政治経済学部のグローバル教育・留学
National Chengchi University、Y. C.さん
Profile of the exchange student
Name（氏名）: Y. C.
Home institution（所属大学）: National Chengchi University
Period of exchange program（留学期間）: 2021/9-2022/3
What brought you to study abroad in Japan? Why did you choose Meiji University? / 日本への留学を志したきっかけと、明治大学を選んだ理由
What brought you to study abroad in Japan? /日本への留学を志したきっかけ
After 3 years of academic immersion in my home university in Taiwan, I wanted to expand my knowledge of the world by the unique opportunities the exchange program can provide. Japan was my first choice because it is not only one of the nearest locations overseas, but also a country that has a distinct culture and language than that of Taiwan’s. Although I did not speak Japanese before the program, I had the privilege to have visited Japan 4 times in my childhood and in my teenage years. Japan’s food and drama culture were also reasons that made it a desirable destination.
Why did you choose Meiji University? / 明治大学を選んだ理由
Meiji University has been a leading institution for the study of law and international relations since its founding in Meiji Japan. Second, it is located in Tokyo, which itself is a world-class city for business, politics, and popular culture alike. Just by browsing through the faculty page of SPSE I had the impression that Meiji would make an ideal place for intellectual enrichments in the field of Political Science. On top of all else, a senior classmate in my uni had said wonderful things about his time at Meiji during the 2020 Fall semester. He also praised the Japanese language class for the teachers’ dedication to students.
What do you like about Meiji University? / 明治大学の好きなところについて
(1) What is your favorite place on the campuses of Meiji University? / 明治大学のキャンパスで好きな場所はどこですか。
N/A (Online Exchange Program during COVID-19 pandemics)
(2) What is your favorite subject (course) at Meiji University? / 好きな授業を教えてください。
Course title: Core Courses in Law and Political Science II (Lecturer: Menkhaus, Johannes Heinrich)
As a registered lawyer, Professor Menkhaus was as knowledgeable as I would’ve expected; yet his ability to explain complex or otherwise novel concepts in economics, law, history, and politics in a clarifying manner was a relief and blessing on students’ side. I attended two of his courses, which dealt with comparative laws and comparative studies of Japan and Germany respectively. I had learned so much through Professor Menkhaus despite the fact that, for the Covid pandemic disruptions, I did not meet him or my classmates in person. Would recommend the two classes for anyone interested in law or the systematic comparisons between Japan and Germany!
How is your life in Japan? / 日本で過ごした感想について
(1) What made you surprised during the study abroad in Japan? / 日本に留学して驚いたところは？
I want to become a journalist that covers politics, both domestically and globally. The ultimate goal is to become one specializing in the political climax of the United States. But before that I will first acquire a master’s degree to further my knowledge of American politics and sharpen my writing skills.
(2) Comparing with your student life in/at your home country/institution, do you find anything that you particularly enjoy as well as anything challenging for you in your student life here in Japan? / 自分の国の学生生活と比べて、日本の学生生活で楽しいところ・大変だと感じるところはありますか？
N/A (Online Exchange Program during COVID-19 pandemics)
About yourself and messages / ご自身について＆メッセージ
(1) What is your dream? / 将来の夢は何ですか？
I want to become a journalist that covers politics, both domestically and globally. The ultimate goal is to become one specializing in the political climax of the United States. But before that I will first acquire a master’s degree to further my knowledge of American politics and sharpen my writing skills.
(2) Please introduce something about your home country./ 故郷の国の紹介や自慢をしてください。
My home country is in Taiwan, which is a tiny country compared to the large soil of Japan. Taiwan has a unique place in our world mainly because of its entangled relationship with China, which should be viewed under the triangular interactions among the United States, China, and Japan in terms of geopolitics. Owing to this, people here are generally very open to political discussions and they are mostly friendly towards people visiting. Hence if you want to learn about Taiwan or the Chinese language, I would say this would be a good place to start!
(3) Please introduce something about your home institution. / ご自身の所属大学の紹介や自慢をしてください。
National Chengchi University is a small-sized research university that is renowned in the fields of law, social sciences, and commerce. The school also has a portion of international faculties that specialize in different majors. I would say that the professors here are generally very knowledgeable and willing to help students with regards to their questions. Aside from the academic environment, the school is located in Taipei City, which provides an excellent exposure to all the interesting events and rich culture of urban life.
(4) Please give some messages for international students who wish to come and study at Meiji University as an exchange student. / これから明治大学に留学することを志している方へのメッセージをお願いします。
You will be amazed by the joined efforts of the faculties, school coordinators, and students in making exchange students’ experience a worthwhile one. If you would like to build a close bond with an academic staff, with the design of the zemi class (a seminar-like advanced course for seniors), this is the perfect place! I personally found that the professors cared a lot about the students’ learning. At Meiji you will also be able to encounter a diverse student body of both Japanese and international students.
(5) Please give some messages for Meiji University students / 明大生へのメッセージをお願いします。
I really appreciate all of the efforts that you made to help me get to know everybody in the class. I am also very thankful for the volunteers who practiced Japanese with me in the office hour session and the language class. Thank you for being so supportive!
