● Reasons for aiming to study in Japan

What made you interested in Japan?

Both of my parents had studied abroad in Japan, and since I was a child, they often talked to me about Japan. My parents said that they caused a lot of trouble for the friends they met in Japan, but they said that they were kind, polite, and followed the rules well, such as helping them get visas. At the couple's wedding reception, I remember how a Japanese senior who took care of me when I was studying abroad gave my mother a gift and said, "I was so happy." My parents are still working for a Japanese company, and Japan has always been a dream of mine.

Why did you decide to study abroad in Japan?

When I was deciding where to study abroad, many of my friends in China chose America or Europe, but I wasn't that extroverted, so I thought American and European culture didn't suit me. Of course, Japan was a country I admired, but I also felt that the Japanese national character of acting calmly suited me, so I thought it would be best to study in Japan.

● Reasons for deciding to go on to Meiji University

What made you discover Meiji University?

Meiji University was famous in China as the top private university among MARCH (a collective name for five famous private universities in Tokyo). Also, I wanted to go on to the Faculty of Law, so when I learned about the history of Meiji Law School becoming a university, I thought that I would be able to specialize in the field of law at this university, so I decided to enter.

Why did you choose Meiji University's Faculty of Law?

I chose Meiji University's Faculty of Law because I have long felt that I am a person with a strong sense of justice. In that respect, the law protects people in everyday life, and corporate activities must also comply with laws and rules. I thought it would be important for me to acquire such knowledge of the law.

When I went to college, I was also interested in the "business law course," but chose the "international law course." The International Relations Law course offered optional subjects such as Chinese law, American law, and comparative law, so I thought it suited me because I was interested in classes in international fields. I also thought that I would be able to make use of my own global perspective, having come from China and studied at a Japanese university.

Please tell us about the good points of Meiji University and the recommended points.

The best thing was that I got to meet really good friends and seniors. Even in activities such as seminars, we really hit it off and have a great time. The best thing about Meidai students is that they are full of unique people. For example, even in English circles, some circles such as English conversation and speech are active. I think it's unique to create a new circle with a theme that you want to do even if there is already a similar circle. It's easy for new students to find a circle that suits them.

I took a public international law class in my second year, but I had a hard time understanding it. At that time, I was helped by the Faculty of Law Learning Support Office. I was able to rely on my graduate student seniors as TAs (Teaching Assistants) to help me with my studies. I was taught how to write descriptive questions and asked for corrections on my reports.

● Student life at Meiji University

Are there any classes that left an impression on you?

Private International Law and International Relations Law are compulsory subjects that I took in my fourth year. Both classes were difficult, but I learned a lot by doing my own research on international issues such as conflicts between countries. By becoming more familiar with international issues, it gave me the opportunity to reconsider my future, wondering how changes in the political system will affect my future course.

What kind of research do you do in your seminar?

I'm in a criminology seminar. I have always been interested in criminal issues and wanted to learn more about crime. Also, sociology and psychology related to criminology are necessary when thinking about international politics, so I thought that I could enrich my knowledge from various perspectives. My research theme is the relationship between crime rate and region. How is the high crime rate in the US compared to Tokyo related to social development? I analyze such themes while studying theories and theories.

What is your favorite way to spend time around campus?

I live near Meiji University, so I enjoy looking around the used bookstore district in Jimbocho. This city is also famous for its curry, and there is a recommended restaurant near the university. I used to eat curry in China, but Jimbocho is great because you can eat curry from various countries other than Japan, such as India and Southeast Asia. I like Pakistani spicy curries. I sometimes eat with my friends.

●Meiji University is easy for international students to learn

How do you interact with Japanese students?

There are 19 students in the criminology seminar, and I am the only international student. She teaches me various study methods and final exam strategies, which helps me improve my grades.

When I was a third-year student when the seminar started, I was nervous, and when I had discussions with people in the same group, I couldn't express my thoughts well. The presentation was done in pairs, but the first student I worked with listened to my thoughts in detail. In the end, I was able to summarize the content at a level that Japanese people can speak normally, and even helped me with the presentation, which was very helpful.

Since I became a fourth grader, I often go out to eat with my classmates after seminars, but in the informal atmosphere, I feel that the barrier between Japanese and international students will disappear, so I feel relaxed. can speak

Please tell me some tips to make studying abroad fun

I tend to be rather introverted, but since I entered the fourth year, I have taken a step further and started to actively talk to seminar students around me and students who are taking the same class. I think this feeling is important. There are various exchange events at the international exchange lounge during lunchtime, but at the Yurutto Nihongo Café, where students talk casually in Japanese, you can make friends with other international students just by participating once. rice field.

The circle joined the STEP English club and the eloquence club (where they discuss ideas and plans in front of an audience) when they were in the first year. Even if you don't know if it's a good fit for you, I think it's good if you join the club you're interested in and become friends with the members. I left the eloquence club, but the friendship we had at that time is still going on, and we had lunch together today as well.

● About university entrance exams in Japan

Did you have a hard time studying for the exam?

The hardest part was controlling my own mind. I started university in China in September, and when my Chinese friends started university life, I was living alone for the first time in Japan while studying for entrance exams, so I was in a hurry. In the end, I had no choice but to concentrate on my studies in order to overcome that impatience. I was worried that if I failed this year, I would be one year behind, but I feel like I was able to use that as a driving force.

It took me some time to get used to life in Japan, but the Chinese sweets my mother sent me were very comforting. Also, I think that the time spent in frequent contact with my parents led to my peace of mind.

Please tell me if you have helped learning Japanese

I'm still learning Japanese, but before I entered the school, my study method was to write about a certain topic in my own way in Japanese, and then read Japanese newspapers and news articles on the same topic. It is a way to read the correct Japanese reference again and rewrite the sentences you wrote yourself. This method was easy to remember. My friend told me how to read Japanese books and comics that interest me, which I also recommend.

The experience of reading specialized legal texts in Japanese was useful for my entrance exams at Meiji University. In my statement of purpose, I used a book written by a professor at Meiji University as a reference to explain how I think about legal issues. I think it's a good idea to study the field beforehand.

●Courses after graduation

How did you decide on your career path?

At first, I thought that I would work at a company after graduation and live there for the rest of my life, but as I became familiar with international issues in the International Relations Law Course, I began to think about a more global career path.

Professor Masao Ueno, who is also the dean of the Faculty of Law, consulted me when I was thinking about my career path. He has a wide range of personal connections and has a lot of information, so he introduced me to information on career paths and volunteers, and gave me valuable opinions. It was thanks to Professor Ueno that I started to become interested in working for international organizations such as the ICJ (International Criminal Court).

I was inspired by Mr. Ueno's words, "Let's work harder and make the most of my potential."

What efforts are you making to achieve your goals?

I studied at Cambridge University General Course (at that time) for three weeks during the summer vacation of my first year. I enjoyed my life in the UK, so I thought about going on to a law Entrance Examination in the UK.

I am aiming for an IELTS score of 8.0 in English. The amount of study time varies from day to day, but it is about 8 hours a day. I woke up at 6am today and studied in the university lounge all the way until before the interview.

● Message to international students

I want you to take a positive step forward and discover your latent power. Because you should be able to do more than what you think you can do. Meiji University should accept such thoughts.

(Interviewed and photographed on June 29, 2022)