Students from Partner Universities

Study Abroad

Student’s Voice

Why did you choose Ritsumeikan University?

・Partnership opportunity with American University (DMDP)
・Ritsumeikan University is a partner university of National Chengchi University. (DMDP)
・There are 3 reasons.
1.What appealed to me most was a highly internationalized environment, where I can interact with friends from all over the world in this era of globalization. Through lectures on a wide range of fields, including politics, economics, culture, society and the media, I can consider international affairs and various issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. In addition, I can gain new insights by directly hearing the opinions of classmates from different nationalities. As I had never studied abroad before, I found this environment wonderful.
2. Another key highlight is the DMDP program. By using this program, I can complete my master's thesis in one year at the earliest, and obtain a master's degree from the Graduate School of International Relations. As I am advancing research related to Japanese culture, this program allows me to improve both my English and Japanese skills, and to have enough time to experience the academic environment and culture in Japan.
3.The campus is located in Kyoto. There are many old shrines and temples scattered around the area, and the whole city becomes more beautiful as the season change in spring and fall. (DMDP)

What are you most excited about experiencing? (Study and daily life)

・I'm interested in seeing how Japanese graduate courses differ from American courses. (DMDP)
・I want experience many things that are available only in Japan. (DMDP)
・In terms of studies, I am attracted by the specialized courses such as sociology, environmental economics and intercultural communication, which I have always been interested in, as well as courses in linguistics, etc., in both English and Japanese. I am looking forward to enjoying the stimulating and challenging experience of being exposed to languages every day in an international environment. I hope that this will motivate me to improve my language skills.
In terms of daily life, I may be busy with my studies, but I'm really looking forward to enjoying delicious food from all over Japan with my new friends, and visiting places I've never been before. I want to spend my days in a fulfilling way so that it will be a special and irreplaceable memory for me. (DMDP)

Did you have any difficulties before coming to Ritsumeikan University?

・Timelines felt tight and sometimes instructions felt unclear. (DMDP)
・I misunderstood the guidelines and transfer the money by mistake. As the certificate of eligibility (COE) was issued later than expected, I had to make several trips back and forth. (DMDP)
・I needed to complete the visa application for Japan in Taiwan, and needed to contact the real estate agency online to prepare finding a place to live.
Also, I needed to research about various procedures to go through the daily life in advance such as national pension, national health insurance, certificate of residence, mobile phone contract, and opening a bank account. (DMDP)

What are your aspirations during your time in the program?

・I want to improve my Japanese language skills above all else and get a better understanding of East Asia. (DMDP)
・I want to earn credits, complete the thesis, and graduate successfully. (DMDP)
・During my study at Ritsumeikan University, I would like to lay a foundation for the future career development by deepening my specialized field and acquiring relevant knowledge and skills.
In an environment where various cultures intersect, I hope my experiences in studying abroad will improve my confidence and communication skills with people from different backgrounds. (DMDP)

What was the hardest part in the program?

・The hardest part of my studies was writing my thesis. In particular, it was difficult to learn Japanese styled academic writing in a short time. Int terms of my living situation, the first part of my life in this program was the hardest. I had my hands full dealing with immigration and admission procedures, and I also had to deal with various things such as finding an apartment, a phone, and signing a contract with an electric company on top of that. (DMDP)

What impressed you the most and what you enjoyed the most (In study and daily life)?

・There are many professors who are active on the front line of international affairs at the Graduate School of International Relations, and I was deeply impressed by the fact that I was able to learn the latest knowledge in both academic and practical work through their classes. On the other hand, in terms of my life in Kyoto, I enjoyed experiencing four seasons of Kyoto the most. (DMDP)

What’s your plan after returning to your own country?

Advice for students who are considering studying abroad at your university in the future

・Work hard and play hard, and find your own way at this "Ritsumeikan" life. (DMDP)