“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” ―Mark Twain

Some of you may think that studying abroad isn’t for you.
Behind that feeling may be a sense of anxiety about not being able to communicate your intentions well in a foreign country or not wanting to be embarrassed.

If you are interested in living or studying abroad but have decided it’s “not for you” because of that sense of anxiety, that would be a real missed opportunity.

When you look online or on social media, you’ll find countless shiny, appealing images and videos about study abroad. While these may reflect one aspect of the experience, that is all they are—just one aspect. There are also many negatives. In reality, many students find themselves making mistakes with the language, struggling to communicate, and experiencing both challenges and joys along the way.

As you face yourself and keep moving forward step by step, it is moments like these that will help you think about and shape your own future—not only during your time abroad, but even after you return.

Ritsumeikan University offers a wide array of study abroad programs, ranging from the short term (one week) to the long term (two years), to address the varied desires of our students—whether they want to try studying abroad for the first time while at university or want to delve deeper into their majors by studying abroad for a longer period.

Another appealing feature of Ritsumeikan University’s study abroad programs is the sheer diversity of available destinations. Just looking at short-term study abroad programs, we offer programs in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia as well as programs in Asian countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Long-term study abroad programs of around eight to ten months now extend far beyond traditional English-speaking destinations. With partners available throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and Africa, these programs expand the possibility to have experiences that you have never had before, both in terms of language learning opportunities and exposure to different cultures.

Go beyond what you think you “know” from the internet and see the world with your own eyes. There are discoveries out there that only you can make.

In AY2024, 1,729 students participated in study abroad programs; many of your peers are already rising to the challenge. The International Center regularly holds information sessions and events about study abroad. Even if you don’t yet have a clear idea of which country or region you’d like to go to or how long you’d like to stay, that’s perfectly fine. Feel free to reach out to the International Center on your campus.