Guillaume Sherpa graduated from the ISMIN program in the class of 2022. He is also the first student from the School to graduate from Keio University, where he completed a double degree in computer science. He shares his Japanese experience with us:
The versatility gained from an international university experience greatly contributes to personal development.
Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Guillaume. I am a graduate of the ISMIN program (Specialized Microelectronics and Computer Engineering) and Keio University in Japan.
When did you go abroad?
I was only able to go to Japan at the end of May 2022 to finish my double degree, which I started in October 2020. The border closures prevented me from leaving earlier . I therefore had to endure a year and a half of remote classes during the COVID period.
Why did you choose Japan? The school offered me the opportunity to go abroad for 2 years with scholarships to help me, and my dream was to climb Mount Fuji. A 2-year trip changes a life at that age. It took me a while to decide between a simple 6-month exchange and this opportunity. Ultimately, despite the anxiety generated by this decision and the border instability during COVID, I do not regret any step of my journey.
How were the classes at Keio University?
All classes were remote. With a 7-hour time difference from France, this meant days of 1 to 10 hours. In parallel with my Keio University courses, I was also taking courses for the ISMIN program. Fortunately, most courses were recorded, except for those requiring active oral participation (Japanese language courses, intercultural exchange, scientific article writing). In short, the teaching was quite solitary. A few group projects allowed me to meet fellow international students, who also remained in their home countries, and there was very little interaction with local students. .
What do you take away from this experience?
My student period in Japan only lasted 2 months on campus, from June to July. I lived in a school dormitory, a 20-minute walk from campus. Having a cafeteria equivalent to a Japanese restaurant at the price of a classic canteen is a real treat.
During my time on campus, I conducted laboratory research. I also focused on the social aspect when I arrived so as not to feel like I had wasted time in France. After finishing my day, I would go play judo or badminton at the university clubs. On weekends, I explored Tokyo and its surroundings to embrace my tourist side.
Was it easy for you to prepare for your departure abroad?
Yes, on that part, no worries. Both Mines Saint-Etienne and Keio University greatly assisted me with the procedures. They also provided significant support. Ms. Giesen (international coordinator) and her counterpart in Japan, Ms. Sei, always offered attentive, efficient, and prompt support regarding any administrative issues encountered. However, one must maintain a sense of exploration and resourcefulness once there.
A 2-year trip changes a life at that age.
Did you receive financial aid?
In France, I received aid from the SUD Region with the PRAME scholarship (approximately €1000 for 6 months of research internship) as well as the excellence scholarship from the IMT Foundation (€5000 for 2 years). In Japan, I did not receive any scholarships. If I had arrived at the beginning of my double degree, I could have received the JASSO scholarship or even the MEXT scholarship from the Japanese government for research and international students.
Furthermore, it is easy to find a part-time job with the university, for example, in education, by teaching French or English to younger local students.
How will your international mobility help you in your professional career?
I plan to start my professional career in Japan. Keio University is one of the most recognized universities in Japan, ranked first in the private sector. Possessing a degree from this university is therefore a major asset for finding work in Tokyo.
Moreover, the versatility gained from an actively pursued university experience abroad greatly contributes to personal development. One feels more open, more dynamic, unafraid to embark on a new personal and professional adventure. I highly recommend it!
You have now graduated from the School, what are you doing?
I am actively looking for an engineering position in Japan. At the same time, I am considering working part-time for 6 months to strengthen my Japanese and become fluent. We’ll see what opportunities I can create. My goal is to stay in Japan for a few years. With a degree from a Japanese university, it is easier to meet the conditions for obtaining permanent residency. For 2 years now, I haven’t been able to plan my personal situation more than 6 months in advance, a feeling that is both exciting and stressful, and one that should be enjoyed in one’s youth. .
Do you have a memory to share with us?
I don’t have one, but two memories that contrast my experience!
Graduation day at Keio, on the historic campus. I felt the full atmosphere of Japanese protocol, sitting opposite the university president whom I was seeing for the first time. Combined with the symbolism of finishing my studies, it was truly a beautiful ceremony.
The breathtaking view of the first rays of sunshine, enjoyed from the summit of Mount Fuji this summer 2022. On this expedition, I gathered a whole group of friends from all backgrounds for a great tourist and sporting outing.
