Study Abroad

Student’s Voice

Students from RU
to Partner Universities

Before Departure

Why did you decide to study abroad?
  • In conducting research on security issues surrounding Japan, I wanted to deepen my understanding of the Taiwan contingency and Taiwan's current domestic politics, which are the biggest security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. (1semester)
  • For different living and study experiences (1semester)
  • I would like to take on a challenge of learning overseas, and seek practical learning in addition to what I could learn in Japan. (DMDP)
Why did you choose this program (1 semester/DMDP) and the partner universities?
  • Because I could study abroad without postponing my graduation period. (1semester)
  • I’m very interested in Taiwan, since they have different social systems from China. By the way, I heard that foods there are amazing !! (this is a huge motivation for me) (1semester)
  • I learned about this program through my academic advisor's recommendation. I was aware it would put me in a tough environment by joining the DMDP program in the limited time required for my master' degree, however I chose this program because I knew I could earn two degrees, and go to a place where I could learn practical skills that would be useful in the future. (DMDP)
What was the most difficult part of preparing for departure?
  • Communication with the representative of the host university (because the information was inconsistent). (1semester)
  • Visa issue, takes longer time than I expected. (1semester)
  • The fact that I had to do all of the preparation for getting my visa and travel by myself. I had to go through all of the procedures on my own without enough information about what I would need locally since I was the only one who went to the partner university. Also, unlike exchange program, I was not able to get any information about heath insurance and such in advance. (DMDP)
What are your aspirations while studying abroad?
  • I would like to come across various ideas of Taiwanese students and professors, and deepen my understanding of Taiwan, which has a great influence on international politics. (1semester)
  • Continue my gender study in Taiwan, cherish those days there. Eat well, study hard, enjoy everything (1semester)
  • Do the best I could now, and be sincere to yourself and those around you. (DMDP)

After returning to Japan

Your host university
  • University of East Anglia (U.K.) (DMDP)
Your program DMDP / One semester
  • DMDP
How did you usually spend your day? (Class days/ holiday)
  • Studying in the library. Attending classes. Travelling Europe. Participating in on-campus clubs (Mountaineering Club and Radio Broadcasting Society) (DMDP)
What type of place did you live?
  • Dormitory (DMDP)
What was the hardest part in the program?
  • Managing two dissertations between Ritsumeikan and UEA (DMDP)
What impressed you the most and what you enjoyed the most (In study and daily life)?
  • Taking classes with a diverse pool of international students. Spending time with friends from my course as well as those I made in clubs. Norwich is a wonderful city for students to live in with enough to keep you busy. (DMDP)
Are there anything useful to have taken along and what turned out to be unnecessary?
  • In the UK you do not need paper money. It is unnecessary and no one uses cash. (DMDP)
Advice for students who are considering studying abroad in the future
  • Do it. The DMDP is the perfect program to round out your education. The University of East Anglia is a vibrant campus filled with incredible people and unique experiences. Studying there was the best decision I could have made for my educational journey. (DMDP)