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 (RU).
Post by International Admissions Office
Hailee from Vietnam
Why did you select RU and the CRPS Major?
I specialized in Japanese for 3 years in high school. I had the opportunity to learn and interact with the Japanese language, Japanese culture, and people through lessons in class, extracurricular activities, and student exchange periods, during which Japanese students would visit and stay in our school for 1-2 weeks. All these experiences have built up my love and desire to pursue higher education in Japan.
I am also better at social subjects and curious to learn about the issues around me, especially about human rights and policies to protect the disadvantaged and vulnerable in nations around the world, as the regulations in my home country don't seem strong enough. Therefore, I tried to find a program that delves into policies and promotes cross-border diversity.
Then I found out about Ritsumeikan University's English-based CRPS Major through its office in Vietnam, and I immediately knew that this program fulfilled all of my desires for a future path. The University also provides many scholarships to help international students (I got the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship), so I think this is a good opportunity for me to follow my dream and change my living environment as well.
Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan?
I have never lived far from my family or gone abroad alone. When I was in high school, I was an introvert and was rather shy to make new friends, participate in activities, and try new things. Although I was in a Japanese specialized class, my Japanese was only good enough for simple communication, so I had a lot of worries and fears when I came to Japan. I was afraid that I would spend 4 years alone in university, without friends around or be unable to get along with friends because of cultural differences and get into many troubles in daily life because of the language barriers.
However, the support I received in the first few days of coming to Japan made my fears go away. The school office has orientation sessions to guide us through the necessary procedures when starting to live in Japan, and the Japanese Resident Mentors (RMs) in the dormitory always help us when needed and organize cultural exchange activities so that we can easily get along with each other and get acquainted with life in Japan. They made a very good first impression on me about Japan.
Find out more information about Resident Mentors (RMs)
All RU campuses are in Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka, Shiga). How did this affect your choice to come to this area, out of all the other areas of Japan?
I not only learn about Japanese culture through lessons in class but also manga and anime. One of my favorite manga, since I was little, is Detective Conan/Case Closed (名探偵コナン). I am especially impressed when it comes to the chapters about the Kansai region, especially Osaka, in this manga.
Unlike Tokyo, Osaka brings a sense of freedom, comfort, friendliness, and closeness. I was also very impressed with the famous tourist attractions and food of Osaka after exploring more through the Internet. Therefore, when I found out that CRPS students study at the Osaka Ibaraki Campus (This is also the newest-built campus with super modern facilities!), I did not hesitate to apply.
First time trying on a Kimono
Find out more about campus locations
About your studies...
Give us an overview of your studies and course schedule from the 1st year to now.
During my first and second years, most of the courses I took were foundational courses in which I learned the skills required to undertake future research. Computing courses show us different methodologies in research and introduce tools for data analysis, such as the R language, while English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses improve our academic writing and critical thinking skills in conducting research.
I also signed up for several Japanese language courses, in which I studied Japanese history and society, and learned how to write academic essays in Japanese.
I also took a number of introductory courses on urban development, culture, law, and human rights, as they are my interests. Since my third year, I started my seminar courses. Currently, my topic is more focused on law and human behavior, therefore, in the future, I will enroll in some courses related to behavioral theories, regulations, and strengthening my data analysis skills.
What have you presented in the PS Academic Fiesta? (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior)
In my first year, I had the opportunity to present my research proposal in the 2019 PS Academic Fiesta as a representative from the Introduction to Academic Research course. My presentation was basically the research proposal that I submitted to apply for a field research project in Thailand the next summer (which was canceled because of COVID-19 😭).
In my presentation, I conducted secondary research on the factors that contribute to the rates of youth violence and delinquency in Bangkok slums. It was my first time presenting in front of all PS faculty and students, so I was a bit nervous and couldn't complete my Q&A session as perfectly as I expected. Fortunately, I have my professor and friends who have encouraged and supported me a lot, and I was so grateful. Even though we couldn't make it in the summer of 2020 because of the spread of the virus, this is still a memory, an opportunity that I will never forget.
One of the great things about the CRPS Major is that students can choose any subject they like without being forced to take it in order or by their year, so there are lots of courses that I take with my senpai and kouhai. Even though we are from different cultures, everyone is so supportive and friendly. Of course, sometimes we have disagreements on some issues, but we resolve them peacefully and get to know each other better afterwards.
I have also met many wonderful professors who not only help us with our studies in school but are also always willing to assist us in our daily problems.
Not my story, but one of my senpai got a lot of support from her professor when she was looking for an apartment in Japan since her Japanese was not good enough to handle the complicated procedures. I still keep in touch with some professors even after completing their courses, or even after they have already left Ritsumeikan; they are also willing to give me useful advice whenever I need it.
Due to the MEXT policy and the spread of the epidemic, for the first two years, I did not do any part-time work at all. However, starting at the beginning of my third year, I have worked as an English teacher at a special foreign language center, where I teach Japanese people to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes in English. This is a really interesting job, and I have the opportunity to make friends with many Japanese people and also learn a lot about Japanese customs and traditions from them.
I am also a member of PMSG - the CRPS Major Student Council, as well as a member of Ritsumeikan University's International Students Ambassadors. Previously, I was also an ES (Educational Supporter) for a short-term project at Ritsumeikan High School and an online program at OIC (Osaka Ibaraki Campus) for international students from around the world.
In addition, I am a member of OGSAN - the Osaka Global Student Ambassador Network, which gives international students the opportunity to experience Japanese traditions such as tea ceremonies and sword fighting, visits to museums and factories, as well as participate in cultural exchange events and camps with Japanese students.
Moreover, I am also a member of VYSA Osaka - Vietnamese Youth and Student Association in Osaka.
My favorite spot on the OIC campus is Iwakura Park, where I can bring lunch and have a picnic with my friends on a sunny day or just lay down to relax. I also love watching the children living nearby have fun in the park. I strongly recommend having a picnic at Iwakura Park during the momiji season, when you can see the leaves changing color on the trees in the park.
I spent my first year in the university dormitory before moving out. I lived with members from Japan, China, Korea, and India. The member from Japan is my RM (Resident Mentor) who helped me a lot to complete all the paperwork, go shopping to prepare for my new life, and try to make me feel comfortable living in a new country, away from my family and friends.
We have weekly unit dinners where each of us makes a dish from our country to enjoy together. RMs and dorm managers also regularly organize cultural exchange events and parties on Halloween, Christmas, and the New Year. We also celebrate dorm members' birthdays together, which are all memories that I will never forget.
I'm not a picky eater, so daily meal prep is pretty easy for me. I usually make fried rice and sandwiches for bento to bring to school; sometimes I make traditional Vietnamese food or just what my mother often makes, and sometimes I also try Japanese or Korean recipes.
I don't have any special recipes; all of them were learned and recommended by my family, my friends, and from the Internet.
It's not too difficult to find Vietnamese spices and ingredients here; more and more Vietnamese stores are opening in Osaka and even in Ibaraki. One of the Vietnamese shops I visit most often is just a 10-minute walk from my apartment.
What is your career plan and goal/dream after graduating from RU?
I enjoy traveling around. The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented me from completing many overseas travels, as well as field trips and exchanges at foreign universities. After finishing my studies at Ritsumeikan, I want to continue pursuing my dreams, having higher education in new countries and spend more time exploring the world instead of immediately tying myself down to a permanent job.
Message in English/ Vietnamese
Changing living and learning environments is a great opportunity to develop yourself and expand your network. Going beyond your limits to see your potential is limitless. Do your best or you will regret it!
Du học không phải là một ước mơ xa vời nếu bạn chăm chỉ, cần cù và tin rằng mình sẽ thành công dù sớm hay muộn. Thay đổi môi trường sống và học tập là một cơ hội tuyệt vời để bạn nhận ra tiềm năng của mình là vô hạn. Hãy cố gắng hết sức vì một tương lai tốt đẹp hơn của bản thân nhé!
