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.

Anselma Widha Prihandita
Universitas Indonesia

Hi! My name is Anselma Widha Prihandita. People usually call me Widha. I am an English literature student at Universitas Indonesia, but for the past 5 months I’ve been studying International Relations at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, through the AIMS exchange program. This student exchange experience has given me so many lessons, not only academic lessons, but also practical lessons for life at large. (P.S. It’s also a lot of fun!)

Aside from all the valuable life lessons that you can get through this student exchange program, there are also plenty opportunities to have fun. Hangouts with friends are always just a few steps towards the dorm’s kitchen and lounge, and of course there are a gazillion places to visit and matsuri to attend, especially if you live in Kyoto. Go out. Travel. Visit a thousand temples. Wear a yukata. See a geisha dance. Climb a mountain. Walk on nightingale floors in centuries-old castles. All these you can do, and more. Remember that every moment can be a lesson, not only in classrooms, but also in every step you take in places you’ve never been. And this is the perfect opportunity to be anywhere you’ve never been, experience everything you’ve never experienced. Good luck and have fun!

First of all, I would like to say how thankful I am to have this amazing opportunity. Words cannot describe how honored I feel to have been selected as one of the AIMS participants. To be able to study in Japan might be one of the best things that has ever happened to me in my life. I have learned so many things I have learned while living here. Through the courses I gained so much knowledge that I might not be able to learn at my home university. I took some courses such as Gaming Simulation Method, International PBL seminar, Ecology, etc. One of my favorites was International Accounting. It was really interesting for me because I learned subjects which have strong correlation with Japan’s economy.

I had the chance to join the Tennis club. It was so much fun to be among them. They were so friendly and kind. They were so eager to teach me so many things about Japan and its culture. From them, I learned great values such as dream big, be highly motivated, and more. I am also amazed by how much Japanese people value nature and time.

Living in Japan also made me realize several differences between my country and Japan. Growing up in Indonesia, people made me believe that Indonesians were very friendly. However, when I finally came to Japan, I realized that my people were not nearly what people would call “being friendly”. Whenever I wanted to go somewhere, Japanese people, mostly old ladies, would ask me if I was lost and if I needed directions. One lady that I had never met before even gave me her umbrella when she saw me burnt under Japanese sun. ; One thing that I know for sure is that never happen in my country. They seem to always be eager to help others, even when they know it might bother them. That is only one of the many things that impressed me. Sometimes I found it difficult to communicate because my Japanese friends were quiet, but I know it’s only because they worry about saying the wrong thing or hurting someone’s feeling.

All in all, Japan is a great country that I learned so much having lived and studied in one of the most prestigious universities there. I am very grateful that I could experience amazing things through this program. My expectation for the prospective students is that I wish they could enjoy their stay in their destined countries. I would like them to choose subjects that they like and be conscious about it. Studying is, of course, the most important, but being active in several club/activities is not insignificant either. Getting to know the people would be a good way to get to know the culture. I hope this can be helpful for future students. I also believe this program will benefit me in the future.