Student Voice: [GS] Building my global self in Japan as a trilingual

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(RU).

Post by International Admissions Office

Jeongyeon from South Korea

College of International Relations,

Global Studies Major(GS) 3rd Year

Graduated High School:

Chung Nam Samsung Academy

Received Scholarship:

JASSO scholarship

20% Tuition Reduction

Hobbies:

Watching Youtube,Movies

Why did you choose RU, GS?

I wanted to experience a life living with many foreign friends and study global studies with a broad perspective. As Ritsumeikan University offers Global Studies students a variety of studies on international relations, I wanted to have a look in many aspects in deciding my major in 3rd year.

Outline of your course and studies

As GS students must take the advanced seminar (an intense course offered for a small group of Junior and Senior students) in their 3rd year to focus on our major, 2nd year was my last chance to take lectures with diverse aspects. With this, I tried to take many subjects that I had interest in from a wide range of academic disciplines related to the international issues. From this year, my studies will mainly focus on international human rights issues in all aspects of our society. Taking the advanced seminar class with professor Ochi Megumi, I am currently looking into the relation of human rights and medical assistance, taking property rights and economic disparity among countries to find out why it has been challenging for developing countries to have access to medical products in the state of coronavirus.

Check the curriculum for Global Studies Major(GS)

Do you consider going on an international exchange program?

KakaoTalk_20210621_222931727

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am not going to participate in any of the international　exchange programs. But there are several events held online, so they could be good opportunities. For example, BBP, Borders Beyond Plaza offers international exchange events and language learning opportunities hosted by its student members. During my experience as a project team member of BBP, we conducted many events introducing and familiarizing foreign cultures, fostering cultural bonds among students regardless of their country.

Tell us about your daily schedule!

I work when I have classes only in the morning (1 or 2nd period), which is twice a week. Other than that, I review required assignments, spend time online with my friends, or enjoy my time relaxing and doing things that I like.

In my spare time, I like to cook Japanese and Korean cuisines. I just watch YouTube repeatedly to learn how to cook. Using the opportunity of living in Japan, I try to use the local ingredients and figure out what I can.

Is your life easy in Japan?

It's not that easy. It definitely requires a lot of effort, courage, and skills to adapt to a new environment. But most of all, I personally think the answer to this question depends on how well one can speak Japanese.

As for me, my biggest concern was my poor Japanese skills in all areas. But the help of close friends and from the Oritors who are senior students in peer support, I managed to survive my freshman year despite my language barrier. Also, a dictionary app on my phone was a lifesaver when I went shopping for groceries and mostly everything since I could not read kanji very well.

Peer Support is one of the great features of RU.

Visit Student Success Program page to lean more.

How did you find the accommodation?

I found my house through a website. It was easier than I thought because I could make contracts even when I was staying abroad. But most importantly, I had someone I know around this area, so that person helped me a lot from getting an apartment and settling down in the first year of RU.

Learn more about Housing system and support at Ritsumeikan.

There are 6 International Dorms at RU. Check out this Vlog to peep into one of them.

Do you do a part-time job?

International students at Ritsumeikan University have a wide range of part-time job to choose from. I work at a child center, a place where elementary students come after school and teachers take care of them until parents come to pick them up after work. I normally work there twice a week and my main work is to clean up the facility and take care of the children. Although, what I earn is just enough money to replenish my allowance, it is a great experience.

What is your career plan after graduate from RU?

I don't have a specific plan yet, but I am hoping to join a company where I can use the advantage of my trilingual skills and experience living abroad. Although I only spoke and read basic Japanese before joining Ritsumeikan, I put extra effort on studying them on and off campus, I managed to reach an advanced level now. So, I wouldn’t mind having a job in either Japan or Korea, considering my skills.

Message in English/ Korean

Hope you have a wonderful life in Japan!

일본에서의 생활 응원하겠습니다!