My first time living abroad alone, I discovered my potential at Ritsumeikan University through a for-credit internship and the Figure Skating Club.

What attracted you to apply to the American University - Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree Program?

KarlaI grew up consuming a lot of Japanese media when I was younger, alongside having a sweet Japanese aunt with a sweet smile, which made me decide, from an early age, that I wanted to study in Japan. However, I ran into a wall, as my heart longed to study in Japan, yet my parents wanted me to go to an American institution as they didn't know if a Japanese university degree could be valuable in the American workforce.

In high school, I was looking for options for study abroad programs online, and I found this very Joint Degree Program! However, I shortly forgot about it after closing the tab I was using. Fast forward to when I was seriously looking into universities junior year of high school, my uncle, who lived in Washington, D.C., and lived by American University, had recommended the school. Upon further looking, I found the program, which was perfect due to the ability to live and learn at both universities in both countries!

So far at Ritsumeikan University or/and in Japan, how do you feel you have grown, what skills have you obtained, and what do you think you have learned?

KarlaWhile I think being in university teaches one how to balance student life and fun, this program was the first time I had the opportunity to live abroad alone. After the newness of Japan washed away, I faced a mix of feelings that included homesickness, culture shock, and loneliness. At first these feelings were so overwhelming, I debated dropping out of the program and going back home, but I remembered how much I worked to get to Japan, especially against efforts from my family as well, and I did not want that effort to be in vain.

KarlaAt Ritsumeikan, I found myself finding so much time on my hands as well, which contrasted with the constant workflow of American University. With the excess time, I have learned a lot of time management skills and even find myself coming out of my shell a lot of times to reach out to other students. I also was not used to this as much, as at American University it was easier to find a community. Ritsumeikan, on the other hand, has these communities, but it is a bit more challenging to be a part of because of culture and language. From the friends I've made through Ritsumeikan, I have found that they are all so sweet and understanding!

I am very happy I chose to stay in Japan, as I have learned and gained so many experiences that I would not have had if I had chosen to either return to the states or not enroll in this program.

How was the Global Simulation Gaming course last year?

KarlaGlobal Simulation Gaming was a wonderful and fun experience! In this class, everyone gets a unique experience out of it based on whichever role they are assigned to. People can be given the role of countries, organizations, or even news outlets, which made everything much more realistic and eye-opening to my understanding of organizations I did not know much about. I highly recommend this class if someone wants to see how they can apply their knowledge and skills into a realistic and interactive environment of international relations!

You’ve done a for-credit internship for Kyotographie. Please share your experience there.

KarlaI was fortunate enough to work for Kyotographie this past Fall-April, and it was a very enjoyable experience! I found that Kyotographie is more Western-like in its work approach, and everyone was incredibly kind and supportive despite the hurdle of language barriers at times. I worked for the Portfolio Review and Masterclass teams, where I worked with a lot of artists to set up venues for reviews and classes, in addition to participating in secretarial work that accounted for event logistics and whatnot.

I also had the opportunity to take part in some translation and transcribing, which was the first time I did such things in a more ‘professional’ setting. As there are several different tasks and teams to apply to, everyone has individual experience with this internship. I think if you would like to gain the experience of an internship in Japan, while being more familiar with a Western structure, Kyotographie is a great experience!

We also heard you belong to a figure skating club. How do you enjoy the activities there?

KarlaYes, I am a member of the Ritsumeikan Figure Skating Club! The school’s figure skating club is open to everyone who is passionate about or interested in the sport! The members all have different experiences with skating as well, with some having prior experience and others starting for the first time in university! I actually started my figure skating journey at Ritsumeikan, and everyone in the club is so kind and supportive towards me. Despite my worries to communicate because of my Japanese, I think it has gotten better over the time I’ve spent with everyone. It has been a wonderful opportunity for immersion and practice to speak to my friends and senpais in the club! Through the club, I have also been fortunate to see local competitions with other universities! I will miss the club once I return to American, as I cherish all the great memories I have made with the club and its members!

What are your plans after graduation? What made you pursue them?

KarlaI don’t have a set plan, but, in a sense, I do?! I really enjoy international relations and could see myself going and trying to work my way into an international organization, such as the UN or its sister organizations. I also have been thinking about going into consulting. Ideally, I would like to return to Japan, and if I could find a job that could also help increase my proficiency in Japanese, that would be amazing! The JDP program teaches many valuable skills that are transferable, so even if I do not end up not in the field of IR, maybe I’ll be somewhere close!

June 2024