Welcome to the Student Voice Series. The series interviews students in our English-medium programs. Once a month, the International Admissions Office releases 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
Dowon from South Korea
Why did you choose Global Studies at RU?
Ritsumeikan University and Global Studies were suitable to my interests, which were to analyze social phenomena and look over international relations, from the view of the humanities, within various fields.My interest in these led me to choose Ritsumeikan University and the GS Major.
Find out more about Global Studies Major 10th Anniversary
What made you consider looking for a university in Japan?
As Korea and Japan are neighboring countries, it seems there are lots of commonalities in many aspects of living. However, even though there are many commonalities, there are also many cultural differences and varying customs. Studying in Japan, not only studying abroad but also experiencing and communicating with other cultures, made me think to broaden my perspective on the world.
Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan?
I learned Japanese for three years in high school and could experience Japanese culture by traveling often, however, there was a concern that studying in Japan would require a high level of Japanese, and that I should adapt to Japanese culture and customs by myself, not from carefully planned education.
However, it was totally different from my concerns before arriving in Japan. It would definitely be great to have knowledge of Japanese culture and be familiar with Japanese, but it was okay to not have excellent Japanese skills or a background in Japanese culture. Furthermore, it is possible, and will be even better, to learn the language and become accustomed to the culture by experiencing and participating in lots of activities. Getting involved in many situations with locals also provides valuable lessons and experiences while studying in Japan.
In addition, Ritsumeikan provides lots of education and opportunities to get along with locals and the culture. For example, participating in Japanese courses makes it possible to learn Japanese systemically through classes divided based on the skill of individual students. Also, by participating in activities held in the Beyond Borders Plaza, BBP, it is possible to learn Japanese and get to know the culture.
Find out more about the Beyond Borders Plaza, BBP
About your Studies...
Outline your course and studies.
As I am in the 1st semester of my 1st year (when he wrote this article in January 2023), I haven't taken enough courses and studies, but from my experience until now, Japanese courses and English courses to improve my skills were provided, and from the Introductory Seminar, I could adapt to studies and mechanisms of the University. In addition, by taking foundation and core courses such as Introduction to the UN or Theories of IR, it was possible to learn some basic studies relating to my major.
Find out more about the Global Studies Major curriculum
Koshinkan Building, the home of College of International Relations
How are your relationships with your supervisor and classmates?
In all courses, it is possible to have active communication between professors and students. Feedback and questions can be freely discussed. Many classes have projects and group discussions or work. By doing these kinds of activities, students can broaden their thinking and improve their skills logically, developing close relationships with classmates at the same time.
Find out more about "People of IR"
RU encourages international exchange. Do you think you will consider going on exchange?
As Ritsumeikan University has various options for international exchange, in addition to the support from the University, I am thinking of exchange.
Find out more about Study Abroad Programs
About your life...
How is your life at RU, Japan? Do you do a part-time job, circle activities, or any other activities within or outside RU?
My college life in Ritsumeikan is great. Participating in various programs, attending lectures, and doing work with classmates improve my studies and give me the opportunity to adapt and know Japan. Also, living in Japan makes me learn various aspects of people's lives. Compared to my home country's cultures and customs, I can think about what the differences are and broaden my perspectives on people, and the world.
Currently, I don't attend any circle activities.
On campus, my favorite place is the library. Lots of books and references are provided, which are helpful to my study, it also provides various places to have group work and study.
Did you have any difficulties when you started a new life here?
Some of the administrative work was difficult. As I don't have perfect Japanese skills, it was hard for me get all the work done. There were lots of things to register and update from various places such as the ward office or school.
Kinugasa Campus, Kyoto
How long did it take to make your very first friend on campus?
It didn't take that long. There were lots of orientations before entrance to the University, so it was possible to talk to and get to know each other. From the beginning of classes, I could make some friends by attending lectures. It took about one or two weeks to make friends.
What is your career plan and goal/dream after graduating from RU?
After graduating from Ritsumeikan University, I am considering two options, going to graduate school for advanced study on my major or getting a job in Japan. I want to achieve my goal, which is to use the knowledge and skills I have acquired or studied in Ritsumeikan University.
Find out more about the Career Center
Message to Readers
Many things can be done or achieved at Ritsumeikan University in Japan. Studying abroad can be another great opportunity to broaden perspectives. You can find your new hopes and dreams at Ritsumeikan University.
Message in Korean
일본에서 공부를 하는 것, 그 중 리츠메이칸에서 공부를 하는 것은 새로운 관점과 기회를 찾을 수 있게 합니다. 더욱 넓은 관점을 가지고 공부를 해나간다는 것은 그 무엇과도 교환할 수 없는 귀중한 것이며 이는 여러분이 새롭게 토대를 마련할 수 있게 할 것입니다. 또 다른 희망과 꿈을 리츠메이칸에서 이루어보세요.
