Student Voice: [GS] Finding peaceful solutions at every opportunity of my journey

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

Luna from Indonesia

The various viewpoints available for learning at the college of international relations, including governance and peace, environment and sustainability, as well as culture and society. Oh! Plus point too, it is in English. Moreover, its location attracted me a lot. Life in Tokyo, Japan's capital seemed too busy and crowded for my own liking and I especially like Kyoto because of the rich and cultural history the city offers. Kyoto is labeled as a scholar's city, and it's a good first place to start my university life.  

What pushed you towards GS?

Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan?

Yes! I had lots of concerns, but it was accompanied by feelings of excitement too. It was my first time studying abroad, and in Japan especially. I did not know any Japanese except for awkward, outdated expressions from anime like Naruto, so yeah I was really concerned. However, I just did what I did, arrived at Kansai International Airport, trying to find a way to get to Kyoto (please do research beforehand, unlike me), and was thankfully greeted by my friend who was already living there for several months.  

Outline of your course and career plan

This semester I am focusing on Foundation courses and Core programs, in addition to Japanese comprehensive and writing classes. I am taking the mandatory Global Studies Seminar (GSS) which focuses on the matter of humanitarian intervention, Japanese Society, Japanese Politics, Media & Society, Security Studies, Economics for GS, Special Lecture: ASEAN studies, as well as Race & Ethnicity in the Modern World. 

My plan after graduation is to experience years of fieldwork as a volunteer for international NGOs in states in which human security issues persist.

Check the curriculum at Global Studies Major(GS)   

 

Are there any differences between a university in Indonesia and RU?

 

Education systems in each country to a certain extent is biased in its curriculum and it is often difficult to establish a neutral ground when evaluating certain phenomenons. Back in my home country, values of the state are integrated in the system so much in which it is inappropriate to raise certain subjects of discussion, as well as discussing it in an objective manner. Being in RU with an international environment, state-centered biased is often overpowered by the diverse point of views introduced by students, which really helps in obtaining a common ground for discussions. I think this is one of the main differences that I value deeply.

 

 

How are the relationships with your supervisor, classmates, and professors?

 

It's all good, I really enjoy the diverse community. This was my first time being exposed to an international environment, and the differences in values were a major challenge for me in the adaptation process. However, it is really a great opportunity to re-question myself, as well as gaining confidence in communicating with people from diverse backgrounds. I am really thankful for the people I met in my university life who taught me many valuable lessons in life, whether it was students or instructors, I would never be the person that I am today if it wasn't for them.

 

 

Have you lived in a university dorm?

 

Yes! I lived in Tokiwa International House for one year. I chose this dorm because it was the cheapest compared to the other two options, Utano and Taishogun. It has a lounge in the basement where I-House residents could just chill together and have fun. It has manga, playstation, tatami room, tables and chairs, and a piano! It also has a sharing-shower room like an onsen-type of bathroom, and it was one of the most unique experiences I've been through. The RMs (Resident Mentors) often hosted events every month and were really helpful if I was in need of something, like going to the post office to sign off Japanese documents. Overall, it was really fun and memorable, I remember all of us crying the night before short-term exchange students leave the dorm and signing each other's "Yearbook" with thoughts and impressions.

 

Check International Dorms around Kyoto Campus

 

 

 

How is your life at RU, Japan? 

 

I am currently a member of Beyond Borders Plaza (BBP) Project Team for fall semester 2020 and also Oritors for fall freshmen in 2020. I am also participating in the SUP!, Language Exchange Program. The BBP Project Team initiated events that support intercultural exchanges between Japanese and international students, and I really admire this ambition. We have weekly meetings and although I am not really confident in using Japanese, the environment is really supportive for me to speak it from time to time. The Oritors are a really cool community to just hang out, with the juniors and fellow Oritors for chats and activities. Lastly, the Language Exchange Program, I was really thankful to have a partner that is really patient when talking to me in Japanese. With every week we spend one and a half-hour to talk with one another, as I learn Japanese, my partner learns English.

 

Peer Support is one of the great features of RU.

Visit Student Success Program page to lean more. 

 

 

There are 3 canteens at Kyoto Kinugasa Campus. Do you eat there regularly? 

 

THE FOOD IN THE CANTEEN IS REALLY GOOD. They have seasonal menus and are delicious. I recommend the Hamburg steak, they're the best to eat with warm rice in autumn/winter. I LOVE THE 100 YEN BREAKFAST. Its really cheap and it serves as a buffet where you choose any side dishes you want, as long as it is 100 gram with rice and miso soup, you will only have to pay 100 yen (approx. 1USD). You would definitely want this before the first period.

 

 

Is your life easy in Japan?

 

Well, I am sometimes financially concerned because I do not have a part-time job, but the scholarships help me out a lot. It pays off my rent. Financial concerns aside, I think every process is teaching you valuable lessons, so I wouldn't say that it is easy or difficult, I would rather say it's full of opportunities. Opportunities to grow, to learn, to survive, anything.

 

 

Message in English/ Bahasa Indonesia

 

Find your own path and believe in your own steps. Nothing and no one could ever determine what your journey is going to be like. You have a voice that could change this world for the better. All the best!

 

Cari jalanmu sendiri dan percayakan kakimu untuk melangkah. Tidak ada apapun dan siapapun yang bisa menentukan alur perjuanganmu. Kamu memiliki suara untuk mengubah dunia ini menjadi lebih baik. Semangat!