There may be many challenges, but you will grow even more, experiencing and learning from the vast world as I experienced at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.

What motivated you to study at the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University, among all universities in the world? Was there any specific area of study you wished to pursue?

HeylimThe reason I chose Ritsumeikan University is the environment where students from diverse nationalities can participate in classes and communicate together. Additionally, one can acquire knowledge not only in international relations but also in the field of Global Studies, encompassing various subjects such as environmental studies, economics, international law, and UN-related topics. A significant advantage is the opportunity to deeply study my area of interest over the four years. Furthermore, the program allows for academic freedom and provides diverse extracurricular activity opportunities, offering international students a wide range of experiences and skills. My academic interest lies in environmental studies, and I aspire to research fields like environmental economics and environmental management.

What is the Problem/Project-Based Learning program, and what motivates you to participate in this study abroad program among other programs? Were there any countries or areas you considered studying abroad?

HeylimPBL is an educational method where collaboration with team members is emphasized to actively communicate and find solutions from various perspectives on a given topic. The reason I chose to participate in this program at Ritsumeikan University as an exchange student stems from my desire to continue my learning journey after gaining experience in Thailand. Specifically, I wanted to explore PBL-related courses at Ritsumeikan University, focusing on the issues of Thailand, Southeast Asia, and Japan, the regions I had chosen.

Through this program, I had the opportunity to collaborate with team members from diverse nationalities, engaging in research to solve problems from a multi-faceted perspective. Going beyond the exchange student experience in Thailand, participating in PBL courses at Ritsumeikan University after living and studying in the local context became a significant advantage for elevating my critical thinking abilities. This allowed me to enhance my skills in finding creative and flexible solutions to diverse problems.

My current graduate thesis is titled "ESG and Green Management in Thailand." I studied this topic within the Department of Business Administration at Chulalongkorn University with the aim of gaining a detailed understanding of the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) management situation in Thailand and the operational methods and characteristics of Thai companies. Specifically, my areas of interest encompass various aspects such as environmental management, economics, and policy.

Through this research, I intend to investigate how Thai companies are applying ESG principles and how they are establishing sustainable management models. Additionally, I will analyze policies or initiatives related to environmental management in Thailand, aiming to examine current trends and future prospects. By combining knowledge from environmental, economic, and policy perspectives, my goal is to comprehend the journey of Thai companies towards sustainable management.

Is there any moment that highlights your study abroad period?

HeylimA Thai exchange student not only provided me with significant learning but also served as a healing experience. Not only the business and economics-related classes but also various other liberal arts courses were particularly interesting. Conducting new projects in teams, we organized parties to facilitate interaction between Thai and exchange students. Additionally, I was invited by professors to attend a fashion show during Bangkok Fashion Week, where I got to witness the fashion scene of renowned Thai brands. After classes, we often dined in downtown Bangkok or went on trips with friends. Among my exchange student friends, there were many Europeans, and my closest friends were Wura from the UK, Renaud from France, and Earth from Thailand. The five months spent in Thailand with friends of diverse nationalities are cherished memories for me.

Messages for current students who are considering studying abroad, and messages for future students who are considering applying to the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University.

HeylimFor students who want to create diverse experiences and unforgettable memories in their lives, I strongly recommend participating in PBL program in Ritsumeikan University. There may be many challenges, but with that, you will grow even more, experiencing and learning from the vast world. In particular, Chulalongkorn University, ranked as the top university in Thailand, offers the opportunity to attend classes and work on projects with outstanding students from around the world.

January 2024