Report from Students

Study Abroad Report (2017 inbound: Universitas Indonesia)

Indonesia 06.09.2017

Talitha Nabila
Universitas Indonesia

Hi everyone. My Name is Talitha Nabila. I am an exchange student from Universitas Indonesia. In my home university I am majoring in economics, but here at Ritsumeikan University I have been studying international relations at the Kinugasa Campus. I will be studying here in Ritsumeikan for one semester through the AIMS Program. It has been more than 2 months since I came to live in Kyoto. Everything feels like a dream for me. I never imagined an ordinary girl like me could study abroad in Japan. Of course, I have been to some other countries for travelling, but this experience is different because here in Japan I will not only go sightseeing around the city but also study in the university, get to know about the culture, communicate with the local people, and get in touch with the local community.

The first time I arrived in Japan was on March 14th. It was cold at that time, so different from the weather in Indonesia, but I really liked it. I feel so impressed with everything here, such as the transportation, health, punctuality, cleanliness, modernity, and politeness. Many people use bicycles and public transportation, or just walk on foot. For the public transportation they have bus, train, subway, shinkansen, and many others. It is not as if we do not have these in Indonesia,  but it is just different because here they have something like an exact timetable. At first I was not really used to the punctuality, but now it has become a habit. People in Japan also have to register themselves for the National Health Insurance, which will cover 70% of their medical costs. Everything is very well-organized. In Indonesia, we have started to separate our trash, but it is still not common. In Japan, I need to separate my trash into five different types. The people are into it, so it’s no wonder I rarely see trash strewn about. I also feel like everything in here is very modern, not to mention how cool the toilet is. I can see many kinds of vending machine around the corner, and I can order food from a machine. The technology is super. Moreover I feel touched with the kindness of the people; they aren’t hesitant to ask and help me find my way when I am lost. Yes, I have been lost in translation many times. But I like being lost in Japan.

On campus I am taking PBL courses such as the global simulation gaming class, which is so challenging for me. The class is something like Model United Nations. I need to do many research, discussion, and debate activities. This course encourages greater understanding and develops my lifelong learning skills. There are also many other kinds of interesting courses that I am taking. Here I live at International House Taishogun, a dormitory for international students. I have met many students from different countries, which made me learn about other cultures and customs beside Japan. By interacting with people from different countries, it has expanded my knowledge and information. I also managed to join a softball circle on campus with Japanese students and do volunteer work in a childcare center nearby the dorm. That is a good opportunity for me to get in touch with the local people and community.

Being chosen as one of the representatives from Universitas Indonesia to study here at Ritsumeikan University is such an honor for me. As an exchange student, this program is the opportunity to see the world and I really recommend everyone, especially prospective students, to give it a try because you will experience different styles of education, have the opportunity to witness a completely new way of life, immerse yourself in a new language, have the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different backgrounds, and discover yourself while gaining an understanding of a different culture. So that when you finish your study abroad program and return home, you will return with a new perspective on culture, language skills, a great education, and a willingness to learn. But most of all, do not forget to have some fun! It really is worth a try.