2 program students participated in UTokyo Global Advisory Board Lunch Meeting
3rd Global Advisory Board Lunch Meeting was held on October 2 (Wed) on Hongo Campus.
2 of WINGS PES program students, Shotaro Yagi and Calvin Duong have participated in the
lunch event.
At the Advisory Board lunch event, we had an opportunity to talk with the board members
Shotaro Yagi (M2)
that I could not usually meet. I did my research presentation and got some insights into it. My
research theme is about earthquake resistance and recycling. The former counselor of the
Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised me that it’s always the balance that matters. The
honorary professor of Harvard Business School encouraged me by saying: “I understand the
goal of your research, so please make that happen as soo n as possible.” They were very kind,
and because of that I was not nervous and was able to have a good time. This is an honorable,
proud experience. I thank WINGS PES for letting me have this wonderful opportunity.
I mainly had discussions about school entrance exam, the existence of an economic (wage) gap for international applicants, and the difficulty for international students to apply to this program.
Calvin Duong (M2)
I loved the school entrance exam for graduate school. Specialized tests vs the GRE test helps bring in specialized students, further diversifying the specialty in the school system. This screens students out who simply are good at “taking standardized tests” vs students who genuinely enjoy a subject matter.
I stated that I believed there was a wage gap for international students because international students essentially have to be present in Japan to apply to enter this school, or enter through MEXT from their home country. Both of these options cost money financially for travels, and would be difficult to pay if one is self supported (with no job or a low paying part time job). Though it is cheap to pay for the actual schooling itself, entering the school through the examination and being present to turn in paperwork may be a hassle and slightly expensive.
This was a fun event, and I would attend again if invited. I enjoyed sharing and listening to viewpoints on these topics.