TOPICS
TOPICS
2023.04.25
Report on the guest lecture (Dr. Ian Kaushigarira, GRIPS)
Dr. Ian, a guest speaker from Uganda who teaches at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Japan met Ritsumeikan University students for the first time. (English class: led by Pr. Mayumi Yamada).
At first, both sides seemed a little nervous.
In this workshop, there were only three students who had met a professor from the African continent in their student life. Also, most of the students didn’t have an accurate understanding of Uganda's geography and surrounding countries.
Dr. Ian's lecture began with a talk from his student days at Makerere University in the capital of Uganda. Dr. Ian began by explaining that lectures at Ugandan universities are always crowded with more than 1,000 students, and it is not uncommon for professors to be too far away to hear or see professors. Still, he says he believed that by passing the exams and graduating from college, he would be able to take the next step.
In addition, Dr. Ian had a total of 10 brothers and sisters, and since he was the youngest child, it was assumed that he would pay for his own tuition. First of all, the students listened attentively to his background as a police officer, where he received training while working, and obtained master's and doctoral degrees in Japan. Also, while there is a belief in Uganda that it is better to study natural sciences and economics than social sciences, Dr. Ian said, "I chose what I wanted to do because I cherished it". It conveyed to students the interdisciplinary appeal and flexibility of the social sciences.
Currently, Dr. Ian was also conducting research analyzing the careers of friends who studied at the same university as him, and each person is not necessarily tied to the degree they have earned to their current profession. He told students that a career doesn't necessarily end with a single goal, and it doesn't have to be set that way, as well as examples of successful sociological experts running clinics. Dr. Ian himself said, "I'm a university professor now, but my original goal is to be president of Uganda."
The dialogue continued with many questions from the students, such as whether they were confused about Japan or if they had any problems due to cultural differences. Through these workshops, the students and Dr. Ian seemed to be able to get to know each other. After the lecture, the students and Dr. Ian continued to have a pleasant dialogue at Tully's Coffee. As for the second workshop, I was very happy to see the students voluntarily interacting with the guest speakers after the workshop.
more
At first, both sides seemed a little nervous.
Dr. Ian's lecture began with a talk from his student days at Makerere University in the capital of Uganda. Dr. Ian began by explaining that lectures at Ugandan universities are always crowded with more than 1,000 students, and it is not uncommon for professors to be too far away to hear or see professors. Still, he says he believed that by passing the exams and graduating from college, he would be able to take the next step.
In addition, Dr. Ian had a total of 10 brothers and sisters, and since he was the youngest child, it was assumed that he would pay for his own tuition. First of all, the students listened attentively to his background as a police officer, where he received training while working, and obtained master's and doctoral degrees in Japan. Also, while there is a belief in Uganda that it is better to study natural sciences and economics than social sciences, Dr. Ian said, "I chose what I wanted to do because I cherished it". It conveyed to students the interdisciplinary appeal and flexibility of the social sciences.
Currently, Dr. Ian was also conducting research analyzing the careers of friends who studied at the same university as him, and each person is not necessarily tied to the degree they have earned to their current profession. He told students that a career doesn't necessarily end with a single goal, and it doesn't have to be set that way, as well as examples of successful sociological experts running clinics. Dr. Ian himself said, "I'm a university professor now, but my original goal is to be president of Uganda."
The dialogue continued with many questions from the students, such as whether they were confused about Japan or if they had any problems due to cultural differences. Through these workshops, the students and Dr. Ian seemed to be able to get to know each other. After the lecture, the students and Dr. Ian continued to have a pleasant dialogue at Tully's Coffee. As for the second workshop, I was very happy to see the students voluntarily interacting with the guest speakers after the workshop.
2023.04.18
During the coffee break, students finally realized that Dr. Sopaj didn’t drink anything until the time came, as it was during Ramadan, which was a great learning opportunity. After the talk session, the students received a business card from her. They were very happy as it was the first time for them to experience this. She commented, "It's rare to find a class with this much diversity, and the students are excellent, so I'm looking forward to the future." As a teacher, I was a little worried about how the students would react, but it turned out to be a fun workshop filled with laughter.
more
Report on the guest lecture (Ms. Arbenita Sopaj, Global Japan Peacebuilding Association)
Arbenita Sopaj, from Global Japan Peacebuilding Association, was invited as guest lecturer at the Professional Workshop (English class: led by Pr. Mayumi Yamada).
The class was very excited by encounter with a relatively rare guest from the Republic of Kosovo. Recognizing that it is not easy to meet people from Kosovo and that they have heard the name but have no information or knowledge about the country, the students studied a lot about Kosovo before the lecture.
Dr. Sopaj talked about her upbringing, her experiences pursuing two master's degrees in Poland and Kobe University and a PhD at Kobe University, why she decided to pursue a PhD at a university in Japan and the influence of her life in Japan. The young students also talked about their lives and families and actively asked questions about what they are learning in Japan, their dreams and worries for the future.
Dr. Sopaj also kindly and politely answered personal questions from the students, such as the timing and significance of pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, tips on balancing marriage and study. She candidly talked about her family's reaction when she decided to leave her homeland and her own inner conflicts. In this way, Dr. Sopaj, who believed in the importance of education and seeing the wider world, impressed the students.
2023.04.11
more
We welcomed new students for April 2023 enrollment.
We welcomed new students for April 2023 enrollment.
In April 2023, the
College of International Relations welcomed 299 new students.
Congratulations on your enrollment!
Classes will begin on April 6.
2023.03.27
more
Graduation and Commencement Ceremonies held
The Commencement Ceremony of the Faculty of International Relations for
the Fall Semester of the 2022 Academic Year were held at the Kinugasa
Campus on March 20.
We have 262 graduates from the College of International Relations.
Congratulations on your graduations！
2023.02.22
