Natalie Regina Duval first Seychellois to pursue PhD at Hiroshima University |15 April 2023

Miss Duval on her first day at the Hiroshima University

With great pride, Seychelles NATION has learned that Seychellois Natalie Regina Duval, who started her studies in Japan in 2020 as the first MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan) scholarship research student (master course) from Seychelles just graduated from Naruto University of Education.

She will now pursue her PhD at the Hiroshima University, after being a successful MEXT scholarship applicant for a second time.

Miss Duval is currently in Japan and gladly shared her experience with us. “As the first MEXT scholar from Seychelles, I feel very honoured to have had the opportunity to study and obtain my master’s degree in Japan. Studying in Japan is an experience that has impacted me positively as an individual in various aspects.”

Before heading to Japan, Miss Duval, a resident of Anse Etoile, was a history teacher from 2011 to 2015. She then did two years undergraduate studies in Botswana from 2016 – 2017 and then came back to continue as a history teacher from 2018 to October 2020 when she travelled to Japan. She is well known to be a devoted teacher.

Now heading to pursue her new adventure at Hiroshima University, Miss Duval shared that she will be following the International Education and Development Programmes at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Will she come back to support the Ministry of Education after? “The education system in Seychelles, as in other countries around the world, sometimes faces some challenges that may hinder students' learning outcomes. Therefore, I plan to support the Ministry of Education by carrying out more in-depth research on such issues, so as to assist the policy makers in making more informed decisions that will continue to improve our education system.”

Miss Duval noted that she considers herself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to study at Hiroshima University, which is one of the most esteemed institutions of higher learning in Japan, particularly in the field of education.

“Just as any other Japanese or international students I had to take the admission test and interview which was quite challenging. However, when I received the university's letter of acceptance, I was overjoyed! My goals moving forward are to work as hard as I can, give it my all in everything I do, ensure that Seychelles is well-represented, and finally enjoy the Japanese experience!”

Seychelles NATION wishes Natalie Duval all the best in her studies.

Vidya Gappy

Photos: Contributed