The precious time in Japan

NGUYEN HONG SON

5th grade at Hanoi Medical University (Viet Nam)
January 21st, 2024 ~ February 5th, 2024

It’s one month since I left Okayama University. Throw back 15 days staying and
studying there, I still have a little bit nostalgic. Indeed, the experience of studying and living
in Japan for 15 days exceeded my expectations. It was an amazing journey for a fifth-year
dental student like me. Therefore, I would like to express my gratitude to Dental School -
Okayama University, and my school: School of Dentistry - Hanoi Medical University for
creating these exchange programs so that students like me can access knowledge and
techniques from a very modern and developed country like Japan.

Okayama University

I still remember the days learning and staying at Okayama. At the first days,
everything in here was very strange but with the support of Ms. Maeda and the research
studens, we got acquainted quickly in Okayama University’s environment. The thing that
impressed me most was astmosphere in here. It’s fresh and every morning that I woke up, I
felt like I had a lot of energy. Beside, the English lecture that we learnt after clinic tours every
day, these were amazing! We had a chance to communicated with international friends and
more than that, we absorbed new knowledge that we had not learnt at our university

Dr. Maeda was giving us a tour This is the first English lecture by
and some directions about the places the Okayama University’s president
where we would study in 15 days
at Okayama University

Learning

Each morning, we participated in clinic tours, in which we had the opportunity to

observe firsthand the patient examination and treatment procedures performed by the dentists.
This allowed me to gain new insights into dentistry. One of the most striking aspects of my
experience was the modern and scientific approach to clinic organization and layout. The
hospital was also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, further contributing to the high
standard of care provided.
 Orthodontics Clinic Operative Dentistry Dept. with Dr. Ohara

MRI machine

Oral Radiology Dept. with Dr. Ookubo

International Exchange Event

 After the first week learning in here, we had a memorable exprience with the
international students. I had a chance to make a presentation about Hanoi and our university
in this event and this was also my first time. It really made me exicted.

After having some mini-games together, we and the international friends took a picture to
save memory.

Bonding dinners

The dinner with Vietnam research students

 Heartfelt Farewell Dinner

Travelling

We had been referred to go to some destinations in Japan through the internets before
staying here. But when i saw Okayama castle and Korakuen garden in here, I must claim that
in the reality, these are more beautiful than the pictures

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Okayama Castle

At the first weekend, we had a time to go to Nimmi to see snow. To be honest, this
was the first time i saw snow and snow fall as well. I was very happy and enjoy every seconds
of that moment
 Snow in Niimi

In the final week of my trip, I spent my time to explore some famous the cities of the
Kansai region. I visited Kobe, where I enjoyed the stunning views from Kobe Harborland.

Kobe Tower and Kobe Harborland

In the same day, I also explored Osaka, a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural
heritage and a vibrant nightlife. And I immersed myself in the ancient traditions of Kyoto,
visiting iconic landmarks Kiyomizu Temple.
 Dotonbori – Vibrant nightlife in Osaka

Kiyomizu Temple – Iconic place of Kyoto

The Last pictures before leaving Japan

We hug Prof. Kuboki

Finally, i want to claim that this journey will be a memorable memory for me. It made my
student’s life become colorfully. Now i have more clearly defined my future goals and willing
try hard to get more achievements. Good bye and see Japan soon!!