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
Marina from Japan
Why did you choose Global Studies at RU?
When I was in high school, my teacher told me about a place where I could study International Relations only in English, which is the Global Studies (GS) Major. Since junior high school, my goal had been to major in international relations at university, so I decided to go to GS because I had a yearning to study only in English and felt that it would certainly be a step-up for me, having grown up in Japan all my life.
Give us an overview of your studies and course schedule from the 1st year to now.
I remember that in my first year, the main focus was on essay writing, required classes that were based on our future studies, and second language classes. During our second year, the second language became an elective, and I chose to keep learning French. From the third year, the main focus will be on professional studies and the second year is the time to create the foundation for that. I am taking a wide range of subjects such as Japanese Society and Culture, Law, Economics, Development Studies, and Security Studies etc.
In French Class
How are your relationships with your supervisor and classmates?
Basically, in the GS Major there are supposed to be 50 Japanese nationals and 50 foreign nationals, for a total of 100 students in every year. However, to be honest, we do not know who belongs to which grade, since we mostly have discussions and get to know each other in various classes without formal greetings. Everyone is very friendly and no one cares about age. Professors are also willing to help us if we have any problems, and if we are stuck on topics for an essay, they will introduce resources which might be helpful.
If you have done “Global Simulation Gaming”, which role/representative did you play? Could you share an episode?
I was the president of a media company in China for Global Simulation Gaming (GSG). We analyzed how the world operates, what kind of mindset we should have when negotiating with other countries, what kind of process treaties are concluded through, and how the division of roles in each country and company is structured. I feel that we were able to fulfill our mission as media actors in China.
Find out more about Global Simulation Gaming (GSG)
With other member in GSG
How is your life at RU, Japan? Do you do a part-time job, circle activities or any other activities within or outside RU?
I am participating in the Special Program for Developing Human Resources Active in International Society, also known as the Honors Program. This is a program open to sophomores or juniors belonging to Ritsumeikan University, in which participants experience the reality of actual diplomatic negotiations by role-playing countries and institutions on a variety of issues that arise in the international community, and gain the ability to logically assert their opinions and knowledge about international issues. Since the program is open to participants from all faculties, I became friends with those I can encourage and be encouraged by in the future.
Find more about 立命館大学 オナーズ・プログラム, The Honors Program (in Japanese)
Policy Simulation Game at the Honors Program in December 2022Also, I got the chance to visit Germany to attend the 36th Congress of the International Society of Limnology, SIL 100 Berlin/Germany, from 7 to 10 August 2022.
At the congress, I presented on citizen participation and grassroots initiatives in Shiga prefecture, the home of Lake Biwa, as I am a guide of an initiative called Mother Lake Goals (MLGs). MLGs is an initiative dedicated to the promotion of common goals for the conservation of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake.
I also explained the logo of MLGs and the 13 icons of the MLGs goals, which were designed by "Impact Labo" where I am a board member.
Tell us your daily schedule.
Since I became a sophomore, I have arranged my schedule to have a "day off" at least once a week. I go to campus 4 days a week. On weekends, I go out and help motivate children to enjoy English by interning at Disney World of English, an English language education organization. Of course, I love hanging out with my friends and family, so I try my best to have the time to relax with those people.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I mentioned earlier that I am learning French, and recently I have been studying by watching French movies, YouTube, and Spotify. I am not really good at studying seriously at a desk, so I'm trying my best to get my ears used to it when I am on the train or walking.
What is your career plan and goal / dream after graduating from RU?
It has been my dream since I was 13 years old to work in a job that connects people to people and countries to countries. I hope to be involved in an international organization in my very final career, so I am still thinking about how I can make that dream a reality. I would love to create a bridge which I only can make.
Message to Readers
No matter what your backgrounds are, RU and GS are where you can expand your possibilities. Even though I grew up in Japan and was educated and raised in Japan, the GS Major has helped me recognize a new me and my strengths. It's your turn!!! I look forward to being on campus with you!
Message in your mother tongue
日本で生まれ育ち、日本の教育を受けてきた私を大きく変えてくれたのがGS専攻でした。
自分の弱さ、強さ、新しい自分を見つけられる場所です。そして、どんなバックグラウンドを持っていても、一人一人が輝ける場所です。皆さんに、キャンパスでお会いできることを楽しみにしています！
