Name: Aye Mya Nandar
College of Policy Science (CRPS Major), 2nd year student
Achieved Scholarship:
- SMBC Scholarship (2018)
- MEXT Scholarship (2021)
- Saionji Memorial Scholarship (2022 academic year Fall Semester and Spring Semester)
- 1. How did you know about RU?
I learned about Ritsumeikan University on a Facebook page called Guide with Mahuyar. Then, I explored the university website and joined some educational webinars to have a better understanding of the university and the CRPS major.
- 2. Why did you choose the CRPS Major at RU?
“Suddenly 20” is one of my favorite movies which makes me realize that I will not get a chance to live the same age twice. Thus, I always remind myself to make good decisions that I will not regret if I look back in the future. Choosing a university is important not only for students’ education but also for getting the social environment, personal growth, and opportunities that can support a student's future. I believe that choosing Ritsumeikan University (RU) as my study destination is one of the best decisions since it provides me with a supportive and dedicated environment where I can achieve my personal development and academic success which make my university life sweeter and more meaningful. Now, I am going to share the reasons why I chose RU and why I think that is the right decision.
When I searched about Community and Regional Policy Studies (CRPS) on the College of Policy Science website, I found it appealing that I will be able to learn three fundamentals interdisciplinary: Sustainable Urban planning, Regional Economy and Development, and Multi-level Governance in one place.
Frankly speaking, “Studying in Japan” has been one of my dreams since I was 18. However, I want to be in a society where I can interact with both Japanese and international people instead of just interacting only with Japanese people. Thanks to Ritsumeikan’s multicultural campus, I thought that the university would be able to not only just fulfill my dream but also provide me with an opportunity to make friends from different countries.
Moreover, due to the university’s high ranking and excellent reputation, I feel more secure about my future career readiness after my graduation from Ritsumeikan. Furthermore, the availability of multiple scholarships, including the prestigious MEXT scholarship helps students who want to be financially independent and focus on their studies more. Tuition reduction scholarships by the university also encourage students to focus on their studies since there are 20%, 50%, and 100% tuition fee reductions based on their academic performance yearly.
Last but not least, the campus location itself offers a wide variety of fun activities as well as exposure to immerse in Japanese society since it is located in Osaka, the second largest metropolitan area as well as the heart of the Kansai region. Since I am an outgoing person who would love to enjoy my university life with many social activities, I believe that the campus location will be a perfect fit for me.
To wrap it up, quality education with good academic support, a multicultural campus, its location, and the availability of various scholarships attracted me to apply for Ritsumeikan University. After I have studied for about a year and a half at RU, now, I can say that the university meets my expectations and always motivates me to become a better version of myself.
- 3. Give us an overview of your studies and course schedule from the 1st year to now.
Ritsumeikan uses the "Learn and Apply" methodology which allows me to apply the knowledge gained during my study. For example, in the first semester, I learned about research techniques and chose the on-site project that I preferred. In the second semester, I was assigned to a group and took part in the on-site research, applying the research techniques that I had learned in the previous semester. This kind of “Learn and Apply” teaching method enhances my research knowledge which will be a good foundation for my graduation thesis in the future.
The courses are grouped into different categories in the syllabus, and we can choose them from each category based on our interests, which provides us with academic freedom in pursuing our passionate interdisciplinary. Courses under the “Computing and Research Methods” category help me master applying scientific techniques and survey approaches. I am interested in different kinds of simulation theories which can be applied in policymaking. So, last year, I took a gaming simulation course that is under the “Computing and Research Methods” category, and it was such an intriguing course that empowers students to be able to conduct Problem-Based Learning in the virtual world where we can experience phenomena that we hardly experience in the real world. Courses under the vision-building category focus on social issues like the aging population, disasters, and gender inequality to have a better understanding of policies and to make sustainable policies. I wanted to learn topics related to food and I took two courses related to food which are under the vision-building category last year. Through these courses, I got a chance to learn the different perspectives of stakeholders in a food chain through group discussions which enlightened me to understand the importance of the policies for a sustainable food system. Likewise, there are many interesting courses under each category, and we can enroll them based on individual interests.
My favorite activity in class is discussion time because I got an opportunity to discuss various topics with international students who came from different backgrounds during the lectures, which broadened my perspectives and helped me learn cross-cultural communication. Plus, my language proficiency has significantly improved! My Japanese language lectures, club participation, and surroundings help me improve my Japanese 4 skills. Regarding English language skills, I am now more familiar with different English accents thanks to the diverse community.
Overall, the course schedule in CRPS is quite comprehensive which gives students a space to balance between academics and experiential learning activities. Additionally, each course category teaches the cause and effect of different topics, and this learning environment is beneficial for language improvement and shapes the required skills for studying in this academic field and working in the globalized workplace.
- 4. How is your university life?
This study abroad has been one of the biggest turning points in my life, as I am now responsible for managing everything on my own. In the beginning, I was nervous about the new environment where my family would not be with me. However, with the help of friendly people, I have been able to adjust and adapt to living here more quickly than I expected.
In the beginning, I was so worried about whether I might be able to keep up with the lectures and engage in group discussions. So, I asked for advice from my seniors regarding choosing courses. I decided to attend classes that are beginner friendly. When I became familiar with this academic field, I started enrolling in the more challenging courses.
Aside from my studies, I also take part in social activities and travel with my friends in my leisure time. After school and on weekends, I hang out with my friends, enjoying seasonal flowers like Sakura, festivals, thrilling rides, and entertaining shows at Universal Studios. Moreover, I also travel on long vacations with my friends to different parts of Japan.
Travels in Japan in Summer Vacation
First time Ice Skating
Ready to make our handmade noodles with customize packaging in Cup Noodles Museum
I cannot overlook the fact that living in the dormitory plays a major role in making my university life meaningful since it gives me ample opportunity to make friends from different majors and be a part of the international community. My roommates and I exchange cultures and languages by cooking together. Plus, my friends and I visit each other’s rooms at night to talk or study together or play games. We usually make a surprise for the close birthday celebrant, secretly decorating the dining rooms with balloons and birthday cake at midnight.
A birthday surprise at the dorm
Snows on my birthday
A birthday surprise at the dorm Snows on my birthday
My active participation in various clubs has enriched my student life. Currently, I have joined two university clubs. The first one is called “Global Supporter” which is about translating and interpreting between two languages, Japanese and English. The second club has many activities including managing booths for festivals at the university. Participating in different club activities opens the door for me to engage with students from other campuses and enhance my leadership skills and interpersonal skills.
Club activities
Overall, I am now trying to best use my time in Japan by balancing my academic coursework and extracurricular activities, with the goal of a good academic record, gaining valuable experiences, creating good memories with friends, and developing new skills to grow as a well-rounded student.
- 5. What is your career plan and goal/dream after graduating from RU?
After my graduation, I will work in the green industry business. While working there, I would like to study MBA. After gaining certain work experience and knowledge, I plan to start my own business.
- 6. Do you have any experience or advice that you would like to share with students who are planning to apply for the CRPS Major?
There are two steps in the application process. The first step is the submission of the required documents and the application essays. If you pass this step, there will be an interview as the second step of the application process.
Here is what I prepared during the application journey. I hope my tips and tricks are helpful to you.
Let’s start with the application essays. First of all, I read the instructions carefully, highlighting the important points. We have to write three essays, but I am not so sure the questions are still the same now. The first two essays are meant to express how your interest, experience, and hobby align with your passion and dedication in applying for the CRPS major at Ritsumeikan University. The third essay is about issues facing contemporary society which was the most challenging essay among the three for me. I have the habit of listening to the news to make sure that I catch up with the latest information. This habit helps me to make my essay more informative and relevant to current social issues and trends. Plus, I also researched articles and papers regarding the topics that I chose. Before writing the essays, I asked myself, “What will make my essay unique and/or interesting.”
When I finished writing, I proofread my essays by checking the grammar, vocabulary, and composition. Most importantly, I reviewed the essays from the interviewer’s perspective like “If I were an interviewer, would I choose this person”.
When you are invited for the interview, “Congratulations!” You have completed half of the journey toward studying at Ritsumeikan.
For the interview stage, I watched Youtube videos about how to nail university entrance interviews. I prepared for the possible interview questions. Moreover, when I applied to this major, there were no seniors from Myanmar studying here at CRPS. So, I also read these kinds of articles, and student interviews, to get any tips. I would suggest reviewing the essays you submitted prior to the interview, as the interviewers often ask questions related to them.
I was nervous before the interview. Here is a tip to reduce your anxiety. I hope it works for you. I wrote down a motivational quote on a sticky note and stuck it on my PC to remind myself not to be afraid during the interview.
All in all, believe in yourself and relax, which will give you positive energy.
Good luck to you all and I hope you can learn something useful for you from this article.
Thank you for taking the time to read until the end.
Hope to see you at Ritsumeikan.
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