Welcome to the Student Voice series. This series interviews students in our English-medium programs. We hope these interviews can be helpful to you when thinking about choosing to come to Ritsumeikan University (RU).
Post by International Admissions Office
Mimi from Japan
College of International Relations (Graduated in March 2025)
Why did you choose the American University - Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree Program (JDP)?
I chose to study in the Joint Degree Program at Ritsumeikan University since it offers various options for students to study international relations inside/outside Japan. When I was a high school student, I always wanted to be a diplomat and was interested in learning about international relations in the United States. However, attending an American college was impossible since tuition was not affordable and living expenses were high.
When I found JDP on the internet, I was surprised because the program allows students to study in both Kyoto and Washington, D.C., for two years each. Washington, D.C., is one of the most significant places in international politics and has a lot of inspiring professional opportunities. Also, attending American University, one of the top schools in the US for students who want to pursue their IR studies, is a part of the program, which was the biggest reason for me to apply to the program. I attended general Japanese schools until high school and did not have a chance to take classes all in English. However, since the first three semesters were at RU, I was able to learn basic college writing and get used to classes that are all in English. Also, it was so nice to live in both countries for 2 years each, because I got to learn and experience the differences between Japan and the US, such as the cultures, academic environments, and so on. In addition, with various kinds of scholarship options existing both at AU and RU, I was able to complete my 2-year studies at AU, and I am very glad that I joined the program.
About your studies...
Give us an overview of your studies and course schedule from your first year to now.
First-year
I tried to take as many foundation and core classes as I could. Since credits in RU and AU weigh differently (1 class is equivalent to 2 credits in RU and 3 credits in AU), I made a brief plan of the class schedule for 4 years in this period. I took academic writing classes, which allowed me to improve my writing and presentation skills as well as English skills.
Second-year
At RU: I took 10-11 classes and did part-time jobs and internships.
At AU: I took classes that all students in their first year at AU are required to take (called HOM: Habits of Mind classes and AUX: American University Experience). Also, I took academic writing, a math class (stats.), classes that are not related to IR, etc.
Third-year
At AU: I took classes that are designed for JDP students, such as a class where we discuss the differences between the US and Japan, AUX2, classes on human rights, Latin America, a zemi (seminar) preparation class, and so on... Also, I took an internship class.
Fourth-year
At AU: I took the zemi class, another internship class, a class focusing on Italian Americans, a French language class, and yoga class!
At RU: I took Advanced Seminar (a zemi class), Special Lecture (an environmental economy class), Business Administration in Japan, International Law, and the Advanced IR class.
What was the most interesting class you took?
I really liked an internship class with Professor Levinson at AU. I did an internship program at the D.C. office of a Japanese newspaper company, and I got experience in translating, accommodating interviews, and so on. She was very supportive when I applied for other internships and helped me by writing a recommendation letter.
Tell us about the study environment and unique features of American University.
I found it very interesting that AU classes have limited seats for students who can enroll in each class (I think the limit was no more than 20 people in one classroom). Because of this system, each class took place with a very, very small student population, and professors were very accessible to me as a student both inside and outside the class. Also, classes at AU were more discussion-based, which helped me step out of my comfort zone. It took me a lot of courage to speak up in class, but I enjoyed it after all. Also, the AU library is open 24/7, which was a huge help! I could not focus on my studies in my room in the dorm, so I always used the library to study all night, especially during finals week. I think these are some of the interesting points to look at as unique features of AU.
I am planning to go back to the US (preferably the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) area, and start working as a language teacher. Thanks to the experiences I gained through my career up until now, I started wanting to get a job where I could support students and make use of my Japanese and English language skills.
Without any of the experiences I gained both at RU and AU, I wouldn't have come to the point where I am standing right now - I seriously became aware of social issues, such as human rights, security matters, and so on, by taking classes in universities. Without my friend at RU who asked me if I wanted to work as a teacher, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to teach someone a language and start wanting to become a language teacher in the US. I would definitely say that my academic experience at AU and RU helped me form who I am and what I want to pursue as a professional goal. I am so grateful to have studied on both campuses.
I worked as a TA and did two different internship programs. First, a program coordinator for JDP informed us about this job opening, and I had the opportunity to help AU freshmen as a TA in the American Experience class (AUX). The working hours were probably 3-4 hours per week, depending on how much I needed to prepare for the upcoming class. I attended a weekly meeting with the instructor to make a class plan, read all the class materials, and fostered a safe, inclusive environment for all the students so they could comfortably speak up. It was a bit challenging since I needed to set up my bank account in the US, get working permission from the government, and do tax forms at the end of the year since it was a paid job. But I am so glad now because I can take care of the tax situation by myself from now on.
In Japan
I participated in a program called "Ambassador Youth Council" for the US Consulate General in Osaka-Kobe. We had monthly meetings to get a better and deeper understanding of the US-Japan relationship throughout the 6-month program. We also had amazing opportunities to interact with US and Japanese foreign policy officials, visit US and Japanese governmental facilities in Japan, and talk to amazing experts and diplomats in a variety of fields, such as national security, environmental policy, gender equality, and so on. I was so honored to be a part of the team, and I enjoyed the program so much!
What do you carry to school every day? What's in your bag?
Message to prospective students
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to study both at RU and AU, which shaped my career path and dreams. JDP is very unique, and you will get so many opportunities for your professional, academic, and private goals. I know there is still a limited amount of information about this program, but once you get here, I am sure that you'll enjoy it a lot! Please reach out if you have any questions!
