Diversifying opportunities and improving oneself by crossing borders

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

JameelI inadvertently came across Ritsumeikan University’s Global Studies program while skimming through the school’s catalogue and briefing on the ISSE program.

Initially, both programs were very intriguing and attractive to me. Nonetheless, I was particularly drawn to the structure of courses tackling various international issues, as well as the opportunities associated with the Global Studies program.

Having been raised in Ghana, I was already quite interested in, and acquainted with numerous international issues (or so I thought), having studied and witnessed many adversities faced by individuals and groups, such as child labour, poverty, conflict, and inequality, to name a few.

After researching a bit more, I became more keen on diving into the field of IR. In particular, being able to gain knowledge and capabilities to contribute in addressing some of said issues catalysed my interest in this field. Nonetheless, I was ultimately drawn towards the prospect of gaining opportunities to support others in distressing situations, as well as that of not restricting my field of study from the outset, thus deciding to apply to the Global Studies program.

While enrolled in the College of International Relations, you are currently studying further at a university in Kuwait as a privately funded international student. Please tell us about that experience.

JameelI have always had an interest in studying different languages, and particularly the Arabic language. I was thus especially joyous when I found Arabic language offered by the college. Although I was disincentivized by the course being offered in Japanese, I decided to give it a shot and possibly use that chance to polish my Japanese as well.

It was through this course that I came across the opportunity to study in Kuwait under the sponsorship of the Kuwaiti government. Having already taken several classes on Middle Eastern studies, religion, and their interconnection with international relations, I felt it vital to study in the region in order to further deepen my understanding and create more opportunities for my career.

Seizing this opportunity, I submitted my application and, following my acceptance, I now find myself studying and immersing myself in the Arabic language and culture during the 2025/26 academic year (the 2025 fall semester and 2026 spring semester in accordance with Ritsumeikan University’s academic calendar).

During my time in Kuwait so far, I have encountered countless new experiences regarding the country’s culture and people. The cultural differences between Japan and Kuwait are quite significant—not only in terms of faith and religion, but also in daily life, values, and ideologies.

In addition, I have met many individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and demographics, all of whom share similar interests yet hold different perspectives and viewpoints. Being able to communicate and exchange ideas with them has greatly enriched my experience and contributed to my personal growth, as well as my development in the field of international relations.

Through this experience, I have observed substantial growth in myself since the beginning of my stay in Kuwait. For this reason, I would strongly recommend studying abroad for its immense value in personal and academic development, provided that it does not become a financial burden.

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

JameelMy time at the university has been nothing short of intriguing, as I have encountered numerous exceptional experiences. These include not only academic activities, but also a wide range of extracurricular and cultural engagements.

Among these, what stands out most would undoubtedly be my participation in the Global Simulation Gaming (GSG) course—both as a student participant as part of my coursework and later as an educational supporter—as well as my involvement in international law moot court competitions.

I find the GSG course to be an ingenious form of coursework that brings out students’ perceptions, talents, and abilities in international diplomacy and communication. As the course is based on students acting as representatives of Nation-States and international organisations, it offers valuable opportunities to explore and understand the diverse roles within the field of international relations, while also helping students refine their skills and clarify their future paths should they choose to continue in this field.

Although GSG primarily requires student participation as part of coursework, I observed that serving as an educational supporter also created additional opportunities and significantly broadened one’s perspective by taking on the role of an outsider and third-party participant. As educational supporters, our main responsibilities included assisting professors and students with questions during and outside class hours, as well as contributing to the planning of the final GSG event and the creation of posters and banners, all with appropriate compensation provided. Participating as an educational supporter alongside exceptional colleagues proved to be a truly extraordinary experience.

My participation in the Phillips C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition was an equally significant experience. Although I initially had little knowledge of international law, continuous cooperation and hard work with my teammates allowed us to learn the fundamentals of the field, as well as its practical application in international courts, particularly the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The competition involved extensive research into international law treaties, ICJ judgments, and scholarly commentaries on issues such as ICJ jurisdiction and the standing of State Parties. While drafting the memorial and participating in the oral rounds were certainly a little demanding, the overall experience proved to be very rewarding as well.

Furthermore, as a result of these experiences, I was awarded the +R Undergraduate College Scholarship in recognition of my efforts and their contribution to the advancement of the College. I remain deeply grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend these experiences to other students.

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?

JameelI have experienced significant personal and academic growth during my time in the College of International Relations, particularly in terms of my understanding of the field and the skills I have developed.

My participation in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, as well as other moot court competitions, in particular, allowed me to broaden my horizons in international law and to recognise the depth of my knowledge and abilities in areas such as research, data analysis, communication through debating, and public speaking.

Moreover, living independently in Kyoto since the challenging period of the late pandemic years contributed greatly to my personal growth. During this time, I was able to immerse myself in Japanese culture, especially in pottery, through which I have created numerous ceramic works, including vases and teapots, that reflect the deep roots and foundations of Japanese culture.

I have also observed meaningful development in my soft skills, along with other capabilities that I believe will be valuable in navigating today’s global society.

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

JameelCurrently, my future plans are not yet completely set in stone; however, I have developed strong interests in the fields of environmental economics and international law. My primary goal is to pursue a Master’s degree and, eventually, a Doctorate in either of these areas.

My interest in environmental economics in particular stems from my Advanced Seminar class, which focuses largely on economics, as well as from my background in Ghana. I am especially motivated by the desire to promote the effective utilisation of natural resources while reducing the environmental and climatic burdens associated with such use.

With regard to international law, I am particularly interested in the structures of international peace and justice, especially in the context of international conflict resolution. While this remains a secondary interest compared to economics, I have encountered a highly compelling Master’s programme that lies at the intersection of economics and law, focusing on the economic analysis of international law.

This programme has sparked a growing curiosity, and I am considering applying to it, although this decision remains dependent on several other factors.

January 2026