After nearly five months of studying and living from March 31, 2019 to August 25, 2019 at University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan under the student exchange program of countries in Southeast Asia (AIMS), I would like to report the following result:

1. Introduction to TAG-AIMS

      TAG- AIMS (Trans- ASEAN Global Agenda Education Program ASEAN International Mobility for Students Programme) is a student exchange program between Southeast Asian countries and Japan. Vietnam has 3 universities participating in TAG-AIMS program in 2012: Thuyloi University, University of Agriculture and Forestry and University of Agriculture.

• 2. Introduction to University of Tsukuba

University of Tsukuba has always been in the top 10 best universities in Japan (following Times High Education).

 University of Tsukuba with an area of 258 hectares (about 1/3 of the area of Tsukuba city), is the 2nd largest university in Japan.

The school's facilities are very modern and respond well to teaching and learning. Students can easily study and acquire knowledge through the system: library, computer room, research institutes, practice ...

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  Campus

• 3. Registration subjects.

Specialized Field Practice III (1 credit): A

Specialized Field Practice V (1 credit): A

Specialized Field VI (1 credit): A

Global Issued Internship (1 credit): A

Basic global society (1 credit): A

Trans- ASEAN Global Agenda debate (1 credit): A

Mathematical Economics (2 credits): A

Comprehensive Japanese (4 credits): A

Water Environmental Management Technology (1 credit) A

Advanced  Mathematical (2 credits):  B

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• 4. Life in Japan.
• • Tsukuba is a suburban city, quite quiet and cool, in April the climate is a bit cold. There is a supermarket near the school that sells everything from food, drinks to clothing, home appliances (Kasumi, Welcia, Lawson, Yamazaki, Seven Eleven, Trial and second hand stores).
• • The price in Japan is quite expensive compared to Vietnam, if you want to save money, you should buy food. Food prices are often cheap after 20:00 at some food supermarkets.
• • A 1-month living expenses including meals, accommodation, activities and entertainment will save about 60000 yen (12 million VND), if you spend comfortably and go out about 85,000 yen (17 million VND).
• • The Japanese working style is very punctual and serious. But their English skills are quite limited but they will always help in any way if we have a problem that needs to be answered.
• • Transportation: walk, bike, bus or subway (very expensive taxi): go by bus (buy a bus pass - 8,600 yen / 1 year - about 1,820,000 VND or make a recharge pasmo card (go as much as you pay), Bicycles can be purchased (depending on price); Subway use pasmo card recommended.
• • Dormitories for students exchange quite comfortable, like homestay style in Vietnam (each one bedroom, toilet and shared kitchen). Bedrooms include: air conditioner, bed, fridge, desk, desk lamp, and shelf. Wi-Fi is free for students.

Dormitory

• 5. Activities.
• A. Campus tour: Tour the main buildings and facilities, learn about the school's growth and advantages, help students familiarize themselves with the new environment and appreciate the school they are learning better. 
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• B. ASEAN Café:
• Held every Thursday night, ASEAN café is a small and cozy party every week for students of the two TAG-AIMS and international friends. Each week, each country will be the host and edit the party. This activity brings people closer together, from strangers to become close and understand each other, about each other's culture, traditions and national identity.
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• Vietnam’s ASEAN Café party
• C. Trip to the Kasumigaura water refinery.
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• 6. Conclusion.

The trip in Tsukuba was a great experience for myself, an opportunity I thought I would never have a second time. I have gained knowledge, experience and learned the Japanese way of life, understand more about the culture of your countries, make friends with friends from around the world. Not only that, Japan is a country rich in culture, history and beauty, so this exchange program is also an opportunity for me to explore more about new lands. I would like to sincerely thank to Thuyloi University, School of International Education, TAG-AIMS program and University of Tsukuba for helping me to have great experiences and learn many things in country of Cherry Blossom.