Name: Shinya Abe
Programme: Biomedical Engineering, Major - Medical Instrumentation, Minor - Biomaterial
Home country: Japan

Why did you choose TUT and this programme?
I chose the biomedical engineering programme at TUT mostly because there are so many courses available from wide range of fields. For example, in our biomedical engineering, the students can choose their major out of 4 choices (medical instrumentation, biomaterial, medical physics, and medical informatics). In addition to that, we can also choose our minor out of 13 choices! I would say none of master's pragramme in the world is like the one here at TUT.

What is the best part of your studies?
Not only variety of courses is the best part of study, but also research opportunity is. I have been involved in the research project even from the 1st year. Apart from the regular courses, I have learned many practical skills throughout the research experiences in biomedical engineering. I learn theories from the courses and apply them in the research. This definitely makes my ability in this field stronger.

Why would you recommend TUT to prospective students?
I would recommend TUT to prospective students not only because of a number of courses available, but also because of many of research opportunities available for them. Many of my international friends studying in different programme at TUT are also involved in research projects in their fields and have obtained so many practical skills in research.
I can also recommend to those prospective students whose majors in previous degree (Bachelors) are slightly different from engineering field. Indeed, my bachelor's degree is from Exercise Science with Biomechanics concentration. I did not have much background in engineering subjects. However, there is no need to be scared to apply for TUT because those prospective students would be able to strengthen their engineering knowledge by taking basic courses provided here at TUT. In fact, now I am more confident as an engineering student throughout taking many of basic courses (programming, math, physics, electronics, and etc) in the first year.

How has living in Finland been for you?
My life in Finland has been very good. Finland is a well developed country and the quality of life here is very high. And, of course, it is very safe. The best part of my life in Finland is I am surrounded by many friends, especially Finnish friends. Once I got to know them well, they became good friends of mine. They are all very honest and fun oriented people. They have introduced me many of Finnish cultural experiences such as sauna, spending time in their summer cottages next to the lakes, blue berry picking, and more. I have enjoyed all of experiences here with my friends.

Your own message to prospective students:
Many opportunities are waiting for you: a number of courses, research opportunities, and Finnish cultural experiences! Even if your bachelor's degree is slightly different from what you have considered to apply for at TUT, you can still apply because you can compensate for your lack of knowledge by taking basic courses here. Also, you would be able to choose the most interesting major out of many choices in the programme. For example, in biomedical engineering programme, we have 4 choices for major and 13 choices for minor. We would be able to learn biomedical engineering from wide ranges of fields. Also, in case if you are interested in research, for example in Biomedical Engineering department, there are many research opportunities are available for you. So, if you are looking for the wide range of opportunities for courses, and also for research opportunities, TUT is the definitely place for you to apply!