Contact
Ms. Khushboo Bansal
- From
- Delhi
- Degree
- PhD candidate of Children's Literature, Graduate School of Letters, Baika Women's University
Message
Please give a short introduction about yourself.
I am Khushboo Bansal, PhD candidate of Child literature at Baika women¡¯s University and currently working as senior adviser at ´ºÓêÖ±²¥app India office. I was born and brought up in Delhi. I first visited Japan Under 2008 JENESYS program organized by MOFA. And HRD Ministry, while I was pursuing my Masters degree in Japanese language from Delhi university.
In year 2010, I was rewarded with MEXT scholarship. I started studying at Kobe university, and while being MEXT scholar, I got my second master degree in Japanese Modern Literature. In 2015, I was rewarded with Yoneyama Rotary scholarship till 2017, In Japan, while aiming for pursuing excellence in academic research, I was involved with many other activities. I was working as Intercultural supporter, appointed by Hyogo government (Japan), helping Indian children studying at Japanese schools, to get accustomed with Japanese environment. I took part in various cultural activities like tea ceremonies. Flower arrangement and calligraphy. I was also one of Kobe PR ambassadors, involving in promotion of Kobe city. Simultaneously, I was an active member of theatre group based in kansai. I took participation in various speech contest, presentations, conferences, publications and camps.
I love travelling, theatre and meeting new people from different cultural background.
In year 2010, I was rewarded with MEXT scholarship. I started studying at Kobe university, and while being MEXT scholar, I got my second master degree in Japanese Modern Literature. In 2015, I was rewarded with Yoneyama Rotary scholarship till 2017, In Japan, while aiming for pursuing excellence in academic research, I was involved with many other activities. I was working as Intercultural supporter, appointed by Hyogo government (Japan), helping Indian children studying at Japanese schools, to get accustomed with Japanese environment. I took part in various cultural activities like tea ceremonies. Flower arrangement and calligraphy. I was also one of Kobe PR ambassadors, involving in promotion of Kobe city. Simultaneously, I was an active member of theatre group based in kansai. I took participation in various speech contest, presentations, conferences, publications and camps.
I love travelling, theatre and meeting new people from different cultural background.
What is your favorite thing about Osaka and Kobe?
My current university is in Osaka, But I live in Kobe since 2010. I love whole kansai region because one can witness true mixture of modern and traditional culture here. Kansai provides great learning experience for foreign people. Temples and cultural heritage of Kyoto with high rise building of Osaka, wonderful nature of Kobe with research oriented institution and a mix of modern and traditional art. Since, Kobe is very small city, international communities are very close knitted with Japanese communities, which provides very comfortable environment to foreign students.
In what ways has your impression of Japan changed since coming here?
Though I studied about Japanese society and culture, still somehow, I had a stereotypical image about Japan, which shatters the moment I landed in Japan and saw people in western wear. I was impressed by the use of technology in modern day live to make common people life simpler and convenient. I was surprised about how Japan maintains good balance between modernization and its culture heritage.
I also figured out that understanding of Indian culture is relatively low among Japanese, which is also true in case of Indian people knowing about Japanese culture. But, I was impressed that how people of both countries are trying to understand and create harmony with each other culture by organizing various cultural events like Indian mela, Classical music concerts, Yukata wearing events, tea ceremonies etc.
I also figured out that understanding of Indian culture is relatively low among Japanese, which is also true in case of Indian people knowing about Japanese culture. But, I was impressed that how people of both countries are trying to understand and create harmony with each other culture by organizing various cultural events like Indian mela, Classical music concerts, Yukata wearing events, tea ceremonies etc.
What attracted you to choose Kobe University and Baika Women University as a place to study?
The reason I choose Kobe university because its well-known university in Japan with great research-oriented environment and good support network for foreign students. They have various groups working to make you accustomed to Japan and its culture. Professors have strong international profile which leads to excellent research in Kobe university.
My current university that is Baika Women University because itis considered as one of the best universities in kansai for child literature. They have good and experienced faculty. They provide good support to foreign students, not only in academic but in other aspects of life as well.
My current university that is Baika Women University because itis considered as one of the best universities in kansai for child literature. They have good and experienced faculty. They provide good support to foreign students, not only in academic but in other aspects of life as well.
In what ways did you adjust to Japanese culture?
I learned in Japan that evolution is required to grow as an individual in this world where globalization and glocalization is a reality. Initially, I had some inhibitions regarding Japanese way of life but I gradually adapted in Japanese culture and grew as global citizen.
I met people from different nationalities which broadens my way of thinking and gave me new outlook to see world without being trapped in preconceive notions or stereotypes.
I had little tough time while adapting with food culture since I am vegetarian, but now I love Japanese cuisine (still prefer vegetarian Japanese cuisine).
I met people from different nationalities which broadens my way of thinking and gave me new outlook to see world without being trapped in preconceive notions or stereotypes.
I had little tough time while adapting with food culture since I am vegetarian, but now I love Japanese cuisine (still prefer vegetarian Japanese cuisine).
Please give a message to students or researchers in your home country who may be thinking about studying in Japan.
It?s very wide spread idea that language is a barrier, but I strongly feel that Indians are accustomed living in multilinguistic diverse society and language is never a barrier for us. Above all, many Japanese universities offered courses in English. You can also learn Japanese language while pursuing your respective course, which can equip you with an additional skill.
Technology and research culture in Japan are very strong and effective. Japanese universities are research oriented which provides opportunity to excel in your research field and provides you an international platform to show your work.
One can experience ample exposure to global culture along with Japanese culture which broadens the vision and perspective and help you to grow as true global citizen.
Technology and research culture in Japan are very strong and effective. Japanese universities are research oriented which provides opportunity to excel in your research field and provides you an international platform to show your work.
One can experience ample exposure to global culture along with Japanese culture which broadens the vision and perspective and help you to grow as true global citizen.
