Impact Beyond Campus
Put yourself out there, maximize your time, and take charge of your life
Emily Jones
United States
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Major Anthropology
Your study plan in Hosei.
My study plan at Hosei was to continue studying in the path of anthropology. There are not many courses available in this subject at Hosei University, but that can be easily navigating by selected courses that include lots of anthropological topics, such as sociology, history, and linguistics courses, as well as classes that specialize in globalization or sensitive social topics like sexualities and discrimination. I also planned to study more Japanese and improve my skills in all aspects, like reading, speaking, and listening. Some of my favorite courses taken in my university years were the classes I took at Hosei University, and I got to learn about a lot of Japan-specific topics and a deeper look into Japanese history and social structures. I also got to participate in many enriching class discussions in the ESOP classes, and it was very valuable to hear from other people around their world and how they see the world in different matters, even down to very sensitive topics with everyone treating each other with respect and acknowledging the international status of everyone in the room.
Why did you choose to study in Hosei
I chose to study at Hosei University because my home university, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, had an exchange program with Hosei that allowed me to easily connect and move between the two universities seamlessly. In the past, I have met Japanese students that studied at my home university in the two years before I attended, and they inspired me to go to Hosei more than anything. The kindness and inclusiveness of Hosei students transcends Japanese borders and I made lifelong friends with Hosei students before I stepped foot on Hosei University campus, which was the most valuable to me as an incoming international student with no companions from my home university accompanying me. My Japanese professor at my home university promoted Hosei endlessly as well, and gave me a lot of great information and supported me greatly with any questions that I had. Hosei is also a well-known university, and the beautiful campuses and convenient locations in the heart of Tokyo were very appealing. The kindness of the staff during the application and inquiry processes was also a major factor and very helpful to me in making my decision to study at Hosei.
What did your study abroad experience bring you?
My study abroad experience brought me the best year of my life so far. The friends that I made, both domestic Hosei University students and other international exchange students are some of the closest friends I have and I am looking forward to seeing them in the future when I return to Japan or visit my friends in their respective countries. I gained independence and I feel empowered in my own decisions and life path due to the exchange program and I learned a lot of invaluable things about myself. I am more able to communicate with others and feel confident in myself when in unfamiliar situations. I can now navigate problems effectively and everything became a lesson in humility and understanding others, which is truly priceless. My study abroad experience at Hosei was the first time to experience living on my own and my first time in Asia, as well as my first time studying outside of the United States. I cannot imagine who I would be today without the knowledge and life experience I gained in Japan through the privilege of being able to study at Hosei University for a year. It has helped me decide my future education and career path, and I have new goals set in mind to return to Japan in the future to the second home in my heart in Tokyo, thanks to Hosei University.
Message to the prospective students
To prospective students, Hosei University is a beautiful campus with some of the most amazing student and staff support systems imaginable. The well-organized and supportive Global Education Center is incredible, and the students you meet on campus are kind and welcoming. There are countless events to interact with domestic Hosei students and other local schools to learn about Japan and speak with Japanese students about their experiences and to share yours and help each other learn about the world. There are so many events to spend time with other exchange students and navigate an unfamiliar place together and bond over your shared experiences as exchange students. My only advice is to really put yourself out there, maximize your time, and take charge of your life by stepping out of your comfort zone. Your study abroad experience is what you make of it, and there is no better place to experience international exchange than Hosei University.
