COVID19
Welcome to the first issue of Konnect Magazine for the academic year 2023-24! We are thrilled to restart the publication of this magazine after a long hiatus and bring it back to you in a regular online format Konnect has always aimed to be a platform for the Kyushu University Foreign Student Association (KUFSA) to connect, share stories, and highlight the experiences of our diverse student community.
In this July 2023 issue, our cover story focuses on a topic that has shaped the lives of people worldwide - "Life after Covid-19." The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and disruptions, affecting every aspect of our lives, including our education, social interactions, and overall wellbeing Through our cover story, we aim to explore the experiences, resilience, and recovery efforts of our fellow students at Kyushu University in the postpandemic world As we navigate the "new normal" together, it is essential to stay connected and support one another Konnect Magazine serves as a medium to foster unity and understanding among the international student community at Kyushu University We encourage you to actively engage with the magazine by sharing your stories, insights, and talents
I would like to extend my gratitude to all the contributors, the editorial team, and the members of KUFSA who have made this issue possible Let's continue to build bridges, forge connections, and celebrate the diversity that makes our community at Kyushu University so vibrant and inspiring
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to connecting with you through the pages of Konnect Magazine by KUFSA.
Warm regards,
Forhad Hossain Editor-in-chief, KonnectFacilitators: Eleanor Chan President, KUFSA
Messie Ranjatoson Secretary, KUFSA
Aric Yael Bandera Treasurer, KUFSA
Editor-in-Chief: Forhad Hossain
Content Editors: Honoka Shibuta Fatiha Zahra
Design Editor: Samantha Sastra
Photography Editor: Mina Shamohammadi
Marketing and Promotional Editor: Keisi Kunst
Published by: Kyushu University Foreign Students Association (KUFSA)
Contacts: info.kufsa.magazine@gmail.com
Message from the President
Dear Students of Kyushu University,
It is one of the greatest honours of my life to serve as the President of KUFSA this year and witness the incredible growth and camaraderie that define our student community At the heart of KUFSA’s ethos lies the belief that together, we can achieve greatness Our shared passion, dedication, and diverse perspectives create an atmosphere of inclusivity and open-mindedness on our campus grounds
After almost three years of being dormant under the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to announce the long-awaited return of our magazine, KONNECT It stands as a testament to the collective talent and creativity of the students of Kyushu University, serving as a medium to showcase our ideas, passions, and voices to a broader audience Let us continue to use this platform to inspire and inform, to spark dialogue and understanding, and to celebrate the richness of our university’s diversity
With warmest regards,
Eleanor Chan President, KUFSABrief about KUFSA
KUFSA (Kyushu University Foreign Students Association) is an organization that represents all foreign students enrolled at Kyushu University Over decades, KUFSA has had members representing up to 98 nations and territories, fusing cultures and customs from all around the world Our goal is to promote cooperation, collaboration, and friendship not only among foreign students but also with Japanese students To enhance the richness of students' university life, various activities that promote a welcoming environment and balance of daily life, study, and play, are planned and organized annually
Vision
To promote the well-being of international students enrolled at Kyushu University
To support the interaction and understanding between international and Japanese students.
To be the core of connection and collaboration between international students and the entire Kyushu University Society.
Cultural Te
Travel Team
The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions in people's lives worldwide, affecting students in particular They had to suddenly switch to online learning, lost the chance to socialize in person, and faced uncertainties about their studies. At Kyushu University, the impact on students was significant as well. Campus closed, classes moved online, and the lively student life became virtual. The absence of face-to-face interactions, canceled graduation ceremonies, and delayed arrival of international students created feelings of longing and uncertainty This article explores the experiences of Kyushu University students during the pandemic and their efforts to recover. It covers adapting to remote learning, dealing with isolation, and rediscovering the joys of student life Through their stories, we hope to gain insights, inspiration, and lessons that can resonate with students worldwide as they adapt and rebuild after this challenging period.
It appears that life after COVID-19 has ushered in a surge of technological advancements. As we all recognize the significance of technology during the pandemic, we now strive to utilize advanced technology in various aspects of our lives From online classes and meetings to virtual doctor consultations, the pandemic has taught us the immense potential and convenience of technology in different areas.
Nadia Binte Rahman PeeyaR1
Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering
In life, nature sometimes throws situations at us, and it's normal not to know exactly what kind of situation it will be (good or bad) The pandemic was a challenging time for me as it brought many things to a halt As a student, going back to school to meet friends and teachers, and not worrying about my internet connection or staring at a screen for classes and reports has been truly amazing. Although things haven't fully returned to how they were before the pandemic, and there are still some limitations, life has improved for me. I hope that with time, things will get back to normal. Being back in school allows us to interact with peers and friends daily, which is an essential part of the educational process and was lacking during the pandemic. I'm happy to say goodbye to online classes and be back in the classroom
Ugochukwu James NWEBONYI
M1
Graduate School of Science
As the restrictions against COVID-19 have been lifted, we now have more study programs outside Japan compared to the pre-pandemic life. I'm going to Bangladesh and planning to visit the States. I didn't dislike life with COVID-19 because it allowed us to avoid going to campus and provided more time for other activities such as part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer work. However, we couldn't go out late at night or travel abroad easily during that time. Now, in my postpandemic life, I am enjoying it more We still benefit from remote meetings that were introduced during the pandemic, and we can now go out every Friday night.
Taka Yanagi
B4
Faculty of Information Science and Electrical
EngineeringPost-pandemic life is characterized by a blend of changes and continuities It features a flexible work culture with remote options, widespread digital integration, and heightened health-conscious practices. Travel and tourism resume cautiously, while mental health receives increased attention Environmental awareness drives sustainable choices, and social reconnection fosters a sense of community
Education evolves with blended learning approaches. For me, post-pandemic life embodies resilience, adaptability, and a reimagined future, as society embraces positive transformations while navigating a new normal
Sadik Bachir Fourreh
M1
Faculty of Engineering
After the pandemic, the lenses I had on to view the world had been a little blurry, I needed time to get back to the "normal", which as we all know, wasn't like the normal we were used to. At first, it felt very much like a "new normal", with mandatory mask-wearing, body temperature detection, and sanitation Classes were still held hybrid and not only the individuals were adapting to the new rules, but also the society As time goes on, though, the new normal became the normal "normal". At times, I would feel like the activities I have now are more boring; the fun of getting to know new online discoveries is fading, as digital innovations seem more normal while going back to offline activities seems just regular. But with this, I try to enjoy every moment I get to experience.. because who knows if one day a seemingly random global event would come pausing our ongoing fun? And, who knows if one day a random event would make things more exciting?
Fatiha Rahimatuz Zahra
B2
School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation
Life in post-pandemic Japan has been quite wonderful. Having been unable to enter the country for 2 years due to border restrictions and difficulties posed by the pandemic, I feel extremely blessed and happy to be here at Kyudai Having never previously lived in or traveled to Japan before coming to study at Kyudai, I was quite surprised to see just how easy life can be as a college student in this country. Due to the ease of transport and quick access to Konbini's, late nights and early mornings have become much less of a hassle in comparison to the United States Studying at Ito Campus has many pros, with the distance to the city center being the only con Being able to enjoy the different seasons near the beautiful beaches of Itoshima has been super refreshing and some of my favorite activities in the area include going to eat yakigaki (grilled oysters) in the winter and swimming near Imajuku Beach in the summer Excited for summer break and my continuing life here in Japan!
Luc Maccioni M1
Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Global Society (ISGS)
I became more tolerant and more patient I accept changes in life. I remain critical of the world and the systems. I shifted from being ENFJ to INFJ, gradually losing my past outgoing personality. I started enjoying my daily life and focusing on peace of heart rather than just pursuing those material possessions like glory and wealth
Gabriel WANG M2
Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Global Society (ISGS)
In 2023, as I removed my mask for the last time, the world seemed unchanged. Despite the pandemic's impact, we're still gullible and uncertain of what to learn. The collective aim is to bury the pandemic's memories and losses Paradoxically, those two years left me jaded. I missed valuable moments, adapted to online schooling, and now feel like I'm catching up on life. Post-pandemic, I've learned to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary and not take things for granted, cherishing each day.
Jocelyn Kezia Sutadharma B1 Faculty of Engineering (IUPE)
