BSB: I am from Nepal. I completed my master’s degree in English Education (M.Ed) in Nepal. I came to Japan three years ago as a Japanese language student. I studied Japanese for 21 months at Akamonkai Japanese Language School in Nippori. After completing the course, I took a university preparation course at Hollywood University in Roppongi for a year. In April 2016, I matriculated at ICU as a doctoral student under the tutelage of Professor Mikiko Nishimura. My interest is travelling and reading literature.

JICUF: What is your research topic, and why did you decide to study at ICU?

BSB: Well, my research field is inclusive education and diversity in higher education. My research focus is on disability as an important factor of diversity to be included in higher education. My research topic is “The Challenges of Disabled Students in Higher Education: A Case Study in the Far Western Development Region of Nepal.” I searched many universities in Japan, but ICU was one of the rare English medium universities where I could pursue my studies in English. ICU’s other appeal was its liberal arts program, that promotes creativity and critical thinking.

JICUF: How has your life at ICU been so far? What do you like about it? What challenges have you faced?

BSB: The environment at ICU is very pleasant. First of all, it is like a mini heaven with a diverse group of students that makes me enthusiastic about my studies. Second, there are very good facilities such as individual study offices, and an advanced library with research materials. Third, qualified and experienced professors offer inspirational lectures. The difficulty I face is the lack of time to become close to friends and discuss my research and escape loneliness.

JICUF: What do you do in your spare time?

BSB: I spend my spare time doing part-time jobs, working as a teaching assistant, and doing research. And I am involved in Nepalese social welfare organizations in Japan. We have already created an organization for Far Western Nepalese students and workers in Tokyo, and I am the chief of the secretariat. We conduct meetings once a month to discuss the improvement of education of the deprived and isolated Nepalese community. Once a year, we collect small donations to help people in need and provide learning materials to schools. I sometimes enjoy visiting historical sites in Japan and write Nepalese poems with a comical touch as well.

JICUF: What are your goals after graduation?

BSB: My plan after graduation is to first pursue post-doctorate research in the field of higher education in Japan, and if I am unable to find a position, I will look for a job in an agency.

Thank you, Bhuwan! We wish you the best in your studies and success in your future endeavors!