Voice

Profile

Scholarships Received:

• Saionji Memorial Scholarship (Academically Outstanding Students Category)

High School:
SMAN 78 Jakarta

Why did you choose to study in CRPS?

Since high school I have already interested in topics surrounding politics and policy and I want to deepen my knowledge on these topics. I have also always wanted to study abroad and learn in a new fresh environment. As Japan is one of the countries I aimed to go, I searched several programs and found one that interest me, which is CRPS in Ritsumeikan University. CRPS gained my interest because it has a range of study topics which means that I can obtain a comprehensive knowledge on policy. This becomes important since in modern days, social problems need to be solved with a inter-disciplinary approach. CRPS also enables me to meet people from all around the globe with different background and culture. When I met people from different backgrounds, it really broadens my knowledge on social issue and gave me fresh perspective.

What is your life in CRPS / Ritsumeikan like?

The first year’s on-site research course was one of my most interesting experiences in CRPS. This is because it was the first time as university student, we designed project that tried to address real-life social issue. In the on-site research course, we also go directly to the field in to execute our research project. This when it got more interesting. In field research, you get to know social problems by listening directly to the people who actually experiencing it. When you hear directly from these people in need, it resulted in the feeling of motivation for me as a social researcher to try in helping them. I do think that this kind of motivation is important for a social researcher as it becomes the motivation on why we’re doing research.

My daily life as a university student here is not too unique. In the first and second year I had classes every day, meaning that I came to school every day. In my third year, I got less classes but with higher difficulty. I really did a hard work in maintaining my grade back then. Thankfully Ritsumeikan OIC has lots of facilities that support student in studying. We have common spaces, study places, and library. These facilities really incentivize me in studying as it provide a comfortable environment.

Being an international student in Japan has it upside and downside. The upside is Japan is a convenient and comfortable country to live in. The environment is good, and the people are polite and nice. But the hardship comes when you can’t really speak Japanese. Lots of administration stuff requires you to be able to speak or write in Japanese. Luckly, I have Japanese friends who are kind enough to help me with these. I work part time job as an English teacher. This do enable me to meet with range of new people and give me lots of friends.

What are your plans after CRPS?

I am planning to have graduate school after graduating from Ritsumeikan University. As for the place, my first option is in UK as it was also my another dream country to study in. But I always open up my option in Japan too either to continue graduate school or work here.

How would You recommend CRPS?

I really recommend CRPS. All the professors, peers, and facilities here are helpful in helping you achieve your purpose, especially if you’re interested in social issue like us.