Welcome to the Student Voice Series. The series interviews students at our English-medium programs. Once a month, the International Admission Office will release an interview with our students. We hope these interviews can be helpful to you when thinking about choosing to come to Ritsumeikan University.
Post by International Admissions Office
Saiham from Bangladesh
College of Global Liberal Arts(GLA), 1st year
Why did you choose RU, GLA?
The most important reason for choosing Ritsumeikan University was the major, Global Liberal Arts (GLA). Firstly, I absolutely love the entire GLA curriculum, particularly the fact that the GLA is a dual-degree program with the Australian National University (ANU). What was unique about this dual-degree program for me was the fact that studying abroad at the Australian National University is not just one “special” year but will closely be connected to my learning both before and after that year. Secondly, the ‘lecture and tutorial’ method of classes at GLA really fascinated me. Holding classes twice a week shall allow me to study the same subject in a classroom lecture and then again at a tutorial session. Therefore, this dual degree program and the class environment were the biggest reason I chose Ritsumeikan.
What do you think this experience in 2 countries affects your life and career?
The dual degree of studying at the Australian National University (ANU) at Canberra is incredible. Being one of the world's top 30 universities is a golden opportunity for GLA students to be a part of such a prestigious university. Whenever I have spoken about my dual degree program, whether it is to my friends or any internship, people become amazed hearing about it. The sheer difference of studying in two different countries, two different cultures and two other universities and network is an excellent opportunity for us. To sum up, the chance to experience two world-class educations in 4 years is one of our GLA program's key features.
Learn about the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at ANU.
Outline of your course and studies
Learn more about GLA Curriculum.
What is your career plan after graduate RU?
How are the relationship with your supervisor and classmates?
My classmates are amazing. Although the past semester has been entirely online, I have managed to make some fantastic friends. Starting off, we have created different groups on Discord, Instagram, and LINE where we chat, talk, and video call a lot. For this reason, classes have never felt like I am doing with strangers. All of us have managed to bond very well. Coming to my dorm, although there are very few people in my dormitory at the moment due to the travel restrictions, the few people here in the dorm are amazing. They have not only helped me to settle in the dorms, but we have made many memories whether it was in the Christmas Party or visiting shrines at 3 am on New Year's Day which is a Japanese tradition. In short, GLA’s close-knit community really helps you to bond with your classmates.
Sneak peek a short clip from GLA students
Can you describe your class choices for this semester and next semester?
Since I am still in my first year and have completed only one semester, my options for choosing courses have been very limited. In fact, in the previous semester, all my classes were pre-set and were compulsory. I had Introduction to Global Liberal Arts, Statistics, Cultural Studies and Civilizations in Global History. Furthermore, in my next semester, again, most of my courses will be pre-set and compulsory. However, from my second year, I plan to take classes focusing on business and entrepreneurship. Since I have always had an interest in business; I plan to focus on these areas in my following semesters. However, suppose I find some other field more enjoyable. In that case, I may change my course directions as this is the beauty of a liberal arts education.
Do you do live in a university dorm?
I live at the Global House (G-House). The dorm life is really amazing here. One of the best things about living in the dorm is experiencing different cultures as we have people from around the world. We see people eating different foods in the dining room, where some eat by hands, some by spoons and some by chopsticks. This immersion of culture is really unique that one gets to experience at the dorm. Other than that, we also do assignments or study together. Often, till midnight we study in the dorm to finish projects or prepare for an exam. Lastly, on special occasions like birthdays, Christmas, New Year, we often celebrate together making our time at the dorm really memorable.
Check out this YouTube Video! GLA students walk you through G-House.
How is your general life at RU, Japan?
My life in Japan has been nothing less than excellent. People of this country are insanely kind and helpful, which cannot be described until experienced first-hand. On my first day at Ritsumeikan, a random girl walked with me for 15 minutes to help me reach campus. Even on campus, the students and staff of Ritsumeikan are superb. Apart from the language barrier, I would say that my overall life at Ritsumeikan and in Japan is terrific. Due to the COIVD-19 pandemic, circle activities has been very limited on-campus for which I did not join anywhere yet. However, I plan to join the football or guitar circle once the campus fully re-opens.
Did you know more than 400 clubs and circles are at RU? Check them out!
Tell us about your daily schedule
I usually wake up early in the morning at around 6 am. After that, I go outside to our nearby field where I run or go to the gym. After that, I come back to my dorm, shower, and head out again with everything for my class. I make sure to have the 100 yen breakfast at 8:30 am after which I usually study the library to study or do classes. My classes typically end by late afternoon, after which I come back to my dorm and eat the lunch that I prepare in the weekends. Then at around 4 pm, I go outside to play football with my friends and come back to my dorm by evening. After that, I usually shower once more, have an early dinner at 7 pm and then study till 10. Finally, I hang out with my friends or play the guitar or watch football and final head off to sleep by midnight. So this is my usual daily routine.
A variety of meal available on campus to meet a multi-cultural diet.
Check 'Dining on Campus'.
What do you miss? Tell us how you beat homesick.
Regarding homesickness, I really miss my family and friends back home, especially my younger brother. I think it is normal to miss them when we come to study abroad. To overcome this, Ritsumeikan University has terrific support for us, where we have a dedicated department for our mental support. Apart from that, I make sure to talk to my family every day. Furthermore, their quotes and pictures are always in my room and wallet. It is essential to speak to the university if we feel homesick, and not keep it all in.
Message in English/Bengali
To believe in yourself! I have met so many incredible students who should apply abroad but are not even trying due to their lack of confidence. This entire application is a dreadful thing. I know it is easier said than done but keep your heads high and do not lose hope because you are exceptional and can reach heights that you don’t even know.
নিজেকে বিশ্বাস করতে শিখো। আমি অনেক প্রতিভাবান শিক্ষার্থীদের চিনি যাদের বিদেশে আবেদন করা উচিত তবে আত্মবিশ্বাসের অভাবে তারা চেষ্টাও করছে না। এই সম্পূর্ণ আবেদনের প্রক্রিয়াটি অনেক কষ্টদায়ক। আমি জানি এটি করার চেয়ে বলা সহজ তবে আত্মবিশ্বাসী হও এবং আশা হারাবে না কারণ তুমি অসাধারণ এবং তুমি এমন উচ্চতায় পৌঁছাতে পারো যা তুমি নিজেও কল্পনা করতে পারছো না।
