Frederic Doisy, International Student from France

－Which university are you from and what was your major?
I come from Ecole Centrale de Nantes, where I was majoring in General Engineering. Then I decided to do the double master degree program with Keio University, where I specialized in financial engineering.

－What made you decide to study abroad?
I always wanted to go abroad for studying. I travelled quite a lot before but this time I wanted to stay for a longer period in a different country in order to discover another culture more deeply. My aim was to experiment with something unique and be able to study what I like at the same time.

－Why did you decide to study in Japan or at Keio?
I started Japanese language as a third foreign language in high school (after English and Spanish). I have always been interested in Japanese culture. Keio University was a natural choice because they offer this double degree program, which is really an asset in our international world. Besides being able to have two master degrees, Keio University is also a famous university, especially in Asia. Finally, the last reason why I decided to come to Keio was the fact that the University recommended me to the Monbukagakusho (MEXT) scholarship.

－Please tell us about some of the aspects of your life in Japan or at Keio.
My life as a student in Japan is really nice. First, thanks to the scholarship I receive every month during my two years, I do not have any money problems. But above all, I am not considered an international student in my graduate school; I am really integrated in my laboratory and I really enjoy time with my lab mates. In addition, my professor, who can speak English pefectly, is really helpful. He helps me a lot to develop my own research for my master's thesis and is very understandable with all the problems I faced, even if my Japanese is still not excellent.

－What are differences you have noticed between Keio and your home university?
From an academic point of view, a normal master's degree of engineering in Japan implies more research than a master's degree from an engineering school in France. That is why I was a bit lost at the beginning. We do not properly belong to a laboratory in a French engineering school. On the other hand, normal classes and practical work have less importance at Keio than at my home university.
Then, in terms of student life, my engineering school has many associations and sport clubs. Keio University has also a very rich diversity of clubs but once you enter a laboratory or a seminar in graduate school, master's students stop joining these clubs.

－What did you gain from Double Degree Program?
First of all, a new point of view in engineering science first, then in the world in general. Furthermore, I added a new language to my skillset, even if I am not sure I will be able to perfectly speak Japanese one day. I also gained a new wide range of opportunities for my job-hunting, in Japan first but also in Asia. Last but not least, I made a great deal of new friends!

－What is your plan after you go back?
I will actually graduate in Japan and in France at the same time (thanks to the double degree system). So, my plan is obviously to start working soon after (even I am also interested in doing a PhD but probably not right after my master degree). My job-hunting market is first focusing on Japan and then other big Asian places (especially Hong Kong and Singapore). If I cannot find an interesting opportunity, I will go back to Europe. I really want to stay a bit longer in Japan and at least start my career here!

－Do you have any advice for students who are considering studying abroad?
Studying abroad is more and more common and almost every university can give you this opportunity. So taking this opportunity seems natural. That is why, more than a country or a city, it is important to also focus on what you want to study abroad. Anyway, being an international student in a different country is always a very rich experience.

Information of Ecole Centrale de Nantes
Ecole Centrale de Nantesis an engineering school and part of “Grande Ecole d’Ingénieur”, a highly selective French School of Engineering conferring a diploma equivalent to a Master’s Degree.

About the writer
Frederic Doisy
Second-year Student of Master's Program,
Graduate School of Science and Technology