The Global Fellows Programme “Innovation to eradicate poverty” took place in Hachi-oji from March 5 to 9 2018 and the venue was the Inter-University Seminar House. During the first day of activities we attended lectures on the theme, did ice-breaker presentations and formed teams of four, comprised of both Imperial College and Tokyo Tech PhD students using effective team development and team work techniques. Following, we participated in team building activities to boost mutual understanding and effective communication and collaboration, before we started to work on our project to tackle poverty. During the activities we became familiar with each other and we developed strong bonds mainly because of our common interest to empower people through education. We had the most productive time working on our idea and we took pride in the poster we prepared and presented. The seminar culminated inan amazing farewell event at the Ishikawadai area of Tokyo Tech Ookayama campus. 

Following that, my research visit started. My first impression of the people in the group was that they were very welcoming and hospitable. Every single one of them tried their best to make me feel comfortable, make progress in my research and feel like a genuine member of the group. After all, the most important lesson I learnt by working in this group (and in Japan in general) is that every small or big effort a person makes should contribute to the harmony and wellbeing of the group. 

Japan provides a unique cultural experience for the visitor, especially for those visiting for the first time. The kindness of people, the metro and railway services' advanced technology, the amazing variety of fresh food, the cleanness and tidiness of every street, the attention to the finest detail and the responsibility and care people show in every task and the high aesthetics of gardens, parks and public spaces are truly mesmerising. I highly encourage all students who are interested in enhancing their research and also creating memorable experiences to apply to similar opportunities provided by the Graduate school.

"My first impression of the people in the group was that they were very welcoming and hospitable. Every single one of them tried their best to make me feel comfortable, make progress in my research and feel like a genuine member of the group."