She came to the Netherlands for the first time five years ago to visit her parents who had come to live here on account of their business. 'As a tourist who came here every year during her holidays, I was very impressed with what I saw. I was awestruck by strangers greeting each other. In Japan, one never talks with strangers. Also, one never says 'hi'. There are some very specific polite words that one is expected to use.
'I also like the individualistic attitude of the Dutch. Back home, one is always bound to one group or another. Not that I did not enjoy it but if I wanted to do something independently, it was not really appreciated. I am quite sure that if there had been a lot of Japanese students here, I would be expected to hang around with them for most of the time.'
Continuing on her 'mixed feelings' about the Dutch, she says, 'I have had some very bad experiences with services of mobile phone shops, accommodation and transportation agencies. What I find frustrating is that when I complain, I am not taken seriously. Maybe I do not know how to complain. In Japan when one complains, the other party apologises. And we never complain to people's faces. I don't know what to do anymore. I have almost given up on getting my grievances redressed. This country could do a lot to improve its quality of services.'
Maya has a Bachelor's in Education Systems from Keio University, Kanagawa. 'I am very interested in studying the role of education in peace-keeping and its importance in conflict prevention. But before focussing on this I realised I needed to hone my skills at designing education systems. Also, I wanted to study the school environment in a multi-cultural society which would not have been possible in Japan because it is not culturally diverse. There are many cultural groups in the Netherlands; besides my parents were also here. Hence I decided to study at the UT.'
In her spare time, Maya likes to play the violin, piano and recorder. After her Master's she plans to pursue further research in Education systems.
Hometown: Yokohama
Language Proficiency: Japanese, English
Favourite food: Any kind of Curry
Favourite music: Pop, Latin
Favourite movie: Sound of Music, Robin Hood
Best part of living in the Netherlands: One can be oneself
Worst part of living in the Netherlands: Not being taken seriously
