Student Experiences at Waseda (Joint Supervision Program with National Taiwan University)

Report by Mr. Jin-Chieh Ho (National Taiwan University)

Waseda University has Joint Supervision Program (JSP) agreements with several partner institutions overseas and is working to promote this program that allows students to receive research supervision from overseas researchers.
In academic year 2022, Jin-Chieh Ho, a doctoral student of National Taiwan University, spent five months at Professor Oyaizu's laboratory working on his research project under Prof. Oyaizu’s guidance.

Period of stay

Sep 21, 2022 - Feb 28, 2023

Student's affiliation

National Taiwan University

What is your purpose of stay at Waseda?

Participating in the Joint Supervision Program between Waseda University and National Taiwan University to conduct my research project (joint development of a fully stretch-rechargeable battery)

What were your impressions of Waseda's research/educational environments and life in Tokyo?

During my time at Waseda University, I had the pleasure of meeting a diverse group of individuals, including professors, assistants, and fellow students, who not only exhibited great enthusiasm towards me but also provided invaluable assistance in conducting experiments and life, enabling me to complete my work seamlessly. Moreover, Tokyo's highly efficient living functions made my stay comfortable and convenient. Taking all these aspects into account, I would highly rate my academic exchange experience.

This is my first time staying abroad for an extended period, which has inevitably caused feelings of nervousness and fear prior to departure, particularly in regard to communication and adjusting to unfamiliar living habits. Additionally, my research has proven to be relatively challenging, and I am concerned about completing it within the allotted 5-month timeframe. However, I have been fortunate enough to encounter a group of exceptionally kind and empathetic individuals who have assuaged all of my doubts. Also, their professionalism and support have enabled me to efficiently complete my work within such a brief timeframe.

What were your memorable experiences at Waseda?

In fact, my five months at Waseda University were an unforgettable experience.

What did you work on and accomplish during your stay?

We have developed a novel sandwich configuration consisting of a zinc anode, gel electrolyte, and radical polymer cathode for a fully stretch-rechargeable battery. Our research has been submitted to a journal, and we are currently awaiting their response.

Is there anything else you learned or experienced at Waseda that you think you can apply to your future (career or life)?

After this enriching experience, my outlook on life abroad has become incredibly positive. Prior to this, I had never considered the idea of working overseas, however, I am now eager to explore this possibility. I strongly believe that this experience will significantly alter my future life planning.

It was my first dinner with Oyaizu-sensei and my work partner (members of Prof. Oyaizu's lab), and it was also a welcome party organized by them for me.
After completing my research and submitting it to a journal, this presentation marked my final one at Waseda University.
The day prior to my departure from Japan, Oyaizu-sensei kindly accompanied me and other members of the laboratory to a traditional Japanese shrine, offering us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture