Experience in Long-term

Content of the report

This year I was approved for the RJE3 program. During 2 weeks on weekdays I took courses:

1) “RJE3 Special Seminar I: Fieldwork on Development Technologies in Cold Region” on first week;

2) “Introduction to Far East and Arctic Studies RJE3 Program: Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development on second week”. During first week I listened to many interesting lectures about Hokkaido island it’s features, problems which people in northern part of Japan have to face (e.g. population decrease, cold weather, earthquakes, snow and so on). There were a lot of design, architecture, engineering solutions to counter problems (e.g. community centers, energy saving). I’ve been to different architecture companies and it was a great chance to see how people creating, studding, working on the problems mentioned above.

During second week I took lectures about cold regions in Russia and Japan, their relationships from environmental, political, economic, architectural, historical scientific point of view. There were seven groups which need to do workshop in the end of each day. It was one hour brainstorm every day and a lot of communication.

Experiences in Japan

Now I know a lot more about Hokkaido, in particular, it’s history (Ainu), main problems (mentioned above), and research solutions for cold regions. Also, I’ve known some more information about cold regions in Russia (melting of arctic ice/ permafrost). Visiting museums showed me the culture and history of Hokkaido. Different excursions showed me life of Japanese people on Hokkaido.

Students were advised to visit Otaru and Buddha Hill on holidays. So which we did.

Otaru is really interesting coastal city with fishermen and great views from hills. And Buddha Hill was a great architecture designed project, beautiful and monumental.

On this program as structural engineer (civil engineer) I understand that wider view on the problem can help to do your work better. Now I now that even buildings can be useful in different kinds, also it is important to consider not only the main problem on strength of the stricter for the safety, but also ergonomics, convenience, energy losses etc.

Influence on future career goals and choices

Comments

First of all I need to say thanks a lot to people: who were working with international students (organizing committee), helping and leading the way, answering all the questions; to lecturers, who were working on their presentations and reports for us, and other people (in design companies, bus drivers etc.). With your help and SMILES (also the Sapporo development concept) it was unforgettable experience, first two weeks in Japan