Be adventurous! I would suggest to have the opportunity to find your own global experience in foreign culture.

What motivated you to study at the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University, among all universities in the world?

Ye-ChanSince Ritsumeikan is in the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, its international relations department is well known worldwide. Also, it made sense to study international relations in an institution known to be the most international school in all of Japan. The campus was said to be bustling with diverse students who each have unique cultural backgrounds.

Kyoto's historical and cultural impact also played a huge part in convincing me to apply for Ritsumeikan. With temples and mountains that can take your breath away, it would be hard to argue that there can be prettier towns to study in other than Kyoto.

While studying the theory of international relations in Ritsumeikan, I started to question if current governments follow the traditionalist perspectives of international relations. This intrigue led to my research topic of the trilateral relations between mass media, foreign policy, and the populace. I have applied to various master's courses, which potentially can allow me to expand more on these topics in detail.

Therefore, Ritsumeikan's reputation in international relations and the cultural significance of Kyoto were the factors contributing to my study at the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University.

What motivated you to participate in the study abroad program, and why did you choose France? Is there any reason to choose France among other countries?

Ye-ChanI grew up in Cambodia, which used to be a French colony. Although a lot of France's colonial remains disappeared after the Khmer Rouge, many aspects of Cambodian society were influenced by the French. This historical reason is why I always had a familiar feel for French culture, as we usually also eat baguettes and drink café as a dessert. So, I did not worry too much that I would experience culture shock.

However, the most important reason why I chose France as my destination is because of the institution which was offered by the exchange program. I chose Sciences Po Bordeaux, a grand-école famous for its academic excellence and elite education system, which sets a different standard compared to regular universities.

These reasons were why the opportunity to study at Sciences Po Bordeaux was very attractive to me. I am certain that other educational institutions in countries like Germany and the Netherlands also provided top-quality lectures to Ritsumeikan students, but going to Bordeaux and studying there seemed to be the most optimal choice.

Lastly, the city of Bordeaux is known for its beautiful architecture and Bordelais wines. With its Haussmann architecture that can compete with Paris's, viewing the Garonne River while drinking AOC Haut-Medoc was definitely an opportunity which I was not going to pass up.

Is there any moment that highlights your study abroad?

Ye-ChanStudying in Europe allows students to visit neighboring nations with ease during vacation periods. I remember taking arbitrary trips to Geneva with my friends, which I made in Bordeaux for our November break (as you can guess, French schools have lots of holidays). Although we came back from Geneva to Bordeaux with a 10-hour bus ride, it is definitely a memory which I will not forget.

I am also happy that I could be in France when the national protest against the government's decision to raise the retirement age was happening. Contrary to what most people thought about the French protestors, I was glad that I could experience the passionate sentiments of the French people to protect their fundamental rights. We had some minor troubles, of course, as the students who protested barricaded the entrance to our institution to force us not to study as an act of defiance. But looking back now, regular students would not have been able to experience this moment in Japan or Korea, which makes my experience valuable.

Moreover, I cannot emphasize enough how I met the most wonderful people during my study abroad. I am confident when I say that I met people in Bordeaux whom I can call my closest friends. I got to make friends with Russians, Irish, Slovakians, and many others from various nations. I think it is unimaginable to think how my stay in France would have been without them, and we still communicate frequently to this day, making plans to visit each other in the near future.

Message for current students who are considering studying to abroad, and for future students who are considering applying to the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University?

Ye-ChanIf you are thinking about where to go, I would suggest you be adventurous. Having the opportunity to study in a completely different environment will be rarer and rarer as you age. Many master's program does not offer exchange years, and moving to another country after you get a stable job is even more challenging. With this logic, why not try to experience a foreign culture that looks pretty different from your own culture?

Maybe your experience in Romania will provide a new career choice that you never have thought about. Perhaps studying in Mexico will allow you to make international friendships that will last for years to come. Ritsumeikan's study abroad program will support you and encourage you to find your own global experience, so make sure not to pass on this opportunity!

December 2023