Emi: Ever since I was a child, I’ve always had the dream of studying at both a Japanese university and an overseas university. Unlike a regular study abroad program, the JDP allows you to obtain the same degree from two different universities. For me, it was the best choice.
Ryoma: I’ve wanted to become a pioneer in some kind of field. When I heard that the JDP was the first of its kind at an undergraduate level in Japan, I realized that this was it! That’s why I applied. Another deciding factor was that I’m really interested in current international issues.
Professor French: One of the main features of the program is that you can learn about International Relations from both Japanese and American perspectives.
Ryoma: I had some concerns for how companies in Japan would value my degree if I had obtained it directly from an overseas university. I was reassured to know that the JDP offers one collaborative degree from the two universities and so is useful in both the U.S. and Japan.
Emi: The number of the first JDP students is relatively small, so I really like how close our proximity is with the professors. Also, I’m glad that I can communicate with the professors at American University, even while being in Japan.
Ryoma: I feel the same. I really appreciate having a lot of support from the faculty and staff members.
Professor French: Even though the JDP is a small program, students have many opportunities to take classes with students who study in the Global Studies (GS) Major. You can make friends with these students as well.
Ryoma: The GS Major has a number of overseas exchange students, so there’s active interaction between Japanese and foreign students.
Ryoma: The professors teach in a much more interactive way. In high school, classes were mainly focused on multiple-choice questions, but the JDP is centered on more practical learning, such as writing essays.
Emi: Through the JDP’s learning style, I’m able to prepare properly for my studies at American University in the future.
Emi: I want to make international friends through classes and sports activities like basketball and dancing. I’m looking forward to experiencing life at a university in the U.S.
Ryoma: I want to experience culture shock in the U.S.! I lived in Hong Kong when I was in middle school, and my experience of getting culture shock then helped cultivate my intellectual curiosity. As I joined a football (soccer) club at Ritsumeikan University, I’d like to continue playing football in the U.S. as well.
Emi: I’d like to travel to various places in the U.S. during the summer holidays in order to deepen my knowledge.
Emi: After completing the JDP, I’d like to obtain a master’s degree at an overseas university. I’d like to utilize my international experience, such as by working as a translator at a Japanese company or becoming a manager at a global company.
Ryoma: My father is a diplomat. He works all over the world, using multiple languages. Just like my father, I’d like to gain high level language skills and become an active player on the world stage.
