I used to focus on achieving higher grades by myself, but my university days, including a UK study program, taught me the value of collaboration.

What attracted you to apply to the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University, and what motivates you to study Global Studies?

SirunSince I traveled to Kyoto during junior high school, I have been fascinated by Japan and have dreamed of living there. Thus, I focused on finding a university in Kyoto with English-based classes and discovered the Global Studies (GS) major at Ritsumeikan University. After reading the introduction, I was extremely eager to apply because it offers a multicultural environment and the freedom to choose classes that interest me. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics related to international society, and the university offers many opportunities for study abroad programs. I am certain that the GS major is the school I've always dreamed of attending, as it provides a platform for me to connect with the wider global community.

While being an international student at Ritsumeikan University, you have further studied in the UK from 2023 autumn to 2024 spring. Please share your experiences there.

SirunI've always enjoyed experiencing different cultures and have a passion for studying media, society, and design. So, when I discovered that the exchange program at the University of York (UOY) offers the opportunity to learn about British culture and creativity, I decided to go without hesitation.

In York, I lived with a very kind and friendly local British family through a homestay system managed by UOY. After staying with them for about half a year, I truly learned a lot about British culture and lifestyle. They included me in nearly every daily activity, like climbing, their granddaughter’s birthday party, a baptism, and so on. We watched movies at home, walked the dogs together, and had many conversations during dinner.

SirunBefore this experience, I had thought the cultural differences between East and West were vast. However, by immersing myself in their daily lives, I realized that while we are different, we are also quite similar. We all share common human experiences. I particularly remember a conversation about cultural differences and LGBTQ issues when my homestay mother said, "May the world have no discrimination or racism; everyone should be equal in chasing their dreams." In addition, the most surprising and meaningful experience for me was becoming the godmother to the grandson of the homestay’s mother. They have become like a second family to me in the UK, and I deeply value the time I spent with them. The memories from that experience will continue to support and inspire me in the future.

For the study in UOY, the curriculum was very engaging, with a range of creative tasks, including presentations and video-making. One of the most exciting projects involved working in a group to develop a social enterprise that both benefits society and creates a positive impact. Our group designed an initiative to collect used toys for babies and offer parenting classes for fathers. I took on the role of conducting background research and designing a website to share our information. Additionally, creating a promotional video for our enterprise was a highly creative process that required deep brainstorming and collaboration with my group members to produce an engaging final product. This experience strengthened my interest in media and design and helped me clarify my future direction.

We would also like to ask your experiences at Ritsumeikan University or in Japan. Please share your most unforgettable experience here.

SirunOne of the most memorable experiences was taking part in the Venture Life Challenge program in Fukuoka, introduced by Ritsumeikan University. I interned at an IT company called 'Fusic,' where I worked with a diverse team from different countries and fields. We tackled a project to create a business model using satellite data to address flood issues in the Fukuoka area. This experience really showed me the power of teamwork and how bringing together different perspectives can lead to great results. It also made me realize how combining research with technology and design can create impactful solutions for social problems. At the same time, it was my first opportunity to apply the research skills I developed in the Global Studies major in a practical setting. Overall, it was a huge opportunity for personal growth and expanded my view of how interdisciplinary work can make a difference.

In your student life so far, how do you feel you have grown, what skills have you obtained, and what do you think you have learned?

SirunOver the past four years, the most significant change for me has been learning how to collaborate effectively and work as part of a team. Before joining the Global Studies major, my experience was mostly limited to individual tasks and exams, where I focused solely on achieving high grades. However, at Ritsumeikan University, I had many opportunities to engage in group work, such as Global Simulation Gaming, which emphasized the importance of collaboration and persuading others to refine ideas. I found that the best results often come from collective brainstorming and repeated discussions. This skill is not only crucial for research teamwork but also vital for future professional environments, where projects are typically developed by teams.

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

SirunI recently passed the examination for the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University, where I plan to study media and communication design in greater depth. My future goal is to become a design researcher. My experiences at Ritsumeikan University have been life-changing. Before joining the Global Studies major, I envisioned a future that seemed monotonous and unremarkable. However, the opportunities provided by Ritsumeikan University helped me discover my true interests and passions. Over the past four years, I have been exposed to diverse and enriching experiences and people, making my current life feel like the dream I had in high school. I am truly grateful for the chance to study at GS.

August 2024