Messages from Current and Former Students at
the School of International Studies

During my four years at KGU, I not only studied international studies but also truly lived an international experience. Balancing my studies in economics, management, and linguistics with a part-time job helped me develop strong time-management skills and gave me real-world insights into Japanese culture and work life. I built friendships with classmates from different backgrounds, which expanded my understanding of cultural perspectives and helped me grow as a global citizen. SIS equipped me with key skills and insights that have been invaluable in my current role in hospitality. Courses in cross-cultural communication and language studies were especially helpful, as they prepared me to engage with guests from around the world, and my academic background also provided a solid understanding of the business aspects of hospitality, helping me appreciate the broader context of my work within the industry. The adaptability and problem-solving skills I developed through balancing academics and work have been essential in handling the dynamics and fast-paced environment of a hotel.

I chose a career in hospitality because it's a field where I can apply my passion for connecting with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds every day. My studies at SIS influenced this path by nurturing a global perspective and enhancing my understanding of cultural dynamics, which are essential in hospitality. Working at the front desk allows me to interact with guests from around the world, providing me with a daily opportunity to use the cross-cultural communication skills I gained during my studies. I highly recommend that students take advantage of any language courses, cross-cultural communication classes, and opportunities to study topics like economics and management. Language skills will help you connect with others and open doors professionally, while cultural awareness is essential for building empathy and adaptability. Also, working while studying helped me apply what I was learning and gave me valuable insights into the realities of professional life. These experiences will set you up to thrive in a global career, regardless of where you end up working.

I chose KGU because of the diverse range of classes and opportunities it offers. SIS, in particular, allowed me to explore a variety of subjects while focusing on my areas of interest, such as sociolinguistics and business / marketing. Having previously attended a Japanese language school, the ability to take classes in both Japanese and English was especially important to me. The university's motto, “Mastery for Service”, truly reflects my experience — thanks to the comprehensive education and support I received, I not only feel prepared to enter the workforce but also confident in my ability to tackle any challenges that come my way.

What I love most about KGU is the campus. Its location is perfectly nestled between Osaka and Kobe, offering the best of both worlds — easy access to two vibrant cities while also being central enough to explore the entire Kansai region. The campus itself is expansive, with plenty of spaces to study, relax, and spend time with friends. It’s an ideal environment for making new connections and building lasting friendships, truly enhancing the overall university experience. I’ve been living in Japan for a while now, and I absolutely love the culture here, especially in the Kansai area. The people are incredibly approachable and welcoming, and the food is nothing short of amazing! From street food in Osaka to fresh sushi in Kobe, every meal feels like a new adventure. I’m really glad I chose KGU as my university. The combination of an excellent academic environment, the rich local culture, and the vibrant student life here has made my time in Japan unforgettable. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to study and grow.

Going forward, I’m most excited about applying the skills and knowledge I gained at KGU to my future career in Japan. Through my five semesters of Japanese language courses, I’ve built strong proficiency in both academic and business Japanese, which will be essential in a professional setting. My experience in a zemi (seminar class) , focused on Sociolinguistics, has taught me the value of collaboration, leadership, and structured problem-solving. I’m eager to utilize these skills to contribute meaningfully to a team and take on leadership roles in my career. The bonds formed with classmates and the practical experiences I had at KGU have prepared me to thrive in Japan’s professional environment.

I chose to study at KGU because of its strong commitment to academic excellence and its global outlook. As someone passionate about International Studies and cross-cultural collaboration, KGU’s interdisciplinary approach and international focus provide an ideal environment for exploring global issues. The university’s emphasis on character building through its “Mastery for Service” motto moves in line with my values of leadership and service to others. Additionally, the Christian background of KGU and the opportunity to learn in Japan, a nation known for its innovation, rich culture, and respect for tradition, further enhances the appeal of studying at KGU.

Studying at KGU has been a transformative experience for me. The ultra-modern library, well-structured campus, and the seasoned teaching and non-teaching staff have created an exceptional learning environment. However, the aspect I value most is the vibrant diversity on campus. KGU’s international community allows me to interact with students from various cultural backgrounds, including English-based students, exchange students, and international students studying in Japanese. This creates an enriching atmosphere where we share cultures and learn from one another, giving me the unique experience of accessing first-hand insights about the world while sitting in one place. This diversity has enhanced my understanding of International Studies, making me confident that choosing this path in 2024 was the best decision. Additionally, living in Japan has exposed me to a society that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, reinforcing my respect for cultural preservation and progress. These experiences have shaped my perspective and prepared me for a future of global engagement and collaboration.

Going forward, I am excited about how the skills and knowledge I am gaining at KGU will shape my future. Classes like Japanese business, international law, entrepreneurship, and Japanese language are equipping me with a unique combination of expertise that aligns with my aspirations. If I pursue a career in Japan, my understanding of Japanese business practices and proficiency in the language will enable me to navigate professional environments effectively and contribute to cross-cultural collaborations. Alternatively, studying international law and entrepreneurship will provide a strong foundation for law school, preparing me to advocate for justice and innovate solutions to global challenges. These experiences will allow me to contribute meaningfully to any path I choose.

SIS is a multicultural department, where many international students from all over the world and Japanese students who are interested in international subjects belong. You will be warmly welcomed because we are willing to engage with international students. SIS offers classes specializing in global relationships, international and domestic industry, the economy, and of course, languages, so you can broaden your perspective before choosing a specific research topic in your 3rd and 4th year. On weekday, I have various classes, and on weekends, I usually go on short trips with international friends. There is a matching system for international students called KG Buddies, so you can easily find Japanese friends. The university also has a Global Lounge located in the same building as SIS, where Japanese and international students to gather and talk.

Various people with all sorts of interests come together at the SIS, so I recommend talking to them to take in different notions or ways of thinking and develop a broader perspective.

I currently belong to an NGO that works to guarantee the rights of refugees and foreign workers, and I am able to use my knowledge in the actual activities because I had these opportunities where I was able to learn in system about immigration-related laws and history, such as Japan's Immigration Control Act, in classes offered in SIS (e.g. International Migration Theory). In the critical thinking course, I learnt that logical and critical thinking skills should not be used to 'put people down'. I believe that developing logical thinking skills for constructive dialogue is an important aspect of any career. In the SIS, you are not bound by specialization, either in a good or bad way, so you can learn about a wide variety of studies. When I entered KGU, I was interested in development-related fields, but gradually I became more interested in gender issues and sociology in Japan. I think this is a unique feature of the SIS, where I was able to broaden my interests by not being enrolled in a specific major from the start, and I was able to choose the studies that interested me at every stage.

In addition, in the SIS, I had many opportunities to partake in small-group discussions and debates in my English classes, so I was able to speak up without fear when interacting with bureaucrats and youth representatives from other countries at the UN, and also in discussions in my classes at study abroad*. The professors in the SIS are also very kind and helpful on a one-to-one basis outside of class, such as during office hours. Because I was accustomed to such an environment, I was able to actively utilize the office hours in my study abroad destination and spend meaningful time, and as a result, I was given an opportunity to work as a research assistant under the professor, and was introduced to internships at companies related to gender and immigration policy.
*Yuki participated in a student exchange program at the University of British Columbia, Canada, for approximately one year from fall semester of her second year.

I have had a lot of strange connections, like the time I sat next to someone on a flight from Canada to Tokyo and became friends with later turned out that they lived just two stops from my nearest train station, and I ended up working for them for the summer holidays, or when I was looking for a homestay on social media while studying abroad, the person who happened to approach me later turned out to be an acquaintance of the president of my internship company. These experiences made me believe that valuing encounters and conversations on a daily basis leads to a better life.
A couple of months after entering the university, I sometimes felt somewhat depressed due to long hours of computer work and a large amount of assignments from the classes that were online because of the pandemic, and I did not realize how stressed I was. I would like to tell everyone not to work too hard. You don't have to do anything until your heart is worn down, because your physical and mental health comes first. It's great to work as hard as you can, but if your mind starts to feel stressed, I want you to relax and take a break.
After completing my study at SIS, I aim to go on to graduate school in the UK. I would like to continue the research I am currently undertaking for my graduation thesis (a gender perspective on migrant domestic workers' community building and protest movements) in graduate school. I would also like to make a sustainable contribution to creating a place for children with developmental disorders, so I hope to be able to work both as a researcher and social worker at the same time.

I choose to study in Kwansei Gakuin University, not only because KGU offers various great programs, but also it fits my career goals. School of International Studies (SIS) has courses with different areas or fields of studies, such as Linguistic, Economics, and Politics. Students can choose and modify their courses based on their own interests. I am really interested about Economics and Business, however, at the same time, I can also study about other subjects, such as International Relations, in SIS. It was also great to study in this diverse environment with beautiful campus. KGU has many events for students to interact with each other, such as coffee hour or social gathering. In this diverse environment, I learned not only the school subjects, but also other student's cultures and experiences. Moreover, School of International Studies offers classes in English, however, it also requires students to take Japanese language classes. Under this system, I can study to improve both my English and Japanese proficiency. School of International Studies be established for a long time, however, it has many good facilities, various courses, excellent professors. The professors are always available for students. On the other side, KGU provides many great programs, such as exchange program or UN volunteer program, in order to help students become World Citizens.

My life at KGU is great. Even though most of the courses I took were taught in English, I still have many chances to meet Japanese students and work with them. Students are very positive and eager to learn in the class. Many good facilities are easy to use, such as lounge. Students can gather in the lounge for study, relaxing, and playing. Moreover, there are plenty choices of club activity, which students can feel free to join. Libraries are also one of the places I loved in KGU. It is beautiful with plenty resources for students to use for either class materials or own study. The online databases for researches are also enough for students to use. Classes conducted in small size let me be able to have more interactions with other classmates and professors. Honestly, many of my friends feel wonderful to study at KGU as well. We all have a good time in the study environment KGU provides us.

I planned to work in an International company or corporation in Japan after graduated from KGU. The diverse environment in KGU will help me better understand one's culture in my chosen workplace. Moreover, the programs I wish to join in KGU can greatly help me to obtain the skills for my future career. University is the last step to prepare for future career. I appreciate the chances and opportunities that KGU provides me for me to prepare and plan my future.

My interest is to address and work for solutions to problems facing around the world, such as economic, politic, human rights situations and environmental hazard. In order to pursue my interest into a future career, I want to gain more understanding in world politics, foreign affairs, and international security. Under the School of International Studies (SIS) of KGU, I have an opportunity to demonstrate my curiosity about global affairs starting from a country to the international organizations. It is always the right decision to belong to KGU in achieving ability and skills day by days.

"Growing is blessing and happiness" since I am in the process of growing, there is no doubt about the happiness I have right now in my campus life. Not only the courses I am taking in SIS supports my interest, but also from the instructors, friends from all over the world, and people from KGU, I learn a lot of things that I will cherish for the rest of my life. KGU is putting a lot of efforts in encouraging students to become a "Global Citizen". Under SIS, I see myself becoming one by understanding peace and war, causes and solutions, history, languages, cultures, and different values and dignity that people have in their life. By connecting, interacting, and building a strong relationship (with mutual respect and understanding) with leaders and innovators of the future history from different parts of the world, I believe I am fulfilling KGU's hope of seeing me as a global citizen. "How do you see yourself in the future?" Although I do not have the exact answer of what, who and where I am going to be in my future, one thing I am sure is I will keep growing the KGU's spirit of "Mastery for Service" inside me. I am seeing myself, using all of the skills and ability I gain from SIS, KGU in serving the best for people, peace for the world, and glory of Almighty God.

The four years in SIS was the most amazing years in my life. The courses that I took gave me the opportunity to learn about the business world. I even participated in a cross-cultural internship program which allowed me to get a close look upon the real business world. I am interested in the study of "glocalization". SIS gave me the opportunity to explore upon the topics related to glocalization and globalized business. This is a relatively new topic, yet a necessary strategy for business to go global.

Currently I am working for a promotion agency, Fantasia Inc. which is based in Osaka. We are providing PR, business consulting, and branding services to both Japanese and overseas companies. Instead of going back to my home country, I chose to stay in Japan and working for this start-up company. Since this is a promotion agency and trying to connect local business in a global framework. Moreover, without the "glocal" knowledge, it is difficult for business to become successful, which was the topic that I had studied during my undergraduate school. I was pleased that I am be able to utilize the knowledge that I obtained back in school in my current and hopefully future career.

For students whom are interesting in coming to Japan and applying for undergraduate at SIS, I would recommend you guys to study some basic Japanese before coming to Japan, or you could also choose to go to a Japanese language school in Japan before applying to SIS. Since Japanese is the only and main language people use in daily life, so for your own convenient I would definitely recommend you guys to obtain some Japanese ability in order to make academic and private life much better. SIS is absolutely full with chances and possibilities!

I chose Kwansei Gakuin because it was one of the few universities in Japan with a new department of international studies(SIS) that had English courses in line with my field of interest, from which I had hoped to utilise all the hidden opportunities in me and also study the diversified environment, to become a global citizen. The fact that I had some Ugandan seniors already at this department whose stay at the university had greatly changed them into strong, admirable world leaders. I always felt so proud of what kind of people they had become after joining K G U, therefore joining this school was a dream come true.

Since I joined KGU, I have had an amazing experience. I have been impressed with how students learn from the caring professors who give opportunity to every student at anytime in such a beautiful natural environment. I am now enrolled in two multicultural clubs from which I am able to improve my Japanese Language through talking to Japanese friends, and also deepen my knowledge about the world. I have been inspired by the community at this school which is always eager to learn from my culture. This makes me happy because I also get to learn from them. More to that, there has been an open opportunity for me to challenge new things in my life which I am so happy about.

From the education I attain at Kwansei Gakuin university, I have come to appreciate many cultures, most especially the Japanese culture, through the language and art. I therefore would like to use this experience to make a big difference to my country as I work with cultural developmental projects with the connections I have got while at KGU.

I wanted to study overseas in Japan because of my interest in Japanese culture, and because of Japan's importance and standing globally. I felt that learning in another country would also challenge myself and I could learn more than if I stayed in Singapore. KGU's ideals of working toward being a global citizen fit the objectives I wanted, and when the opportunity presented itself, I decided to go for it and enter KGU.

Campus life in KGU has been nothing but enriching. The Campus itself is beautiful and many a day has been spent enjoying nature in the peaceful greenery. I've also been able to meet wonderful people from all over the world and had some great experiences that were both fun beyond imagining but also educating. Thanks to the variety of people in classes, and professors with diverse educational backgrounds I've grown to have a more global perspective on issues and expanded knowledge.

In future, I definitely want to put all that I've learnt to good use, and create a stronger link between my country, Singapore, and Japan, the country in which I've made for myself a second home. I believe that as technological advances continue to bring countries closer and more interconnected, there will be an increased need to foster stronger culturalties as the influence of soft power grows. I hope to be involved in a field where I work towards building or strengthening the bridge between Japan, Singapore and the region, and contribute globally to the best of my ability.