Report from Students
Study Abroad Report (2016 inbound: Thammasat University)
Thammasat ｜ 09.05.2016
Tacha Chitrattana-a-nan
Thammasat University
Sawatdee ka, Konnichi ha, Hello! My name is Tacha Chitrattana-a-nan or you can call me Jull. I am an economics student from Thammasat University. I also had the wonderful opportunity to be an international relations student of Ritsumeikan University for one semester through the AIMS program (ASEAN International Mobility of Students). All my experience in Japan is very important and precious to me.
At Ritsumeikan University’s Kinugasa campus, I enrolled in two special classes that you can only find at Ritsumeikan University. The first class is GSG or Global Simulation Gaming. As the class title describes, this class is the simulation of the world’s current problems based on the theme of each year, and this year was about Security Issues. Since I have not studied international relations before, enrolling in this class was very challenging for me. The actual GSG class is a lot more fun that I thought. I am very glad that I took this class, not only for the new knowledge that I got, but also the group work with students from all over the world. The second class is a special lecture where students who participated and will participate in AIMS and PBL programs are recommended to take. Through the presentation of different perspectives by Japanese, Korean, Indonesian and Thai students, my opinion and point of view have changed a lot. It is a great class that helps you to adapt with the country you are visiting and gives you the opportunity to look back on your own country’s problems or point of views.
There are also some special activities for foreign students arranged by student clubs or the university. I attended one of the activities arranged by TISA, it was about Japanese make up styles. It was very interesting and useful! They also gave you a discount for a hair salon. Other than that, they also have language activities, either in Japanese or other languages. There is a partner program which you can learn other languages too. If you have any chance, please register for this program. I think it is very useful!
I stayed in the Ritsumeikan University I-House Taishogun dorm which is located in Kyoto and not far from campus. I was very excited because this was my first time to stay in the dorm. The room, kitchen and bathroom were very nice and clean. Also the staff were very helpful when I had any problems. There is also a piano in multipurpose room which I like the most because I did not expect that the university dorm would have any instruments. Since the dorm is not far from the university, you can walk or ride a bicycle to get there. There are convenient stores and supermarkets nearby and also train stations which makes it an even better place to stay!
Kyoto is an amazing city, even though most of it has been developed for tourism. Compared to other cities, I think Kyoto is the best city to travel around. Not only the city, but also my time at the dorm which I spent with my friends was very fascinating. This exchange program has opened and changed my perspective a lot. All of these experience and memories will never fade away and I will cherish them with all my heart. I hope it will support me in the future. Thank you to all the staff from both Thammasat and Ritsumeikan, the dorm managers, the teachers and professors, and friends that I have met during this program. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to have these wonderful experiences. Lastly, thank you for reading about my story and experiences. I hope you enjoy your time in Kyoto too!
