As a researcher in the field of education, I was excited to work in a nation that has been shaped by a very different set of values to the United Kingdom, where I am originally from. Tokyo Tech in Japan was a fantastic experience on both social and technical fronts! 

The first week of the programme was imbued with a series of informative lectures delivered by Imperial College Graduate School and Tokyo Tech members, which imparted knowledge and skills relating to effective research collaboration. The back end of the week consisted of working with fellow Imperial College and Tokyo Tech research students under the common aim of eradicating global poverty as part of the Global Fellows Programme. Perhaps the most powerful realisation I had that week was the true potential of interdisciplinary research, especially as a mechanism for approaching problems from different angles and lines of thought. 

Following the weeklong programme, I headed to my accommodation in Magome, Tokyo to begin the independent research phase of my visit. I was fortunate to have been under the capable supervision of the Vice President of Education who connected me with the right people when arranging research interviews with various people. These people consisted of both undergraduate students and staff members who had been involved in some way with the curriculum reform exercise two years ago. I asked questions about how students perceive and engage with potential educational spaces, including physical and non-formal curricular space.  

The trip overall was a cultural escapade as my spare time was spent eating delicious food, relaxing in onsen baths and visiting spiritual temples! I cannot thank the Imperial College Graduate School enough for organising what was a memorable and special trip.

"Perhaps the most powerful realisation I had that week was the true potential of interdisciplinary research, especially as a mechanism for approaching problems from different angles and lines of thought."