Student Voice: [ISSE] Improve yourself and gain knowledge from the most fitting and international university in Japan

Welcome to the Student Voice Series. The series interviews students at our English-medium programs. Once a month, the International Admissions 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

Ruihao (Ben) from China

College of Information Science and Engineering

Information Systems Science and Engineering (ISSE) Course*

*The College of Information Science and Engineering will be relocated to the Osaka Ibaraki Campus in April 2024. Visit our website for details.

Scholarships Received:

JASSO

20% scholarship deduction

100% scholarship deduction

Graduated High School:

TaiYi High School

Hobbies:

Image processing, piano, vlogging, limited edition sneaker collection

Why did you choose RU, ISSE Course?

I chose Ritsumeikan University because I like the academic atmosphere and the free environment in RU. Ritsumeikan is a very global university in Japan, which provides many opportunities, whether academic exchanges with other universities or employment assistance, which were very attractive to me.

My major is ISSE. I selected this major because it offers excellent professional education and a high degree of compatibility for the future market. Moreover, the ISSE Course has an international perspective, and I can communicate and learn with people from different cultural backgrounds.

What made you think about looking for a university in Japan?

When I was in high school, I had a chance to travel to Japan. During this trip, compared with other countries I had visited, I liked the atmosphere of Japan, especially because there are many similarities with my country, China. This would not make me homesick when I stay in this country, even if for a long time. After that, I searched for a lot of information about studying in Japan. I am interested in image processing, so after researching many universities in Japan, RU was the only university I wanted to go to. Also, the global environment and professional resources were the most important parts when making the decision.

I fed the deer cake in Nara. They are so cute.

Ben's first visit to Japan. "I liked the environment here."

Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan?

Yes. I was worried about how I could make friends and live in Japan, but after I came, I found it easy to make friends with Japanese or people from other countries. They all are very friendly and kind!

Outline your course and studies. Give us an overview of your studies and course schedule from the 1st year to now.

From 1st year to now, the courses are becoming more and more professional. ISSE has many courses and assignments, but with proper arrangement, I can balance the time for enjoying life while completing my studies. For me, from the first semester to now, I have gained more professional knowledge, and selected the courses I am interested in from among the rich selection of courses in other departments.

What is your career plan and goal/dream after graduating from RU?

I would like to continue studying this area of image processing in a Japanese graduate school. The career I most want to do is technical economic management in a Japanese-American multinational company.

If there are any differences between a university in your home country and RU, what are they?

Compared to universities in my home country, RU is more global and has a freer academic atmosphere. In RU, I can have a better international vision to face my future career choices or academic pursuits.

Learn more about RU's Student Support

The ISSE Course is a global program with co-operation with many countries. Will you consider how your projects affect other countries?

Yes. Before COVID-19, I really wanted to participate in an international exchange program between schools. And I think what we learned in ISSE projects provides students with a wealth of expertise and opportunities for academic exchange with universities in other countries for technological improvements, as well as innovative project results.

How is your life at RU, Japan?

Due to COVID-19 and related policies in Japan, I have been taking classes on Zoom for a long time. I don't think my courses are different because I am not offline. The professors are very responsive in every class I take.

How long did it take to make your very first friend at University?

I made friends in the first week of my first semester of freshman year. Even though we haven't been able to meet due to courses being online, there hasn't been any gap in our friendship. We have remained good friends.

What do you find “cool” in Japan and “weird” in Japan?

I think the cool thing is that in Japan, almost everything is done according to rules and plans made beforehand. It saves a lot of time.

The odd part of Japan, I think, must be their dedication to part-time jobs. Almost every Japanese friend has great passion for their part-time job. It is totally different compared to my country's university students.

My first time trying Japanese ramen. It was good.

Message in English/Chinese

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today, those who turn back never reach the summit.相信自己，未来的成功依靠现在的努力.