Student Stories

Franklin Adam Jacob

Franklin Adam Jacob

Graduated in September 2019 United Kingdom

“Being able to study at a campus in the heart of Kyoto city is a major benefit, as the quality of student life isn’t just determined by your classes. The campus itself is also wide, open and beautiful, creating a relaxing and engaging environment for study.”

What made you choose the GSIR?
I chose GSIR after completing my bachelor's degree at Ritsumeikan’s GS program. I really enjoyed the program, and wanted to further my learning in a familiar environment that I knew offered a great quality of education with many opportunities for scholarships.
How did you feel about studying at the GSIR?
I felt that I was able to expand upon the knowledge that I gained at the undergraduate level, and take my research into the more refined direction that I wanted through the in-depth classes and by following the tutelage of my seminar Professor.
What are the benefits and strengths of being a part of the GSIR?
Being able to study at a campus in the heart of Kyoto city is a major benefit, as the quality of student life isn’t just determined by your classes. The campus itself is also wide, open and beautiful, creating a relaxing and engaging environment for study. There are a huge number of scholarships to aim for, so truly motivated students can reap tangible rewards for their efforts. There is also a lot of support, like the career center that offers a lot of help for students who hope to find a job in Japan after graduating.
How did you feel about the study/ research environment, such as the diverse campus environment and also your teachers etc.?
There are faculty members from all over the world, so when studying about International Relations you can learn about it from a truly global perspective. They each bring unique skills and viewpoints to their classes, and it makes for a truly global and diverse educational environment. The same can be said for the people that make up the student body, with there being a good mix of Japanese and international students; each class is a microcosm of our ever globalizing world.
As you consider your career path, what elements from your research and study at the GSIR were helpful?
After graduating from my bachelor’s and master’s at Ritsumeikan in international relations, I’m now working as a Coordinator for International Relations at the International Affairs division in the Kyoto Prefectural office. Finding a job title that would be more fitting for my educational experience would certainly be difficult! My research, studies and classes at Ritusmeikan in GS and GSIR helped cultivate an understanding and a passion for globalism, and helped me discover that a future in international affairs is where I see myself.
What was the hardest thing you did at the GSIR and how did you overcome the challenge?
The hardest thing I ever did was certainly moving out to Japan 6 years ago to start my undergraduate studies at Ritsumeikan, and spending 6 years here thus far obtaining my bachelor’s and my master’s. Throughout this time, I dedicated myself to my studies as I needed to earn the various scholarships on offer in order to be able to afford to keep living and studying in Japan. Through huge efforts I was able to win scholarships for 100% of my tuition for the duration of my bachelor’s, and for the duration of my master’s. I was also fortunate enough to be awarded various other scholarships, such as monthly maintenance stipends and the Saionji award for high achieving students. This was incredibly difficult as it required me to maintain a top tier GPA for 6 years straight, but it’s also my most rewarding achievement in my life thus far.