Study Abroad and Exchange Programs

■ Exchange Program with Imperial College London

The exchange program between TMDU and Imperial College London was launched in 2004. This program provides students with a chance to gain firsthand experience doing world-class research in the field of biomedical science.

From Tokyo to London

TMDU students who pass through the selection process spend the second semester in their fourth year (from October to March) studying at Imperial College London. They take courses offered as part of the Biomedical Science BSc degree program and undertake a research project. They can engage in stimulating academic activities at one of the most prestigious institutions in the UK . Established in 1907, Imperial College has been a hub of scientific developments. Many famous scientists are associated with the college, including Sir Alexander Fleming, discoverer of penicillin and Nobel Laureate, and 13 other Nobel Laureates and 2 Fields prize winners. TMDU students can interact with world class research groups.
[The Number of Participants]
2005: 3　　　 2006: 4　　　 2007: 4
[Comments from Participants]
	KAZUHIDE SHIMIZU (2006) 　 "In the first half of my stay at Imperial College I took the "surgery and anaesthesia" course, attended basic lectures, and joined group work as one of the Imperial College medics. In the second half I was assigned to a laboratory at one of the teaching hospitals in order to carry out my research project and write a thesis.
I chose a research theme after an intense discussion with my supervisor. During that time I was also allowed to observe several surgical operations related to the project.There were various benefits that I gained in London: I not only improved my command of English,which is absolutely required in contemporary science and medicine, but I also became more internationally-minded and developed a new perspective on problem-solving. I acquired these strengths through all of the experiences I had during my stay in London. I feel proud that I could achieve some of the educational objectives TMDU set forth for its students and I now feel responsible for further self-advancement. While many medical students tend to feel urged to acquire a lot of book knowledge or to become completely absorbed in job training, it was really a precious experience for me to have this challenging opportunity and fulfilling life experience at a prestigious institute like Imperial College London, which I believe will help me pursue my career as a doctor."
	SAYAKA FUNATA (2006)　 “During my stay in London , I attended some lectures of Foundation Course with Imperial College students and worked on a project about ’Impact of Ageing on immune system under oxidative/nitrative stress’ in Respiratory Sciences laboratory under the supervision of Professor K Ito. Studying in a different culture sometimes made me confused, but I
learned a lot about my project and also many other things.I learned from the experience that differences in age or language did not prevent making good human relationships, and also I could see my future and myself by talking with many fellows”

From London to Tokyo

As partial fulfillment of the BSc degree, some Imperial College students undertake research at TMDU. They stay in Tokyo for twelve weeks from February to May and engage in active research work under the supervision of TMDU faculty. A wide range of laboratory research is available. Located in the very heart of Tokyo , TMDU is an ideal academic institution to experience cutting-edge research and the contemporary culture of Tokyo . Participants can also enjoy social programs and interact with many TMDU students.
[The Number of Participants]
2004: 3　　　 2005: 3　　　 2006: 4　　　 2007: 4
[Comments from Participants]
	TAMARA KEITH (2005) “I worked in the pathology laboratory of Professor Kitagawa for just over 3months in spring time… I arrived having had very little previous laboratory experience and spoke about 4 words of Japanese. From the very moment I stepped off the plane the staff at TMDU greeted me with open arms welcoming me to their country.
Over the course of three months I researched a project involving angiogenesis in myelodysplastic syndromes using immunohistochemical and polymerase chain reaction techniques and drew some interesting and surprising conclusions. During my time in Japan as well as a lot of hard work and study I had some of the most enjoyable times of my life eating all sorts of weird and wonderful meals, skiing in the mountains, bathing in numerous hot springs of course your wonderful shops… Having never been to the Far East TMDU offered me a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was an incredible, eye opening, life changing experience which I will never forget and I am eternally grateful for.”
PIERS BOSHIER (2006) “My time in Japan has been mostly spent undertaking my research project, investigating the role of microRNAs (a new class of gene regulatory molecules) in gastric carcinogensis. My work was performed in the department of molecular oncology at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) under the expert supervision of Professor Y Yuasa…In addition to my academic work, I have taken time out to visit some of Japan ’s most famous places. I was lucky enough to spend three whole days in Kyoto during the height of the cherry blossom season... Throughout my stay in Japan I have tried to immerse myself in the Japanese way of life. Indeed this has mainly involved the early morning squeeze of the Sobu line local and late nights spent working hard in the labs with my fellow colleagues.”
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