I found my passion here for analyzing international dynamics with data: Ritsumeikan study inspired further learning beyond campus.

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

ZiyiSince the day I decided to pursue undergraduate studies in Japan, Ritsumeikan University has been one of the most renowned institutions in this country for academic excellence, and the College of International Relations is the best in the field throughout the nation. The program employs an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from political science, economics, and cultural studies, which comprehensively satisfies young, ambitious minds.

I was born shortly after China joined the World Trade Organization and was raised in a society facing more issues and conflicts with other countries. All matters were complicated when brought to a multinational perspective, including economics, gender studies, and social justice. Global Studies hit me as a teenager, for it provided an analytical framework for studying international affairs in a globalized era. I cherished my dream of playing a part in understanding international dynamics and affairs, and I felt honored that Global Studies at Ritsumeikan could enable me to do so.

You have made an effort for your research on- and off-campus, and recently you were awarded the R+ scholarship. Please share your academic activities.

ZiyiOn the foundations of International Relations and Global Studies that I built at Ritsumeikan University, I have expanded my study environment to external institutions. I took advantage of the collaborative program of business and urban management with Peking University, which was affiliated with the Confucius Institute at Ritsumeikan. I also worked for the program as a research assistant to learn how professionals build a project from the very beginning and how they handle obstacles.

Later on, I participated in the conference held by the Greater China Youth Exchange Center and wrote a paper regarding parenting and ‘involvement’ in the Chinese education system, which led to the honor of the R+ Scholarship. Furthermore, I took the chance to attend summer school at the National University of Singapore and learned about data analysis skills, as I recently recognized the importance of such quantitative methods.

I would not have stepped forward to such external opportunities without my learning at Ritsumeikan. I want to thank Professor KOBAYASHI Kazushige, whose lectures not only introduce international relations theories but also guide us to use appropriate frameworks as well as our knowledge from other majors to analyze contemporary events. His courses encouraged critical thinking and helped me to link theories with current events. These skills are essential for my research and enabled me to draft my graduate thesis. In addition, my Zemi instructor, Professor WATANABE Hiroaki Richard, offered great assistance in improving my research topic, literature screening, and methodology.

Please share your most fulfilling activity or most unforgettable experience while at Ritsumeikan University.

ZiyiDefinitely, it is winning the honorable R+ Scholarship this spring semester. Although I love learning Global Studies, conducting research can be tedious and overwhelming at times. While I am pleased to see myself growing, I still face difficulties in finding appropriate frameworks, rejecting null hypotheses, and looking for participants in my surveys. This scholarship has been a great encouragement that acknowledges my hard work and supports me to improve myself further. Besides, I also had pleasant conversations with other recipients of this award and learned about their respective accomplishments. The scholarship not only encourages me to proceed with my studies but also inspires me to chase whatever dream I possess.

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

ZiyiWhile I have not decided on my future job, I am determined to pursue my interest in conducting academic research. I enjoy viewing this world with data and frameworks and developing my own theories to further my understanding of international relations. Therefore, I plan to carry what I learned at Ritsumeikan and improve myself with a postgraduate degree or even a doctorate, which will enable me to do research like a profession. From there, my future is wide open. While I could work as a researcher at a university, I am also interested in jobs in the public sector or international organizations, all of which need analysts.

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

ZiyiWhile Ritsumeikan possesses great academic strength that enables students to prepare for their career paths, it is a school with various extracurricular activities. You will have the chance to take courses on many topics based on your academic interests and learn at a pace that suits you. Many workshops and tutorials are available to improve your research or language skills. Besides, you have several opportunities to demonstrate your skills and strengths in activities such as Global Simulation Gaming and learn from different cultures in exchange programs with a number of well-known universities around the globe. If you have an interest in international relations or any affair from a global perspective, the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University would be the best program in Japan that helps you become elite in the field.

August 2024