Students from RU to Partner Universities

Study Abroad

Student’s Voice

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)

Your host university

Your program DMDP / One semester

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)
・On class days: Went to the university office for work, then attended classes.
On holidays: Visited downtown markets, went to art museums, and traveled during long vacations. (DMDP)

What type of place did you live?

What was the hardest part in the program?

・Managing two dissertations between Ritsumeikan and UEA (DMDP)
・The dormitory environment was not very comfortable, and I was also experiencing some difficulties in my relationship with my roommate. (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)
・I had the opportunity to meet and connect with students and faculty members of all ages on campus. The weekend Skills Institute offered practical training. The campus was full of greenery and had a really relaxing place. (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)
・Hangers, S-shaped hooks, instant soup, plates and cutlery from the 100-yen shop. (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)
・You can gain practical skills that are hard to learn in a typical Japanese university setting. At American University, there are various options you can choose for your graduation research, so it’s easy to find a good balance between studying and doing your research while working toward your degree at Ritsumeikan University. You should totally give it a try! (DMDP)