Why did you choose Ritsumeikan University？

There are two universities were offered in the field of economic development from my scholarship – Ritsumeikan University and International University of Japan. I chose Ritsumeikan University and I never regret it.

Ritsumeikan University offers a compelling choice for foreign students for several reasons - a reputation for academic excellence, international community, beautiful natural setting, and modern facilities. It is one of Japan's oldest and most respected universities. It is known for its academic excellence, its commitment to internationalization, and its vibrant campus life. Beside of undergraduate programs, Ritsumeikan University also offers a wide range of graduate programs in a variety of fields. For example, the MPED, English-based graduate course offered by Graduate School of Economics is the best chance to improve knowledge and to gain new experience in an international environment for foreign students. Additionally, the university's strategic location, especially the Biwako-Kusatsu Campus, offers a unique setting for academic pursuits. It is situated near Lake Biwa and is close to economic hubs like Kyoto and Osaka, providing a balance between a peaceful study environment and access to vibrant cultural and economic centers.

About study in Ritsumeikan University

The Master's program in Economic Development at Ritsumeikan University for foreign students is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of economic development theories and practices, preparing students for impactful careers in the field. The faculty at BKC is comprised of experienced and knowledgeable professors with expertise in economic development, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship. In other words, studying at BKC as an MPED student offers a well-rounded academic experience, combining rigorous coursework, research opportunities, industry connections, and a supportive international community, all set in a region with a rich cultural and economic backdrop.

Theme of Master Thesis, About reality of research

The title of my Master Thesis is “Credit risk and Financial stability of the banking system in the Republic of Tajikistan”. The goal of my research is defining the relationship between credit risk and financial stability in the banking system. I would like to identify the impact of credit risk on banking stability using empirical analysis and appropriate measures to prevent the negative consequences of the credit risk. Doing research under the guidance of high-skilled and experienced Professors will increase your confidence and help you complete The Master Thesis in a time with a high quality. It should be mentioned that BKC is equipped with necessary facilities, providing students with resources to conduct high-quality research in the field of economic development.

Story about the difficulty that you faced

The only difficulty that I have faced in Japan, it was at the end of the first semester when my family joined me. It did not depend on my academic background. It was regarding the documentation, looking for a job for my husband and kindergarten for my son, adapting them to live in a new environment with a different culture and language. Fortunately, through the support and advice of university staff, Professors, friends, and peaceful environment, I overcame the existing problems in a short time. Now we have a good time together in Japan and they support me during my study.

I started my Master Thesis on methodology. Because it is the main part of research, and the result of empirical analysis will make it easier to write a Master Thesis. To achieve a significant result, I was fighting with data for two months. Before I thought that with a good dataset I would write my master Thesis in a short time, but practice showed the opposite. Thanks to my supervisor and sub-supervisor that support me to overcome this difficulty.

Recommending points about Ritsumeikan University

Ritsumeikan University is a highly respected and well-rounded university that offers a challenging and rewarding educational experience. If you want to study abroad, to gain new experience and to do research, to be promoted in your workplace and looking for a university that will provide you with a strong foundation in your chosen field, and that also offers opportunities to experience Japanese culture and make international connections, then Ritsumeikan University is a great option to consider. Additionally, Ritsumeikan encourages foreign students to use and develop their Japanese language skills, while also offering support in English and other languages. Studying at Ritsumeikan promises enriching experiences, lifelong friendships, and a transformative journey of personal and academic discovery.

Career path after graduation

Graduating from Ritsumeikan University¢s MPED (Master¢s Program in Economic development) opens a wide range of promising career paths for foreign students. Government agencies, private sectors, research institutions and international organizations require skilled professionals.

In order to achieve your career goals, it is important to be able to use the gained knowledge and skills in the field of economic development. Ritsumeikan University through its Career Path Support Center provides the necessary information and various support to help students acquire knowledge and improve their abilities to be active in various fields of society after graduation from the university. For example, it offers different programs and seminars to improve language skills and to deepen graduate students understanding of the basic knowledge necessary for career path formation.

It should be mentioned that the campus provides a conducive environment for networking with professionals, researchers, and fellow students, enhancing opportunities for future collaborations and career advancement.

As I am a JDS scholar, due to my scholarship's conditions after graduation from the university I must return to my home country to contribute to economic development efforts. Hopefully, I will continue my working experience at the National Bank of Tajikistan as before, but with a new vision, skills, and experiences that I gained in Japan.