Post by International Admissions Office
Zitian from China
Why did you choose RU and the Global Studies Major (GS)?
I chose Ritsumeikan University for its strong reputation in international relations and the opportunity to study in English. In addition to its highly regarded international relations program, studying in English allows me to concentrate fully on my studies without the added challenge of learning in another language.Another reason I chose Ritsumeikan is the location of the Kinugasa Campus in Kyoto. The environment is serene, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, with plenty of trails and scenic spots. This is especially appealing to someone like me who enjoys being close to nature.
During my IBDP Geography course, I developed a strong interest in global studies through writing fieldwork reports. I focused on comparing the quality of life in two communities in Singapore. Through historical literature review, policy analysis, and field research, I examined the interactions between national policies and community development. This process sparked my interest in regional development disparities under globalization and helped me realize that the Ritsumeikan GS Major aligns with my academic goals, with its focus on anthropology, area studies, and developmental studies. Additionally, the International Environmental Issues Course I am taking this semester builds on my earlier interest in biological environments, creating a cohesive academic path.
About your studies...
Give us an overview of your studies and course schedule from your first year to now.
In my first year at RU, the course structure struck a good balance between compulsory and elective classes. In the first semester, I took Japanese language courses, which are divided into eight levels to accommodate the learning needs of each student. I was placed in level 5, with a 90-minute class every weekday. I also took a Japanese writing course on Wednesdays, along with four Academic Skills classes each week that covered research methods and fundamental academic skills. In addition, we had an Introductory Seminar designed to familiarize us with the "seminar" (zemi) learning style and the basics of conducting independent research. In my major, most of the coursework consists of essays and papers. Traditional exams are rare aside from those in Japanese language classes.
Two courses in my second semester were particularly impactful. The anthropology course not only introduced fieldwork methodologies but also included a final project where I researched anime pilgrimage culture in Uji. This allowed me to observe subcultural communities through an academic lens for the first time. Meanwhile, the linguistics course let me explore the evolution of writing systems and grammatical structures, which deepened my curiosity about the social functions of language. For the final paper, I focused on the sociocultural significance of the Shanghainese language and its idioms, and the research resources on campus were a great help.
In my second year, the annual Global Simulation Gaming (GSG) theme was "Security Issues," so I took a course on security studies. By applying international relations theories to real-world cases, I improved my performance in the GSG simulation, where I represented the EU Council.
Find out more about the Global Studies Major curriculum
What is GSG? - Global Simulation Gaming
What was the most interesting class you have taken so far?
The most interesting class I have taken so far is Introduction to Anthropology. I found it especially engaging because it offered a high degree of freedom in conducting fieldwork. For my project, I focused on anime pilgrimage sites. This class gave me a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of culture, media and tourism in a meaningful way.
Through this class, I gained not only academic insights but also hands-on research experience. It deepened my understanding of how cultural phenomena can influence and reflect society. Being able to thoroughly investigate a topic I am passionate about made the course particularly memorable and rewarding.
Do you plan to go on a study abroad program?
I am excited to experience both the academic environment and local culture while exploring topics closely related to my major. My top choice is Copenhagen Business School because it will allow me to strengthen my knowledge of business, an area in which I want to gain more confidence and that will improve my competitiveness in the job market. My second choice is Leiden University, known for its European-African political studies, which provides a valuable perspective that complements the foundation I have built at Ritsumeikan. Both universities are located in the Schengen area, offering a great opportunity to explore the history, cultures, and geography of various European countries alongside my studies.
Find out more about Study Abroad Programs
I am currently still in my first year at RU, so I have not finalized a long-term plan yet. However, I intend to focus on environmental topics in my second-year courses. My initial motivation comes from a desire to speak up for non-human entities, as I feel that human-centered issues have already received relatively more attention. I hope to continue exploring this field and, through my studies and future work, contribute to addressing environmental challenges.
Visiting Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto
During summer vacation, I took part in the World Week program at Ritsumeikan Primary School. It was a truly memorable experience where I had the opportunity to engage in cultural exchange and meet new friends, both adults and children. I especially enjoyed working with people from diverse backgrounds as we collaborated to organize activities that promoted cross-cultural understanding.
What I appreciated most was the chance to learn from others while sharing my own experiences. It was both enriching and rewarding, and I plan to apply for the program again this summer to build on what I have learned and continue fostering meaningful connections.
Leading an activity at Ritsumeikan Primary School
Tell us about your dorm life.
I live in one of the university's dormitories called Utano. It is located in the mountains, offering a peaceful and scenic environment. The bus stop right at the entrance makes commuting easy, with just a 10-minute ride to campus and about 40 minutes to the downtown area.
Each room has its own balcony, which I enjoy using to grow plants. The dorm also organizes various events during the holidays, such as freshman orientation, Halloween, and Christmas, helping to create a strong sense of community. It has been a great experience so far, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who appreciates a quiet setting and a smaller, close-knit community.
Throwing a pizza party at the dorm
Message to prospective students
I encourage future students to fully embrace the academic and personal growth opportunities at Ritsumeikan University. Make the most of the rich cultural experiences Kyoto has to offer, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and stay open to new perspectives. Don’t hesitate to get involved with the university community and explore the many resources offered, as these will enrich both your academic journey and personal life!
