Four years have already passed since my study experience in Japan. Thanks to Nissho Iwai Foundation’s generous scholarship, I could fulfill my dream of obtaining my Master Degree from Japan during the period 2001-2003.

My 1st encounter with Japan goes back to January 1997, when I 1st visited Japan as a tourist. At the time, Japan meant people who look alike and Chinese cuisine. As I landed in Kansai Airport, Osaka, I knew this is going to be a totally different experience. I was right; everything I did or saw and everyone I met just fascinated me. Although my encounter with Japanese people was only smiles and sign language, their warmness and kindness just made me feel at ease and at home. Back then, I did not know except “Wakaranai”, “Ohayo Gozaimasu”, “Arigatou”, and “Mizu Kudasai”.

People were very friendly, warm, and extremely helpful. Although many were shy to speak English, they went out of their ways to help me. Washoku was another delightful experience and was different from Chinese food. The delicate taste of all foods made me think about the meaning of food again.

The week I stayed in Japan definitely changed the course of my life. As soon as I arrived back home, I registered to study Japanese language at the Japanese Embassy in Cairo. I was determined to go back to Japan. I was fortunate enough to fulfill part of this aspiration by joining a home stay program in the summer of 1997. This was a deeper encounter with Japan, its culture and people. I practiced speaking Japanese and learnt a lot about its customs, culture, and daily life. Yet, I came back home with the feeling this was not enough; I wanted to learn more and experience more.

After completing my undergraduate studies in Cairo in 2001, I applied to join the Master Degree Program at the International University in Japan, IUJ. I knew that experiencing the Japanese Education system would also add a lot to me. The problem at the time was how to fund my study. I applied for scholarships offered by IUJ. I was accepted and came to know that Nissho Iwai Foundation was my sponsor for 1st year and Monbukagakusho sponsored my 2nd year.

Because of Nissho Iwai Foundation, I fulfilled my dream to live and study in Japan and to learn more about its culture, customs, education system, work ethics ...etc. To write about what I have learnt during the two years, what I have gained, and what it has added to me, I would definitely need a book. Yet, in a nutshell, I came back home in 2003, with something different, a better person for sure. Japan has unquestionably added a lot to me, both personally and professionally. It has added to my outlook on life, my character and values. My friends sometimes joke with me, saying “You act like a Japanese, except for the big eyes and sharp nose”.

At present, I am working for the Ministry of Finance, in a Unit that focuses on developing the Policy Environment for Small and Medium Enterprises in Egypt. As for my future aspirations, one of them is to repeat this study experience again. I wish to pursue my PhD studies in Japan in 2009. I intend to start applying next year and wish to get lucky with a generous scholarship as well.

Finally, I cannot but extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to Nissho Iwai Foundation for its support and contribution. I hope that Nissho Iwai also agrees that its sponsorship was not in vain, for it has simply changed the life of an Egyptian woman, “Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu”.

This is a picture of me, with my parents-November 200 Left to right: Nermeen, father, mother