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IUJ Top > IUJ Students say 'We are Safe!'
IUJ Students say 'We are Safe!'
NEW: Watch Video Letters from student on campus.
"I am completely confident in IUJ and Japan's ability to handle the situation. The campus is far from the epicenters of the recent earthquakes and the Japanese are renown for their ability to build extremely earthquake-resistant structures and IUJ is no exception. The mountains protect IUJ from tsunamis and despite what news outlets like Fox News, BBC, CNN, and MSNBC have been saying there is no risk of life-threatening nuclear fallout (see: NPR or NHK). I would tell any incoming IUJ students that they only need to bring their thirst for knowledge and warm clothes for our snowy winters, but that IUJ, and all of Japan, are safe." Louis Consoletti, USA "After the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, I just realized how safe we are here Minami Uonuma area especially here in IUJ. We may have panicked here in campus during the aftershock which happened in the most unexpected hour of 4 o'clock in the morning but around us, life was very normal. It may have been a very unusual experience for most of us but for the people of Minami Uonuma, and Niigata as a whole it was almost negligible. They all went back to bed, continued their good night rest if ever they were awakened by that aftershock, and woke up at their usual schedule and start the day. We are fortunate here in IUJ because of many responsible students and university staffs who were very attentive to our needs. Japanese students and Floor Representatives together with personnel from Energy Center and the Facility and Property Service Center immediately assisted us when we felt the need to evacuate to the gym. As soon as students are settled in the gym, they rushed to inspect our buildings and facilities. After thorough inspection, they declare all buildings and facilities safe and that we may return to our rooms and rest without worries. As soon as University Administration knew how great the effect of the earthquake was in affected areas, they kept us informed of every happening around us, giving us the right information at the right moment. The University President even stayed with us during the most "uneasy" week of our lives and cheering everyone up even late at night! For these reasons I decided to stay in campus until these days because I feel safer here than anywhere else. I firmly believe we will get through this. Together, Japan will endure. Ricardo Bobis, Philippines "There is nothing to fear, IUJ is surrounded by beautiful mountains and the buildings are built to resist any strong earthquakes. We are 185km away from the Fukushima Nuclear Plant, far outside the current exclusion zone. I have stayed in IUJ throughout the nuclear crisis and the foreign media tends to hype up the situation which has caused panic and fear, but the faculty and staff at IUJ have been very informative and helpful on the ongoing situation and I am confident that Japan will overcome this disaster. In fact the greatest sadness has been that the real disaster with over 20,000 presume dead or missing has been overshadowed by the nuclear crisis. People that have lost friends, family and loved ones is the real tragedy. Japan is strong and will rebuild quickly and efficiently just like they have done in the past. Japan is a disciplined country and the group ethic that is built in to the Japanese way of thinking brings the whole nation together to support the one's who need help the most. For prospective students, I would say to not get swayed by foreign media hype. IUJ is completely safe, it is in a very safe location, friends are returning, the sun is shining and the birds are singing. IUJ is a beautiful campus with fantastic faculty, everyone is supportive and willing to help any issue you may have. IUJ is a place of learning and a fantastic experience, but most importantly it is also our home." Hugo Bygott, UK "During the first days after the earthquake, I listened carefully for mass media and was confused that the leading broadcasters such as CNN and BBC were talking only about Fukushima power plant and did not paid attention to thousands of people who were killed by the earthquake and tsunami. Thousands of Japanese people have to stay in shelters because they lost everything. Instead of telling the world about this catastrophic humanitarian crisis, foreign media was afraid only of nuclear disaster in Japan. Of course we all have our own EGO, we are all afraid of losing our lives and safe environment surrounding us. But we all are PEOPLE, we all have parents, children, relatives... At the time when some people died and some lost everything, I think it is very rude to talk only about own safety and own comfortable way of life. Even people who run away from Japan in the very first days after earthquake were very confused of governments and companies of their countries and were thankful for Japanese ones. For instance I heard that British Airways increased prices for Tokyo-London tickets for more than 10 times and ANA had flights for regular prices. I think most of people are now and will remain in the future thankful for Japanese Government, for Japanese companies and for Japanese people. As for us, Students of IUJ, our University became our HOME and Japan became our second Motherland. I am crying with Japanese people for those who were killed by the tsunami and are ready to provide any possible help in reconstruction works. And think most of IUJ students share the same feelings. Japanese people are very strong people. They had experienced so difficult times in the past. And every time Japanese people joining together overcame any disasters and catastrophes. I do believe that this time will be the same and Japan will recover very soon." Sansar Sosorbaram, Mongolia "Every moment is an experience." Jake Roberts IUJ has been incredibly helpful through these tough times and it has all contributed to the experience of studying at an international university. Here are some Do's and Don'ts that reflect my thoughts and which I hope will inspire some readers.
To summarise, IUJ is safe and an interesting place to study at, don't miss the opportunity and please don't distress. Anupama Sree, India Incoming Student Voices In response to the above messages from IUJ students, some of the incoming students wrote to us. "It is so relieving to read the 'other story' from IUJ students, the truly unbiased version." Nelson Rodriguez, Ecuador "I am truly happy that IUJ is safe, so no doubts or fears about my plan to study at IUJ. Hope that Japan’s recovery will run smoothly and we can meet in September." Mia Yusuf, Indonesia Thank you for the information. I am confident about the safety in IUJ and the recovery of Japan." Ashutosh M Dixit, Nepal "Land of rising Sun will never set" "Myself and my family "understand" the role of international media. We have no doubt with regards to the capabilities of the Japanese people." Ahmed Memon Siraj, Pakistan "I believe that it is a chance for me to witness the strength of the world's most resilient nation where once again everybody is working together to rebuild the damaged cities and HOPES!!!!
I wish to contribute with whatever my strength allows." Mayank Shiromani, India |
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