Student Voice: Ameerah Isa, University of Brunei Darussalam

Ameerah Isa is a second-semester student at AIU from Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Academic Experience

I’ve been really happy with the courses and classrooms here- all the classrooms are great quality and well-equipped. I’m taking the maximum number of credits here and I’m enjoying all my classes, though Japanese is my favorite. I really like the teacher’s interactive style and how he makes sure that everyone participates.

I’m a Sociology and Anthropology major, so my other courses are Social Movements and Democracy, Cultural Anthropology, Social Problems in the US, and US Constitution. I took the last one, even though it’s not really related to my major, because I took Minorities in the US last semester with the same professor and I really liked his style. His classes take a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) style where we discuss case studies and apply them to current issues and everyday life.

Extracurricular Activities and Campus Community

I’ve kept so busy with my classes that I unfortunately haven’t really had time to join any clubs or activities.

I’ve made friends with my Japanese roommates and with the other students who volunteered to be Peer Supporters during orientation, though. That was one of my favorite experiences. People here have been exceedingly friendly!

Halal Food in Japan

I live in Sakura Village, so I do most of my cooking for myself. One of the requirements is that I cannot use the same cooking implements that have touched alcohol or pork, for example. So, in my roommate contract, I explained to my roommates that I don’t mean to be selfish or stingy, but that I had to have my own cooking goods that nobody else would be allowed to use. They were understanding, so it was no problem.

I really enjoy seafood, so I’ve had no problem finding appropriate food in Japan! There’s also a website we can use to order Halal food in Japan, but I haven’t had to use it.