What made you interested in studying in Japan?

There are several reasons to choose Japan for my higher education. First, I am highly attracted by Japan’s high educational standards and Japan has the highest number of Nobel Prize winners of any Asian country. Second, to me, learning does not just happen in the classroom. Meeting people from different cultures and making friends from all over the world are also important as Japan is one of the most popular destinations for international students. Third, more importantly, there are a wide range of scholarships available, both from the university as well as from public and private organizations. Finally, Japan’s national health insurance system persuaded me to study in Japan.

Would you describe some of the good things about graduate school at Ritsumeikan University?

I completed a Master’s Degree in Economics from the prestigious Graduate School of Economics, Ritsumeikan University in 2017. The Master’s Program in Economic Development (MPED) enabled me to acquire proper skills and depth of knowledge in economics. I have learned a lot from different courses such as international economics, development economics, macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, and environmental economics. I have been taught by very good lecturers in the Ritsumeikan Graduate School of Economics, where there are many distinguished faculty members with vast research experience. I got an excellent foundation in research from the Elementary and Special seminars which are fully focused on research objectivity. The cordial staff of the graduate school make my student life in Japan easy. Moreover, the graduate school offers excellent laboratory facilities for experimentation that use advanced programming languages such as Python. The student-friendly environment of the graduate school, especially for international students, is another key feature of studying in the Graduate School of Economics.

Would you share your plans for after graduation?

My existing academic and professional work demonstrates my ability to put forward ideas clearly and concisely. Through this program, I will gain a broad set of tools for understanding how the social world works, which will be helpful for evaluating causes and interventions in the field of environmental economics. I feel doctoral studies at Ritsumeikan University can open up new lines of inquiry for this field and want to use it as the foundation for a fruitful research career. This experience will be the most precious asset in my life. When I finish my PhD studies, I shall devote myself to a lifetime of researching. Moreover, as an employee of the central bank, I can contribute to new economic planning and policies regarding sustainable finance which can ensure a sound Bangladeshi financial system.

Would you leave a message for international students who are interested in applying to graduate schools at Ritsumeikan University?

The Master’s Program in Economic Development (MPED) of the Graduate School of Economics is mainly focused on international students. This program will give you the depth of knowledge in Economics through faculty members who have multiple research specializations in development economics, international economics, macroeconomic theory, environmental economics, economic theory, etc. There is a great scope for continuing with your doctoral studies here after completing a master’s degree. I am glad that I have taken this opportunity. More importantly, the graduate school has collaborated with the IMF and ADB on scholarships. It would be worth visiting the graduate school’s website to get up-to-date information on other scholarships. Moreover, the campus of the Graduate School of Economics is filled with natural beauty all year round. Also, the graduate school offers some valuable tours to famous Japanese companies such as Toyota, TOTO, and Panasonic, which are unique and memorable experiences during one’s studies in Japan.

What made you interested in studying in Japan?

Japan’s unique culture and beautiful landscapes are the most interesting things that led me here. Like many children in Vietnam, I first learned about Japan through famous manga like Doraemon and Detective Conan. When I grew up, I gradually developed a liking for Japan through stories about fast economic development, typical Japanese cultural characteristics, highly civilized life, high standards of education, the beauty of nature during the four seasons, the variety of foods, etc. Since secondary school, I have longed to go to new lands, discover new things and learn more about the world. Therefore, Japan is obviously an ideal place for me to study to continue my education as well as to satisfy my curiosity and desire to experience new things.

Would you describe some of the good things about graduate school at Ritsumeikan University?

My first impression about studying in Japan is that the staff and professors in our graduate school are super friendly and helpful. With their rich experience, they all give us the utmost support and lead us to realize our research interests and teach us how to carry out research. One thing I like about our graduate school’s program is that, besides necessary core courses, they also provide some courses (both for-credit and non-credit) that improve skills like presenting, writing, reading, and Japanese language. Our school is also in continuous communication with its students through announcements, introductions, etc., that keep us updated instantly.

My favorite thing about the graduate school is that graduate students also can join a lot of extracurricular activities, if they wish. Personally, I joined quite a lot of activities in my first semester even though I didn’t know much Japanese. It was helpful and made my student life more colorful. I really appreciate that our university supports students a lot in their academic research endeavors and in pursuing an active life.

Would you share your plans for after graduation?

After half a year living in Japan, my current idea is to get job in Japan for several years after graduation to learn and experience the working environment here too. Since my research interest is supply chain management, my target job is in the logistics field. I am also considering obtaining another degree in a related field if I have the chance.

Would you leave a message for international students who are interested in applying to graduate schools at Ritsumeikan University?

I have never regretted coming from far away to study in a university like Ritsumeikan. This is a great opportunity for me to open my mind to the world outside my country because of its international environment. Here, all is not only about Japan; it is also about the world. Let’s connect to the world through Ritsumeikan University.

What made you interested in studying in Japan?

The first reason I wanted to study in Japan was simply because ʻI love Japanʼ. The first time I came to Japan was as part of the Sakura exchange program at Ritsumeikan University. The program allowed me to do short-term research and learn Japanese culture. At that time, I was fascinated by how cool and advanced the research was here, and how beautiful Japan really is. All the experiences and memories I made during my stay in Japan left me craving for more. I decided to come back to Japan as a student, and it was the best decision I have made in my life.

Would you describe some of the good things about graduate school at Ritsumeikan University?

The best thing about Ritsumeikan University is its full support to international students. I was really grateful for how this campus makes my life in Japan so comfortable. Related to the future plan, if we either want to look for a job or continue to a higher level of study, the graduate school will give us possible options and kindly assist us to achieve our goal. They also provide Japanese language classes every semester so that we can have more options to select in the future career and enjoy our life in Japan as well. Besides that, throughout the year, there are always interesting events like Japanese culture introduction, sharing ideas between students, or even small parties for international students held by Beyond Borders Plaza (BBP).

Would you share your plans for after graduation?

After graduation, I will continue to pursue my PhD course in the same graduate school. Since I want to keep doing research in the field of material chemistry, after I graduate, I plan to work in a research institute or industry in Japan. Nevertheless, I would like to keep the research collaboration between Japan and Indonesia in the future. I believe that as I improve my Japanese language skill, there will be more doors open for my career path.

Would you leave a message for international students who are interested in applying to graduate schools at Ritsumeikan University?

I highly recommend Ritsumeikan University as your first choice. As one of the top global universities, Ritsumeikan University has undeniable research quality. Beautiful campuses provide a very good study environment and daily facilities. Ritsumeikan University also gives full support to international students in terms of academic and daily issues. For Muslim students, they provide a praying room and halal corner in the cafeteria, which I am really grateful for.

What made you interested in studying in Japan?

What attracted me most was Japan’s advanced robotics technology. The Japanese robotics industry started early, and its robots are in a leading position in the world in terms of market size, industry application and technical level. I have been very interested in robots since I was a child. After achieving a master’s degree, I thought I should take up further study in a country whose robotics technology and theory is more advanced for a deeper understanding of this field. Therefore, I chose to study in Japan to achieve my research goal.

Would you describe some of the good things about graduate school at Ritsumeikan University?

There are professional faculty members with diverse interests in multiple disciplines, which ensures a sound academic environment that contributes to huge achievements as well as cultivates comprehensive working abilities.

Would you share your plans for after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to return to China and enter a college or research institution to develop a research theme in the field of amphibious robotics. There are two reasons for me to return to China to research in the field of robotics: First, the research on robot technology in China needs an injection of skill and experience from internationally educated and experienced researchers. The Department of Robotics of Ritsumeikan University, especially BioInMech Lab of Professor Ma, operates at an advanced level in the field of environment-adapted robotics. Therefore, after studying in Professor Ma’s group, I can contribute to fill the gaps in China in the field of amphibious robotics. Secondly, domestic universities in China respect Ritsumeikan University in many fields of robotics. After returning to China, I can expand the channels of communication, strengthen the cooperation between Ritsumeikan University and universities in China, and promote the progress of both countries.

Would you leave a message for international students who are interested in applying to graduate schools at Ritsumeikan University?

You will feel welcomed and wanted by graduate schools at Ritsumeikan University. If you plan to apply for admission to Ritsumeikan University, don’t hesitate. It will be the next stage to realize your dream.

What made you interested in studying in Japan?

I was fascinated by Japan's cutting-edge science and technology, rich culture, and history with a safe and comfortable environment, I always dreamed of living in Japan since my childhood. After entering high school, I became interested in environmental problems such as global warming, waste issues and pollution. Considering Japan?s world-class environmental science and management, I decided to study abroad in a Japanese university. In addition, Japan welcomes foreign students from all over the world by providing scholarships, convenient procedures and various living supports which makes our study programs smooth and enjoyable.

Would you describe some of the good things about graduate school at Ritsumeikan University?

First of all, a broad range of the graduate programs at Ritsumeikan University offer classes in both English and Japanese. Second, the faculty and professors of the graduate school are very knowledgeable with much experience. Especially the GSPS program which is my graduate school, students can participate in the joint research projects together with other seminar members and receive feedback from multiple professors with different majors and backgrounds which provides us more insights and ideas when we work on our own research topic. Last but not least, the offices like the International Center, Research Office and Office of Academic Affairs are very supportive both in academic and extracurricular fields, making our life in graduate school more convenient and enjoyable.

Would you share your plans for after graduation?

After graduation, I am planning to continue my study in the field of urban environment, especially in waste management issues through social psychology and policy approaches, and to pursue a PhD degree. I would like to become a professor and researcher in an academic institution and to be a bridge between Japan and my home country in order to solve urgent global environmental issues, contributing to the sustainable development goals.

Would you leave a message for international students who are interested in applying to graduate schools at Ritsumeikan University?

I found that Ritsumeikan University has an inclusive environment with freedom where students’ dreams can always come true. I strongly recommend that you find what you are interested in regarding graduate research, be specialized in that field, and please don’t hesitate to join us here to chase your own dream at Ritsumeikan University.