Urszula Kubiczek, Centre for Communication and Marketing: Why Poland? Why AGH University?
What inspired you to leave Japan and continue your studies in Krakow?
Yuka Shimizu: My decision was actually quite simple. I wished to join this double-degree programme because it offers a unique opportunity to study at both a Japanese and a Polish university and graduate with two diplomas. During my bachelor's studies, I also had the chance to participate in collaborative research with a professor from AGH University. That experience showed me the quality of research conducted here and encouraged me to continue my academic journey in Krakow. I knew it would be a valuable opportunity, both for my academic and personal lives.
First impressions
What were your expectations before coming to Poland?
I was very excited to meet talented students and professors at AGH University and to discuss and pursue research with them. I was also looking forward to making new friends and experiencing a different academic environment.
At the same time, I was curious about everyday life in Poland, especially the winter. The climate is very different from Japan, so I was a little worried about whether I would be able to adapt. Fortunately, everything went much better than I expected, and the cold turned out not to be a problem at all.
Engineering for the future
You are studying Energy and Environmental Engineering. What exactly does your research concern?
My research focuses on carbon dioxide capture and utilisation. This is one of the key technologies needed to achieve a carbon-neutral society. We know that industry emissions, for example from factories or combustion systems, contain carbon dioxide mixed with other gases, such as nitrogen and sulphur oxides.
The challenge is to separate CO₂ efficiently and then reuse it. In my work, I use membrane-based separation systems that enable both the separation and recycling of carbon dioxide within a single process. It is a way of making the system more efficient and more sustainable.
New research angles
Has studying at AGH University changed the way you think about your research?
Yes, completely. I spent the first part of my master's programme in Japan and the second in Poland, while still pursuing the same research topic.
The experience has been especially valuable because my supervisors in both countries approach the same challenge from different perspectives. In Japan, the focus was on experimental research in applied chemistry, while at AGH University I was introduced to a more engineering and computational approach.
It is the combination of these perspectives that has given me a deeper understanding of my research and helped me define what I want to achieve.
A taste of Poland
What has student life in Krakow been like for you?
It has seen a great cultural exchange. At first, I was a bit worried about living in a shared room on student campus, because this is not common in Japan. However, from the very first day I felt welcome. My Polish friends introduced me to many traditions, and I received souvenirs from different countries through the international community. One thing we made a lot was onigiri, Japanese rice balls. At one point, our fridge was loaded with them.
I also got to experience Polish Christmas traditions. I received gifts from Santa Claus several times and celebrated Christmas with friends from the programme. Around fifteen students prepared dishes from their own countries, and we shared them with each other.
One of the biggest surprises for me was carp. In Japan, carp is usually something you see in a pond or an aquarium, so I was very surprised to learn that it is a traditional Christmas dish in Poland. But after trying it, I understood why it is so popular; it was delicious. I think it might even become my number one Christmas dish here.
Looking ahead
How do you see your future following the programme?
The programme gives me a very unique opportunity. I have two supervisors and access to two academic systems, which is extremely valuable for my development.
In the future, I would like to stay in academia, possibly through a joint PhD programme between Japan and AGH University. My goal is to contribute to technologies that support a carbon-neutral society.
Ultimately, the programme showed me how valuable international collaboration can be. I hope to connect Japan and Poland more closely in the field of environmental engineering.
A message to future students
I am not sure if I am in a position to give advice, but I can share my experience.
Studying in Krakow has been an amazing experience. It is a wonderful city for students, and AGH University provides a great environment for learning and research. The people I met here have made my time here truly special.
I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to study abroad, to be open to new experiences, meet new people and make the most of every opportunity that comes their way.
AGHの学生たちとともに、素晴らしい都市クラクフで学べることは、きっと素晴らしい経験になると信じています。クラクフは学生にとって非常に魅力的な街であり、AGHの学生たちは非常に優秀で、多様性に富み、刺激に満ちています。そこで過ごす時間や、そこで出会う友人たちとの思い出は、きっとかけがえのない宝物となるでしょう。私は、この場所で学ぶことを心からおすすめします。
One word, many memories
What is your favourite Polish word?
Kanapka.
It was one of the first Polish words my friends taught me. They often prepared kanapki for breakfast, and later they started calling Japanese onigiri a “Japanese kanapka”.
Over time, the word has become a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange. Every time I hear it, I think of the kindness of my Polish friends and the memories we created together. Sometimes the most meaningful moments of studying abroad are hidden in the simplest words.
A message of gratitude
Would you like to say something to Professor Janusz Szmyd, the programme coordinator at AGH University?
Yes. I would like to sincerely thank Professor Janusz Szmyd for giving us such a unique opportunity. I am very grateful to be part of this programme, to learn, conduct research, and gain international experience.
It has had a significant impact on my academic development and will certainly influence my future career.
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you very much.
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For Yuka, studying abroad has been more than an academic step. It has been a process of discovery – of science, culture, and herself.
As she prepares for the next stage of her journey, her story reflects something larger: how international education quietly builds bridges between people, ideas and futures.
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Special thanks to Professor Janusz Szmyd and Dr Marcin Moździerz (Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University) for their support and contribution to this episode.
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