Why did you choose Ritsumeikan University？

Ritsumeikan University was initially recommended to me. So, I looked up more about the university and found that they offer a master’s program specifically in economic development in English. As someone who cannot speak or understand Japanese before, choosing an internationalized university was a priority for me. As I searched more, I found inspiring and excellent faculties in the university’s database who have worked and studied abroad, and thought that perhaps I could learn more from their first-hand experiences. During my college days, it was just a dream of studying master’s in development economics abroad. Now, I am even continuing up to my PhD studies.

About study in Ritsumeikan University

Like any student would have experienced, I have had my ups and downs which made my student life in Ritsumeikan fruitful and worthwhile. It was in October 2020, clearly at the height of COVID-19 pandemic, when I came to Japan for the first time to study. At first, I felt lonely and alone but when my classmates from other parts of the world came one by one, I was thrilled. I also made a lot of Japanese friends in the dormitory! Fast forward, it has been a roller coaster ride for me and my friends. We studied and hanged out together, travelled and explored different places in Japan, learned each other’s culture, and made friends for life.

Theme of Master Thesis, About reality of research

My master thesis’ research topic was about a conditional cash transfer program in the Philippines called 4Ps and its impact on the per capita income and probability of being poor across the 17 regions in the Philippines using the Philippines’ annual household data.
The reality of doing research is that, you may have some drastic changes from your original plan; be it in the research topic, methodology, or data you want to use; but, at the end of the day, you’ll figure out the things that you are passionate about and that will fuel you to come up with a good research theme.

Story about the difficulty that you faced

As I mentioned earlier, it was at the height of pandemic when I came in Japan. I was among the firsts in my batch to arrive in Japan, so it was really difficult to navigate all by myself with zero Japanese knowledge.

I remember after finishing our 2-week quarantine at the hotel in Narita around early November, we have to travel by ourselves to Kansai. So, I took a night bus and left Tokyo all by myself. I arrived in Kyoto past 5 in the chilly cold morning and almost got lost in the station. I only managed to take the right train at around 8am and finally reached Minami Kusatsu station. Being clueless of everything around me, I turned to the police station to seek help with the buses going to Ritsumeikan. When I found the bus, I did not know how or when to pay the fare. I stopped and dropped off when I heard something like “Ritsumeikan XXXX”, but I did not know that the bus would stop first at the front gate and then would enter the university. So, I walked a few more and finally entered the gates of the university.

Looking back on all those struggles, I’ve seen myself grow and just laugh it all out. I’m actually proud that I have experienced those and survived and learned so much from it.

Recommending points about Ritsumeikan University

I would definitely recommend Ritsumeikan University for countless reasons. First and foremost is the conducive learning environment, thanks to our excellent, kind, and supportive professors. They're not just experts in their fields but are also approachable mentors who guide us through our coursework, research activities, and future career paths. Whenever we encounter challenges or have general concerns, the administrative staff is always there for us. Their responsiveness and continuous support make navigating our academic lives smoother. The International Center staff, too, are incredibly friendly and instrumental in helping international students adjust to life in Japan. In addition, the Biwako-Kusatsu Campus’ (BKC) location allows us to enjoy the peaceful life of the countryside while experiencing the rich traditions of Kyoto and the vibrant life of Osaka. Lastly, the university also has recreational facilities which makes our student life well-balanced. My go-to places in the university are the fitness gym and the swimming pool to keep my mind and body healthy which I think is essential for every graduate student like me. In essence, Ritsumeikan University stands out for its perfect blend for a well-rounded academic journey.

Career path after graduation

I have always been passionate about research so my career trajectory is anchored in becoming an economics researcher. If given the chance to work in a non-governmental organization or academic institution, I would like to work on my research interests which include but not limited to gender, education, and rural development; thereby enhancing my skills in practical research. I also have this little dream of creating a platform where I can impart my knowledge in Economics in a way that is understandable and accessible for the general public with or without a background in Economics.