do. One must use this opportunity to not only explore the research possibilities in the university but also explore the city of Tokyo and the country of Japan. You may find these links useful in planning your trips around Tokyo and Japan. https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/model-route/kanto/index.html https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ http://www.japan-guide.com/. Here are a few pictures of amazing places I visited in Japan

 

Japan, like India, has loads of Shrine and Temples some of which are amazing and breath-taking and visiting at least a few of them is a must.

Some issues one could face in Japan are

• Food for the vegetarians: Though the raw material is readily available, cooked vegetarian meal is a rarity. Learning to cook is the best option to survive without having to eat salads and breads! Indian restaurants (run mostly by the Nepalese) are not hard to find though, with three of them being just outside the Hongo Campus grounds. Overall, I would say it is not-impossible and manageable.
• Language: Believe it or not, hardly anyone speaks English in Japan and hence it becomes essential to learn basic survival Japanese to communicate well with the local people. The JLCSE department runs an introductory course during the latter part of the stay which is pretty helpful and you can even obtain a completion certificate!

Events – JLCSE

There are numerous event which happen periodically in the University which give a great experience of the Japanese culture right from within the institute. A couple of them which I was a part of include the Yukata wearing Workshop and the session with the Sumo Wrestlers.

Final Presentation and Party!

In the last week, we had a final presentation where we presented our work during the internship period and we were awarded our completion certificated. Later that day we had a part for the International Students of UTokyo with food, drinks and great events like the Watermelon breaking contest and Japanese Musical Chairs!

It was very saddening to leave such a beautiful country and the invaluable experience. Overall the experience was amazing and I would recommend everyone to give Japan a try!

Internships are very important as they enhance your experiences and help you set your future goals. IJEP program allows you to be an important part of your lab. You will feel no less important than any other doctoral student in the lab. If you are considering going for higher studies, you don’t want to miss this program. I will broadly classify my report into three parts:

1)Application

2)Experience

3)Conclusion

1)Application:

Rather than just looking at the reputation of the university, I believe that it is equally if not more important to consider the lab in which you want to work.

Although there is no (Cumulative Grade Point Average)CGPA cut-off for the application, but a good score always helps. It seems as if a substantial attention is given to your Statement of purpose(SoP) and also the recommendation letter, rather than just the CGPA. So show your genuinity in writing your SoP.

2)Experience:

• The most important part of the internship experience in the reflection. As I look back over the two months of the internship, I can see that I really grew as a professional.

I have really enjoyed my internship experience. The goals that I set for this experience, I was able to reach. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I gained personally from this experience.

2.a) Research experience:   I worked on flow boiling in an oblique wavy wall duct. I got hands on experience on Ansys Fluent software(for numerical simulation) and pointwise software(for meshing). I spent the first month in going through the literature and undertaking small assignments to get accustomed with the softwares. Professors constantly monitored my progress as I presented my research in group meetings, from time to time.

2.b)Food:

•  I usually preferred Ramen for Lunch at the Chuo refractory, located within the campus. It is difficult to find vegetarian food at the cafeteria, but there are Indian restaurants near the hongo campus.

2.c) Culture

• Got a chance to meet the sumo wrestlers.

• JLCSE classes helped me learn to speak, read and write commonly used Japanese words.
• International Cafe which provides an opportunity to meet other international students in the campus. Also a summer party is arranged towards the end of the program, where in one gets to play games and of course that comes with delicious food and drinks.
• University Festival was scheduled in the second weekend after our arrival in Japan.
• You will very well be informed about various events that are going around in the campus. So make the most of it by participating in them, they will give you an insight into the Japanese culture.

 

2.d) Tokyo experience and day trip

Japanese people were very warm and helping! I would like to share a experience regarding this. I had a problem and sought help from a Japanese person, he considered it as his responsibility to solve my problem.

Weekends were very special as I explored various places of Tokyo and surrounding areas.

Places Visited around Tokyo:

Odaiba beach:

Akihabara, Shinjuku and Shinjuku: It’s a great place in Tokyo for shopping and buying electronics tax free.

Kawagoe museum: It’s in another prefecture close to Tokyo, where you can explore the traditional Japan. I visited the art, cultural, city museums and also the castle.

Imperial Palace : The area around the Tokyo station is beautiful, with very tall skyscrapers. Imperial Palace is the home of the emperor.

Tokyo Dome City Amusement park: It roller coaster ride is amongst the top 10 rides in the world. Its an adventurous place to spend your day.

Nagoya, Nara & Kyoto (20^th June, 2017): IJEP organized a day trip to CNC machine manufacturing company, DMG Mori Iga Plant. For a Mechanical Engineering student the location of the day trip couldn’t have been better! Also got a chance to visit the magnificent Todaiji temple at Nara. Travelling in Shinkansen bullet train, at the speed at which most of the modern jet liners take off was exciting! We also visited the Todaiji temple at Nara.

2.e) Lab

•  There were many international students in my lab and apparently in UTokyo.
•  Seeing lab members spend 12-14 hrs, certainly motivated me to spend more time in the lab
•  There are state of the art facilities in the lab
•  I was assigned a mentor who helped me during my stay at UTokyo.

 

3)Conclusion:

• Learned many new things in CFD
• Time Management, Punctuality and Planning
• Certainly motivated to undertake further research in the field of CFD
• Had an amazing experience at UTokyo, one of the top ranked university in the world
• Research culture is very rich
• Made new friends from different parts of the globe
• A lot of memories to take back from  here
• Glad that I came to UTokyo

 

 

 

Ten students from IIT-Hyderabad , Madras and Delhi visited the University of Tokyo for two weeks under Sakura Exchange Program in Science supported by Japan Science and Technology Agency.

They belonged to their host laboratories and were engaged in research work respectively.

On a field trip to Saitama prefecture, they experienced paper making and visited Railway Museum.

Thank you for visiting us!

 

IJEP students visited Iga Campus of DMG MORI Co., LTD. on June 20, 2017.

They also visited Nara for sightseeing.

IJEP Symposium was held at Koshiba Hall on June 9.

The symposium was attended by guest speakers from IITs,such as Prof. Sudhir Misra from IIT Kanpur, Prof.Pandu Rangan Chandrasekaran from IIT Madras and Dr.Vikranth Racherla from IIT Kharagpur.
There were several speakers from industry as well and active discussion was held among participants regarding future prospects of educational collaboration between India and Japan involving corporations worldwide.

Thanks to you all, it was a great success.

 

 

 

9 students from IIT Kanpur, Delhi, and Hyderabad visited UTokyo last week under Sakura Exchange Program in Science supported by Japan Science and Technology Agency.

The schedule was as follows:

5-Jun	Mon	Information Session / Campus tour
		IIS Visit
6-Jun	Tue	Japanese Lesson
		Lab visit
7-Jun	Wed	One day Workshop with UTokyo students
8-Jun	Thu	Lab visit
		Metropolitan Expressway Repairing/Strengthening site visit at Higashi-Shinagawa
9-Jun	Fri	India-Japan Education Program Symposium
10-Jun	Sat	Sightseeing  Asakusa

 

Hope you all had a wonderful time.

Thank you for visiting us.

 

We will hold the IJEP Symposium to introduce the activities and the prospect of IJEP.

Guest speakers from IITs are also expected to join the symposium. Please register and join the symposium.

This event is open to faculty members and students of the University of Tokyo as well as those who are committed to and/or have a strong interest in the educational collaboration between India and Japan.

Date and time:  June 9 (Fri) 2017   10:00-17-00

Location:       Koshiba Hall, Hongo Campus, The University of Tokyo

Language:       Mainly in English

Registration:   Please register from  https://goo.gl/Nsefao

Inquiry/Contact:  k-kikaku.t@gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Welcome to the University of Tokyo!  9 students started their internship this month.

Hope you all will have fruitful time.