At the Faculty of International Social Sciences, international students from a wide variety of countries gather and engage in exchange with ISS students, deepening their learning in the process. Their reasons for choosing Japan as a study destination and the experiences they have on campus offer fresh perspectives to ISS students, expanding their worldviews and fostering friendships that transcend cultural boundaries. We spoke with several of these students who continue to grow together through mutual learning.

What made you decide to study abroad in Japan?

Blanche Larcher
Before studying abroad, I had never visited any country in Asia. I thought it would be a wonderful experience to live in Japan--a country on the opposite side of the world from France with a very different culture--and to learn about its culture and values firsthand. My lifelong love of Studio Ghibli films also played a role in my decision.

Jingtong Chen
My research focuses on the views of Japanese youth regarding love and marriage. I chose to study abroad in order to collect foundational data for my research. By studying modern Japanese society, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese people.

Lillian Chan
I studied Japanese for two years as a required subject at my home university. I decided to study abroad in Japan because I wanted to further improve my language skills by learning in the local environment.

Noémie Le Tonqueze
I lived in Aomori Prefecture for three years when I was in elementary school, which gave me a special connection to Japan. Ever since high school, I've wanted to study abroad here someday to experience life in Japan again and improve my Japanese language skills.

Tell us what you are studying at your home university and why you chose Gakushuin University and the Faculty of International Social Sciences.

Jingtong Chen
In China, I am majoring in Japanese Studies, exploring Japanese society from both the humanities and social sciences perspectives, including its history, culture, and language. I find Japanese Studies fascinating because it has developed from multiple viewpoints: research by Japanese scholars on their own society, European studies that began after contact during the Edo period, and postwar American area studies.

I chose Gakushuin University because of its unique atmosphere shaped by a long history, its strong academic environment, and the excellent extracurricular activities offered through the International Centre. I was also attracted by the Faculty of International Social Sciences' broad curriculum, which covers not only languages but also fields such as marketing and business strategy.

Noémie Le Tonqueze
In France, I am majoring in International Business Management. I have long admired Tokyo as a city, so having the chance to study at a campus located in the heart of Tokyo was very appealing. Of course, the high quality of education offered was also a key factor in my decision.

Blanche Larcher
In France, I am majoring in Political Science while also studying Asian culture and contemporary society. Since I had heard that Japanese people can be shy, I was a little worried about whether I could adapt and fit in at a Japanese university. However, Gakushuin University offers many support systems for international students, such as the International Centre, the Buddy System, and homestay opportunities, which gave me peace of mind when choosing to study here. In fact, I have been able to enjoy great interactions with Japanese students and am having a very fulfilling student life.

Lillian Chan
In Australia, I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in International Studies and Media (Screen and Sound Production), with a minor in Asian Studies. I became interested in Gakushuin University after learning of the strong reputation of its Faculty of International Social Sciences. I was also attracted by the wide range of courses available in English.

Tell us about a learning experience that left a strong impression on you.

Noémie Le Tonqueze
The first-day orientation left the strongest impression on me. It was very well organized and easy to understand, which allowed me to start my student life in Japan smoothly.

Lillian Chan
The small class sizes provided valuable opportunities to engage in in-depth discussions with fellow students on various topics. The professors were also extremely dedicated and offered thoughtful support to the students.

Blanche Larcher
The Arts, Culture, and Communication class was absolutely wonderful. We welcomed experts in Japanese culture as guest lecturers, visited temples, shrines, and museums together, and even had the chance to experience the tea ceremony. It was an incredibly stimulating and memorable experience.

Jingtong Chen
The Global Marketing class was particularly memorable for me. We engaged in practical exercises, such as developing marketing proposals to help Japanese companies expand into overseas markets. It was a highly engaging and rewarding learning experience.

What is your student life like? Also, what kind of students do you find at Gakushuin University and the Faculty of International Social Sciences)?

Lillian Chan
I often visit the International Centre. There, I have many opportunities to meet both other international students and Japanese students. The Centre also offers a variety of appealing activities, allowing me to experience many aspects of Japanese culture.

Jingtong Chen
I'm a member of the tennis club, which I really enjoy. Spending time with Japanese university students in daily life is a lot of fun. It also helps me improve my Japanese while making many friends, especially among other female students.

Noémie Le Tonqueze
Thanks to the Buddy System, I was able to make Japanese friends very quickly. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming.

Blanche Larcher
Japanese students may be a little shy, but they are very kind and always willing to help if you need anything.

What has been the best part of studying abroad at Gakushuin University and the Faculty of International Social Sciences?

Jingtong Chen
It's been wonderful to study alongside students from diverse backgrounds. In particular, the extracurricular activities that allowed me to experience Japanese traditional culture, arts, society, and history were extremely valuable for deepening my understanding of Japan.

Noémie Le Tonqueze
Thanks to the Buddy System and the International Centre, I've made many friends and gained a lot of valuable experiences. The Japanese language classes are also high in quality, and I feel that my language skills have improved significantly.

What do you think are the strengths of Gakushuin University and the Faculty of International Social Sciences?

Takumi Adachi
One major strength is the large number of courses offered in English. Depending on how you structure your courses, you can take English-language classes every day for all four years, allowing you to continuously improve your English skills.
Starting in the second year, you can also take social sciences courses in English, enabling you to study a broad range of fields such as law, economics, business administration, sociology, and area studies while further developing your language proficiency.
Another strength is the well-developed study abroad system. The administrative office and International Centre provide careful support to students, helping them realize study abroad opportunities that suit their goals. With the university's credit transfer system, even if you study abroad for a full year, you can still graduate in four years, so there's no need to worry about delaying your graduation.

Sakura Miyamoto
One great feature is that you can study a wide range of social science fields within a single faculty. If you develop a particular interest, you also have the opportunity to study it in greater depth.
The faculty places great emphasis on active learning through group discussions, group work, and presentations, and students are evaluated based on their level of engagement. The professors are all active experts in their respective fields with global experience, and their unique personalities really come through in their classes.
They also offer very attentive and individualized guidance to each student. While the faculty isn't very large, this creates a warm, close-knit atmosphere where students and professors can interact easily, and it's easy to form friendships with international students as well.

Is there anything you are careful about when interacting with international students?

Sakura Miyamoto
International students grow up in completely different environments, so it's only natural that their ways of thinking differ. When I encounter something that feels unfamiliar or different, I try not to respond by rejecting it. Instead, I acknowledge their perspective and share my own by saying something like, "I understand your point, but I think this way." This allows for mutual understanding and respectful exchange of ideas.

Takumi Adachi
I make a conscious effort not to hold any biases toward the international students' home countries. If you approach a conversation with false preconceptions, it may lead to misunderstandings or unintentionally offensive remarks. That's why if I ever have any doubts or uncertainties, I take the time to have an open conversation with them.
When speaking with international students, I try to adjust the language depending on their preference--some want to practice their Japanese, while others feel more comfortable chatting casually in English.

What have you gained from interacting with international students?

Takumi Adachi
My perspective has broadened greatly. Interacting with international students has made me realize something very basic: just as there are many different types of people within one country, there are also many diverse values and ways of thinking abroad. There have been many moments where my assumptions were challenged and I gained new insights. I find these daily encounters very stimulating and rewarding.

Sakura Miyamoto
Compared to Japanese students of the same age, I find that many international students have a stronger interest in political, economic, and social issues both in their home countries and globally, and they are able to clearly express their opinions on these topics. Being influenced by this, I've also started to pay more attention to societal issues and make an effort to form my own opinions.

What are your dreams or goals for after graduation?

Jingtong Chen
I hope to work for a global company that values diversity and creativity. Ideally, I would like to engage in international trade, applying the marketing knowledge I've gained in the Faculty of International Social Sciences.

Lillian Chan
In the future, I would like to return to Australia and work in government. My current goal is to utilize the international perspective I've developed through studying abroad and work in the field of diplomacy.

Takumi Adachi
Through my own study abroad experiences and interactions with international students, I've come to appreciate once again how attractive Japan is as a country. I hope to use the marketing and business knowledge I've gained at university to work in a field where I can share Japan's appeal with people in other countries.

Sakura Miyamoto
My goal aligns perfectly with the mission of the Faculty of International Social Sciences: to become a business professional who can thrive in the global arena. After graduation, I hope to work in supply chain management at a global company and contribute to solving social issues through business.

Please share a message for international students considering enrolling at Gakushuin University and the Faculty of International Social Sciences.

Takumi Adachi
The Faculty of International Social Sciences offers a wide variety of fields to study. Even if you are still exploring your interests or future goals, you're sure to discover something you're passionate about here. Let's aim together to become professionals who can thrive globally.

Blanche Larcher
Gakushuin University warmly welcomes international students. You'll make many Japanese friends, and the courses are diverse and engaging. My year studying abroad at Gakushuin has been the best year of my life. I'm sure you'll have a fulfilling and unforgettable experience as well.

Sakura Miyamoto
The Faculty of International Social Sciences offers an environment where both Japanese and international students can acquire practical knowledge that can be applied in the real world. I believe it's an ideal place for highly motivated students who are eager to keep growing and learning.

Noémie Le Tonqueze
Gakushuin University offers excellent programs and very supportive professors. There are also many clubs and circles where you can enjoy Japanese culture and meet new people. Don't hesitate to study at Gakushuin -- you won't regret it!