The Bangkok International Organization Training Program Taught Me the Importance of Understanding Regions from a Broad Perspective — I Aspire to Build a Career in International Politics

What attracted you to apply to the American University-Ritsumeikan University Joint Degree Program, and what motivated you to study Joint Degree program?

ChristianWhen I was in my fourth year of high school, I took a class called AP Research, which was a class that requires a year-long capstone project. During this class, I was exposed to the political climate of East Asia for the first time and chose to focus my capstone project on the development of the trilateral relationship between the United States, Japan and South Korea. Since then, I have had a vested interest in learning about the political dynamics of the region, and I thought that the Joint-Degree Program would be the best way to truly immerse myself in these topics.

Please tell us about the most fulfilling activity and the most unforgettable experience you had during your time at Ritsumeikan University and American University.

ChristianThe most fulfilling academic experience I have had during my time in the Joint-Degree Program thus far was participating in the BKK International Organizations Training Program. Traveling to Bangkok for the first time was an unforgettable experience in it of itself, and the opportunity to attend meetings at multiple UN buildings provided a level of depth in understanding the dynamism of Southeast Asia that a regular lecture could not provide.

Please tell us what motivated you to participate in the ' Bangkok International Organization Training Program'.

ChristianWhat motivated me the most to participate in the training program was the ability to broaden my understanding of Southeast Asian social and political dynamics. Prior to the program, I never had the chance to dive into learning about the region, as most of my research was focused on topics surrounding East Asia. As such, being able to not only learn about the region but to also visit one of the many cultural capitals of the region in Bangkok was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.

Please tell us about some of the key things or highlights that you took away from the program.

ChristianMy key takeaway from the program was understanding the importance of Southeast Asia in a global political context. From emerging industries to cultural heritage preservation to refugee policy implementation, I was able to view ASEAN as the potential blueprint for regional cooperation and transnational policy development.

Could you explain how the experience you gained from this program would connect your future?

ChristianThe experiences gained from the BKK International Organizations Training Program helped me understand the importance of having a broad understanding of a region. Rather than just focusing on the security issues or economic policies or environmental issues of a region, it is far more important to take all aspects of a region into consideration, as all of these factors are interconnected. As such, I can take a broad understanding of a region and focus on specific issues for research topics with a nuanced perspective, rather than needing to take a one-dimensional view of an issue.

Please tell us about your career path after graduation and your future goals.

ChristianIn the future, I plan to continue postgraduate studies focusing on international law and security issues. However, I am very open to exploring other avenues of law or international relations, such as corporate compliance law or focusing on topics in international trade. Eventually, I wish to take the Foreign Service Officer Test back in the United States and hope to pursue a career in international politics.

October 2025