Voice

Profile

Scholarships Received:

• Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (University Recommended Scholars, Special Type)

High School:
Sophia High School

Why did you choose to study in CRPS?

As a history and political science student in high school, with a keen interest towards social justice and community, I knew I wanted my major in university to focus on social issues and how to help solve it. A ‘Study and Work in Japan’ initiative by the University of Tokyo introduced me to CRPS at Ritsumeikan University and I immediately knew that was what I wanted to do.

CRPS’s reputed international and academic atmosphere drew me in. The small class sizes that promoted discussion and sharing of perspective was a crucial reason for picking it.

Additionally, the importance the university places on, not only academics, but also extracurricular and fieldwork was compelling.

What is your life in CRPS / Ritsumeikan like?

As a CRPS student at Ritsumeikan, life is never mundane. There’s always something to do, people to meet, places to explore, and things to learn. The university has so many clubs and events, keeping you on your toes always. The University is a good distance from both Osaka, Kyoto, and many other places, so I often go out travelling and exploring with my friends. The people at Ritsumeikan are also incredibly welcoming and I love having discussion with my classmates on various topics.

I initially thought it would be hard to adjust as an international student, as I had limited grasp of the Japanese language. However, I felt so much at home since the first day. CRPS has a lot of international students, so sharing food, music, languages from different cultures are common and one of my personal favorite things about studying at Ritsumeikan.

The most unforgettable/interesting course so far and why?

The on-site research programs by the University are by far the best, more unforgettable courses. I took part in two of these classes. First was the trip to Thailand to research on the low-income settlements in Thailand. We went there as a class, and it was one of the most impactful, practical experiences. The second was the Saijo trip, where we went to Ofuki village. This provided us an in-depth experience of working to help smaller villages in Japan. During this course, we got an opportunity to work with the people and government of the place and help recommend policies based on the actual needs of the villagers. These opportunities helped me cement my understanding, while also making real world differences.

What are your plans after CRPS?

After CRPS, I intend to proceed to graduate school. CRPS helped me combine my interests in social work and criminal justice into public policy, and this has inspired me to further enrich my knowledge and research deeper into the topics. I will be continuing my further education in the fields of public policy and/or sociology.

How would You recommend CRPS?

I would recommend CRPS to any student who is interested in public policy, social work or global justice. CRPS introduces you to various field and specialties within the dome of public policy, which makes it helpful to, not only help you find out where your interests lie , but also to emphasize the importance of intersectionality which is absolutely crucial when considering current world polices.