Active engagement and learning
about diverse cultures are the driving
forces behind my success.

Navigating the pandemic: online learning in my first year

When I enrolled at Seikei University, it was right in the middle of the pandemic. During my first year, I wasn't allowed to travel to Japan, so I had to take classes online. It was frustrating not knowing when I would finally be able to study in Japan, and there were many days filled with uncertainty. However, I was lucky to receive support from senior students who acted as 'buddies'--they regularly checked in with me twice a month, offering advice and helping me navigate student life. Their support made me feel more confident.　As I continued learning online, I gradually got to know my classmates and professors, and my excitement about studying on a Japanese campus grew stronger. I also appreciated the course offered to international students in my first year that focused on writing academic papers in Japanese.　Although I had studied Japanese in high school and felt fairly confident in daily communication, I had never written academic reports in Japanese before. This class provided me with a solid foundation for writing in Japanese, which became a valuable opportunity to build my skills and improve my overall language proficiency.

Pursuing curiosity through a diverse academic experience

In my second year, I was finally able to travel to Japan, and my campus life on the Japanese campus began. It was such a joy to finally be in the same space as the classmates and professors I had only met online. Once I arrived in Japan, I was once again reminded of how fascinating it is to study diverse regions through the International Culture program. In the foundational seminars during my first and second years, I experienced a variety of topics with different professors each semester, such as 'Japanese Patriotism,' 'Islamic Rituals,' and 'Culinary Traditions in the Chinese-speaking World.' These subjects were fascinating and offered unique perspectives.

I had always wanted to study the cultures of various countries, with a focus on Japan, so I focused on courses in 'History and Cultural Studies' to deepen my understanding of global cultures. Through this process, I started to feel the differences between cultural regions and developed the ability to compare and critically analyze them.

In my third year, I joined Professor Kawamura Yoko's seminar, which covers a wide range of topics related to cultural exchange and international relations. My main research topic came from my growing interest in Germany, sparked by my interactions with a German professor in my second foreign language class. I became intrigued by Germany's international cultural studies, particularly the similarities and differences between the German and Japanese national characters, such as their shared trait of meticulousness. I want to explore these similarities and contrasts in depth.

Growth in a supportive, small-class environment

Since entering Seikei University, the small-class education has lived up to my expectations. Whenever I had a question during class, I could ask immediately and resolve my doubts. In seminars, there were many opportunities for discussion, where students exchanged opinions on the themes presented by the professors. These experiences of expressing my own opinions have helped me become more confident in sharing my thoughts in daily life as well. I used to be quiet and shy, but through active participation, I've become more vocal and proactive. This personal growth was possible because the seminar environment encouraged respect and acceptance, making it a safe space for everyone to speak up. Additionally, the many opportunities to write reports helped me improve my ability to express myself clearly in written Japanese.