Study at Kansai University
Comments from current international students
I became interested in Japan because of music and anime. When I was in junior high school, I happened to hear the music of the Japanese band B'z, and I started studying Japanese because I wanted to know what they were singing about. I majored in Japanese language at a university in Taiwan, but after advancing to graduate school, I started thinking that it would be wasteful to major just in the Japanese language. I had always had an interest in psychology, and so, I decided to study at a graduate school in Japan, because that way, I would be able to learn real Japanese that is used by the people, while also being able to study a specialized major.
I had heard the name of Kansai University from before, because my home university in Taiwan, Providence University, is a partner institution. As I started looking into Kansai University in more detail, I learned that they have a graduate school program in psychology, which is what I wanted to major in, and that they also have good facilities and student support system. So, I had no hesitation in choosing Kansai University for my study abroad.
Although I decided to study abroad, I did not have any expertise that would enable me to keep up with the level of studies at a graduate school. I was also feeling a little uncertain about my Japanese language abilities. And so, I decided to start out by attending the graduate school for one year as a Foreign Research Student. Foreign Research Students at Kansai University Graduate Schools are able to take the same classes as the other degree-seeking students, and can also use a variety of facilities. I was able to think about what it was that I wanted to study, while giving myself time to get used to living and taking classes in Japan, and I was also able to meet a professor with whom I wished to further my studies.
After attending the school as a Foreign Research Student, I formally enrolled in Kansai University's Graduate School. I am taking courses other than those on psychology, and also, I think that for the classes that I took last year as a research student, my level of understanding of its content has deepened. In the future, I would like to write a doctoral thesis on art therapy, which is what I am interested in.
When I first came to Japan to study, I had many Taiwanese friends, but now, my ratio of friends is about half Japanese and half international students, and I have made friends with people from many different countries. In the beginning, it was difficult to understand the Kansai dialect, but now, I find myself speaking it, too. Also, at a Japan-Taiwan student conference held every other week, we do presentations and debates with Taiwanese and Japanese students from other universities. We have fun, because we get to meet diverse students and exchange different opinions, and we also go on study trips together.
In the future, I wish to become a person who works actively at a global level. I am interested in finding employment in Japan, but I also feel strongly that I wish to study again at another country, so after graduating, I am planning to go to England. In the end, I would like to return to Taiwan and do work that would contribute to my country.
Kansai University has a good environment, including facilities and study support, to enable international students to further their studies. The university is also located in a residential, quiet area, which makes it easier to concentrate on our studies, and has great access to central Osaka. You have opportunities to meet with international students from all different countries, so it will give you a global perspective on things.
I enjoy music of what is known as "visual-kei" bands, so I enjoy going to concerts of my favorite musicians. Osaka has many concert venues, so there are times when I go see four or more concerts in a month. I still go to such concerts even now with a Finnish friend that I met through our mutual interests.
Note: This interview was held in December 2013.