Japan International Cooperation Agency
Share
  • 日本語
  • English
  • Français
  • Espanol
  • Home
  • About JICA
  • News & Features
  • Countries & Regions
  • Our Work
  • Publications
  • Investor Relations

Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP, Training Program)

Experiences and Stories from the KCCP Participants

Being Self-reliant, inclusive, progressive in Japan

Category of this interview: Study, Culture and overcoming difficulty in Japan

  • Name of Interviewee: Ms. Shazia Mushtaq
  • Affiliation: Ministry of Privatisation (Section Officer) (As of May 2021)
  • Type of the course: Long term training course
  • Name of the course: The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) FY2018
  • Duration of the training: Approx. 2 years (2019-2021)
  • Studying at: International University of Japan (IUJ)/ Masters

Photo


Ms. Shazia Mushtaq is currently studying at Graduate School of International Relations at International University of Japan (IUJ) to obtain a master degree under a component "Enhancement of Industrial Promotion, Investment Climate and Trade". We present to you a brief interview with her.

JICA: What was your expectations from this training program before participating?

Ms. Shazia Mushtaq (SM): To engage with people from multiple cultures and advance my learning in a dynamic and inclusive environment which enhances my capacity to contribute as public official. As a Federal government employee, I have to work with multiple stakeholders like International / UN agencies and foreign governments. The exposure to a multicultural and diverse environment would enhance my capacity to engage meaningfully.

JICA: Were your training expectations fulfilled?

SM: Yes. I got admission in International University of Japan which takes pride in being a mini-UN due to diversity of students backgrounds. The IUJ provided me a highly dynamic and inclusive environment for academic and social activities where I came across people from more than 50 countries and worked with them on multiple assignments.

JICA: Do you feel that your knowledge / skill has improved by taking this course?

SM: Yes. I have got an opportunity to learn from intellectual engagement with the academia and sharpened my skills in many new fields like economics, public administration, data analysis, research and accounting & management. This capacity building provided me a foundation to build on and develop further skills.

JICA: How did you find Japanese Culture?

SM: I found Japanese culture very sophisticated and supportive where people help you in every possible way. I lived in rural Japan with rice fields and surrounding mountains. I have the privilege to experience the traditional spirit of the Japanese society and their unique combination of tradition and technology.

JICA: How would you describe yourself in 3 words after your visit to Japan?

SM: Self-reliant, inclusive, progressive.

JICA: Please explain one of the difficulties you have faced during your stay/study and the way you overcame/trying to overcome it.

SM: I faced some initial difficulties due to lack of Japanese language know-how and non-familiarity with complex JR[1] system. I could overcome this issues by learning some operative Japanese words plus Google Translator and using google map.

JICA: Please specify your message to future applicants of JICA training course.

SM: I would emphasize some operative Japanese language knowledge, prior practice to self-manage daily life like cooking, laundry and groceries etc. Basic IT skills and proactive learning approach. You would come across differences everywhere from greetings to working style but you will also find lots of similarities if you look little deeper. So be open-minded and non-judgemental. Appreciate difference and assimilate experiences consciously.

JICA: Thank you very much and hope you a fruitful stay in Japan till the end of the course.

Note

  • [1] JR stands for Japan Railway Company

PAGE TOP

Copyright © Japan International Cooperation Agency