Student Spotlight: Finding Freedom in Kyoto

Jan 13, 2026

Deciding to study abroad is not just about academics; it is about finding a place where you can truly grow.

For Fatima Manahal , a first-year student from Faisalabad, Pakistan, choosing Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) was a decision driven by a desire for safety and independence.

“I am living my true life for the first time.” Fatima joined our Faculty of Bioenvironmental Sciences with a clear goal: to become a biomedical researcher. But life in Kyoto offered her something she didn’t expect—total independence. “The reason I chose KUAS… is that Japan is peaceful and safe,” she explains.

Coming from a culture where women often rely on male family members to go out, Fatima found the safety of Japan liberating. “What I love about life in Japan is that women can be independent. It’s my first time living alone, and I’m enjoying my freedom.”

Learning Beyond the Classroom Fatima’s education extends far beyond the lecture hall. She loves the hands-on nature of the KUAS curriculum, which emphasizes lab work and practical application over rote memorization. Outside of her studies, she has embraced the local lifestyle, learning to ride a bicycle to explore the lush nature of Kameoka.

A Message to Future Students Fatima believes KUAS is the ideal environment for self-discovery. “If you haven’t found your purpose in life yet, it’s the perfect place to find your dream—and to discover yourself.”