The more I improve my Japanese, the more people are open to me: Deep conversations with local friends are the most rewarding of my efforts.

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

Dong GeonI think the environment of the Global Studies (GS) major was the most appealing for me, even more than the academic discipline of international relations itself. Getting to meet students from various cultural backgrounds while sharing thoughts and bonding friendships with them seemed like such an interesting and enjoyable experience.

In addition, since I wanted to study both Japanese and English at university, the College of International Relations offering courses in both English and Japanese looked like the perfect opportunity. I actually considered a couple of universities that seemingly had a similar program, but I heard that Ritsumeikan was very convenient for international students, and Kyoto looked like a nice place to live. That is how I ended up here.

And now I am happy with my decision. I learn so many things about the world by talking in class with people who have very different perspectives from mine. Even talking about random topics with my friends here constantly teaches me stuff that I would have never thought about if I wasn’t in GS. Things I find obvious may not be so for others with different backgrounds, and vice versa. I guess these aspects poke my interest and motivate me to study harder about various topics in the world.

Please share your most fulfilling activity at Ritsumeikan University. How do you feel you have grown through the experience?

Dong GeonAttending a Liberal Arts Seminar about Japanese linguistics was by far the most fulfilling activity here. Researching about Japanese linguistics, sharing it in front of a Japanese majority class, and writing a 6,000-character paper, all in Japanese, was quite a challenge for an international student.

Nonetheless, I somehow managed to get everything done on time while also achieving good results. Everything about my Japanese improved through that course. I was able to learn certain details about the Japanese language, such as 連濁 (rendaku, sequential voicing), that are typically not taught in depth in textbooks. My speaking ability improved through presentations and discussions in the course. My reading and writing also improved through citing Japanese sources in my final essay. Surviving that course felt amazing.

You have made a big effort to learn Japanese. How does the Japanese language skill benefit your life?

Dong GeonI passed the JLPT N1 level with a score of 158 last winter. Being able to speak Japanese obviously helps a lot when living in Japan. I think the best part is being able to hold deep conversations with Japanese people. When there is a language barrier, communication becomes very limited. And although people may try their best to overcome it, conversations tend to become short and surface-level.

Dong GeonAfter my Japanese level reached a certain point, I could feel that Japanese people were being more open when talking to me. I was also able to talk about various topics I would never have been able to before. This definitely enhances the experience of studying abroad here. It means closer friends, better opportunities (such as part-time jobs), and just a more interesting and lively daily life in general.

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

Dong GeonThis is a hard question. I have been thinking about this a lot recently, and I do not have a clear answer yet. I never liked how people treat universities as merely a place to prepare for job hunting. I am here because I enjoy what I study. Maybe this implies that I might enroll in graduate school. It may sound lazy and naïve, but for now, I do not want to feel rushed. I am trying out various things and constantly working towards bettering myself. It’s just that, the pressure of having to always be ready for the future takes away the fun of it.

If I had to choose one career path to pursue right now, I would say I want to work as a diplomat. I think my Japanese and English will come in handy, and I will be able to make the most of what I learned here. On the other hand, if my childhood dreams are still valid, I want to have a career in music.

Could you send some messages to prospective students for the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University?

Dong GeonThe best part about the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan is the opportunity to interact with people from very different backgrounds. Make the most out of it. It will help you learn so much about the world. And maybe, you will be able to learn something new about yourself as well.

August 2024