Ms. Cholnikarn Nipitkulsit

Chulalongkorn University

I am Cholnikarn Nipitkulsit, but everyone knows me as Beam, an International student from Thailand.

First of all I would like to congratulate all of the students here including myself for finally finish this exchange program. However, we all know that every end has a new beginning. Today might be the last day for us as exchange students here, but I believe our learning will actually start from today.
Let’s go back to the first day when I left home, 6 months back.

I wasn't sure what I will get in return. I was excited but at the same time a huge scared of the new surroundings, new university, and new friends since it’s the first time I have to be far away from my home, my family, and my ordinary circumstances.

Japan was the first country, outside Thailand, that I would be living on my own. At the same time, I was prepared to learn, explore, make new friends, leave my comfort zone and live a new reality here. But today as I stand here, I am proud to say that I had made the right decision to come here.

 
Japan has truly been my second home because I have had some amazing people as friends in this country. The environment and the people in this country are so welcoming and helpful that you don't feel away from home. The good experiences that I got here of course does not imply that I did not have to face my share of discomfort and challenge, but its these challenges that has made me a stronger and more confident person today.

For example, the only problem here is Japanese language since I can’t understand Japanese especially when I’m outside the university since 90% of people here don’t speak English (collecting data by my experience) but after staying here for almost 5 months I think my Japanese skill is improved a little bit, the words like ‘Arigatou gozaimasu’ or ‘sumimasen’ always come out without thinking nowadays.

I would like to thank Ritsumeikan University as well, for providing an opportunity for both national and international students to network, share each other's culture, and make this world a global village so that it can make you feel like home. Every little encounter and experience gained here in Japan has been enriching and will remain within my memories for life long.

Finally congratulations once again and wish us good luck with the future ahead. Thank you so much.