I undoubtedly have gained comprehension from different fields of studies under the realm of International Relations studies at Ritsumeikan.

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

DivaI have always been passionate and eager to pursue my studies in the International Relations (IR) department. From the beginning, I had planned to study outside of my country to immerse myself in a truly international environment and step out of my comfort zone. I considered studying in several European countries; however, it was difficult to find scholarships for bachelor’s degrees at the universities I wanted to attend. At the same time, I was also exploring other universities where some of my seniors and acquaintances had studied.

I first learned about Ritsumeikan University (RU) from a senior in junior high school, who introduced me to the IR department there. Since my primary concern was related to scholarships and financial matters, I was excited to hear from my senior that RU, and Japan in general, offer a range of scholarships that international students can apply for. Based on his experience, students in Japan can also earn money through part-time jobs to help ease their financial burden. After further research, I discovered that the Ritsumeikan IR department holds great accreditation compared to other universities in Japan. The department is home to many distinguished professors from various areas of expertise, as well as international students and tutors.

Several syllabuses caught my attention when I explored the IR webpage, particularly the Global Simulation Gaming (GSG), which I thought was similar to the Model United Nations that I had participated in. I found the GSG syllabus very intriguing, as I believe that students can learn not only theoretical IR but also practical IR through this simulated environment, which closely mirrors real-world scenarios. As a result, I became very interested in RU, and I ultimately chose RU as my first choice for my study abroad destination.

After enrolling, how has your perception of the College of International Relations changed?

DivaI applied twice to the College of International Relations, as I didn’t pass the interview on my first attempt. I knew applying to the GS major would be challenging, especially since I came from a science background in high school and lacked familiarity with many social issues related to IR. I had also never written an academic essay in English, and looking back, I now understand why my first essay didn’t meet the standard and why I failed my interview.

Despite this failure, I reapplied in the next enrollment and fortunately, I got in. I learned from this experience that for international students, writing skill is a key qualification for entering this major, so I worked on improving my this skill and expanding my knowledge of IR. When I began my studies, I realized that critical thinking was actually even more important. Students are expected to analyze issues from multiple perspectives, both theoretical and practical, and challenge ideas rather than simply agree with them. I discovered that a range of skills is vital and required for IR students to obtain, which are actually good for our future career development.

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

DivaI have already lived in Japan for around two and a half years and have gone through five semesters at Ritsumeikan. Along with pursuing my education at school, I am also active in organizational activities and part-time jobs, as I am very aware of the importance of soft skills, which I could not very much obtain at school. Hence, I believe that I have grown a lot not only academically, but also in non-academic matters and skills.

In terms of academic skills, I undoubtedly have gained comprehension from different fields of studies under the realm of International Relations studies at Ritsumeikan. I also have significantly improved my skills to conduct research and write academic papers. Along with these, my critical thinking has also elevated as students have always been asked in every class to examine and analyze various global issues through different lenses and perspectives. Last but not least, other personal improvements that I noticed are also related to crucial soft skills such as my public speaking, language, and communication skills, which have been profoundly excelling.

Outside the classroom, I am also actively involved in the “Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia (PPI)” or Indonesian Student Association, where I have participated in various events, activities, and volunteer work that are related to assisting and accommodating aspirations not only for Indonesian students but also for broader Indonesian communities in Kyoto. I developed lots of soft skills, such as leadership, problem-solving management, collaborative task planning, and organizing events. Moreover, as this organization is under the supervision of the embassy, I could also extend my connection with various stakeholders and also broaden my professional networks.

Last but not least, I have also learned a lot from my part-time job that I had and that currently I am still doing. My current job is as an English teacher in a private English school in Osaka and also a store salesperson in Arashiyama. From these two part-time jobs, I could experience real professional employment where I needed to be very responsible for my job description and learn ways of handling different customers, both when teaching or selling; hence it improves my overall communication in Japanese and English. Most importantly, I could also be financially independent for my expenses and thus lessen my parents' burden, as I could get some amount of money.

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

DivaThe most unforgettable experiences while I am in Ritsumeikan may be when I attend several courses with very great professors whose lectures are very insightful and fulfilling for me. Those remarkable classes were very impactful to my motivation not only to my study but also to my self-development. Another memorable moment was receiving the Saionji Scholarship in July 2024 and having the honor of delivering the acceptance speech on behalf of the other recipients. This achievement was significant to me, not just materially but also personally, as it recognized the hard work and dedication I had put in.

Moreover, one of my most unforgettable experiences was organizing two significant events in my organization: “Malam Indonesia” in 2023 and “Indonesian Halal Culinary Day” (IHCD) in 2024. I had the privilege of leading the committee for IHCD, which took place on September 28, 2024. I am grateful to say that the event was a smashing success, attracting many visitors and receiving fantastic reviews. This event celebrated Indonesian culture and cuisine, focusing primarily on a culinary festival featuring a wide array of Indonesian halal food and beverages. The two primary goals of the event were to introduce Indonesian culture and cuisine to the international community through culinary displays, art performances, cooking workshops, and an art culinary competition, and also to support small Indonesian culinary businesses in Japan. As the chief organizer, I was responsible for the overall event preparation, leading various divisions, securing sponsorships, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. I am extremely proud of the committee members, who did an outstanding job in ensuring the event’s success. Our team dedicated a year to planning and executing this event, and their hard work truly paid off.

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

DivaI currently have a strong passion for international law, and my primary goal is to further my studies in this field in graduate school. I am also enrolled in an advanced seminar on International Law for my graduation thesis, taught by a distinguished professor who specializes in this area and is an alumnus of the university I aim to attend.

My decision to pursue international law stems from a lack of understanding of this specific area, particularly regarding the Palestine-Israel conflict, which has intrigued me for several years. I am particularly interested in the role of the international justice system in delivering justice to those affected by the conflict. In fact, I am passionate about learning law in general, including domestic law in my country. Additionally, obtaining a master's degree is also one of my strategies to elevate my future career.

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

DivaIf you are passionate about learning International Relations and related fields such as law, politics, economics, culture, and history, the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University is one of the best colleges in Japan. The International Relations department is home to excellent professors who can assist you in deepening your knowledge. The syllabus incorporates numerous discussions and activities that facilitate effective delivery of lesson content.

Additionally, with special classes such as Global Simulation Gaming (GSG) and academic skills courses, you will not only enhance your knowledge but also develop essential skills for IR students. The school environment is highly international, allowing you to meet many people from different countries and backgrounds, which is beneficial for learning from diverse perspectives. This university also offers ample open spaces and resources for students to express their opinions, as well as various seminars, public lectures, and workshops that will further enrich your knowledge.

December 2024