Able to receive ample communication, guidance and advice from the professors because of its small class size

2017年7月5日更新

Ms. K.M. (Korean)
Undergraduate
Faculty of Human Life and Environmental Sciences, Division of Human Life Studies, Department of Social Sciences and Family Studies

The reason to study in Japan

BOA’s song ignited my interest in Japan

Around in 2002, Korea’s interest toward Japan substantially increased because the Korean singer, BOA, climbed to the top of the chart in Japan. It was also through BOA’s songs that I came in touch with the Japanese language for the first time. Coincidently, my older sister was studying Japanese and I started to study the language as a hobby too.

By the time I reached college-age, I thought, since I studied Japanese and since Korean companies hold Japan’s economy and its corporate management in high regard, I thought about going to a Japanese university. It is definitely a leg up when looking for a job in Korea. I had an interest in marketing and management, and as I wanted to widely study about Japan’s society and its consumer culture, I looked for a university that offered courses in the field of social sciences.

The reason for selecting Ochanomizu University

Interest in women’s university and the attraction of Tokyo

Since I was worried about the tuition cost, I narrowed my research down to national universities. Furthermore, I was interested in women’s university since up until high school I only knew coed. When it comes to national university, it comes down to the two universities of either Nara Women’s University or Ochanomizu University. But since I longed to go to Tokyo, I was initially interested in going to Ochanomizu University for that reason.

After researching its website, I felt that Ochanomizu University offered generous assistance packages to the students. One of my friends who go to a well-known private university in Tokyo tells me that although there are organizations such as the international exchange team and centers on campus, support for individual students are actually wanting. What I really liked about Ochanomizu University was its small class size and that they individually supported the students. For example, I feel the University has excellent career support that is beneficial for finding employment, and the connection between the professional alumni as well as programs for company visits are unparalleled.

Student life and surrounding support at Ochanomizu University

Grateful for the support system such as the International Student Affairs Office

There is a sizeable number of Koreans studying at Ochanomizu University as exchange students or graduate students, but there are very few Koreans enrolled in the undergraduate department. In fact, the number of international students in the undergraduate department as a whole is very small and I was a little concerned. However, this became a good reason for me to become close to the other Japanese students.

I did not experience any language barrier since I had been studying Japanese in Korea for five years, but there were many instances where I received a lot of help from the support system of the university. When you are studying abroad far away from your family, you worry about whom to turn to when you are really in trouble. There are numerous support centers, including the International Affairs Office, however, not only the staff from the support center gave me assistance, but professors and members of the international exchange team were very personable and closely listened to my stories ranging from matters concerning interpersonal relationships, money issues, and personal, psychological struggles.

In terms of academics, Ochanomizu University has fewer faculty departments compared to other universities. This means smaller class size, which allows for increased communication, guidance and advice from professors. For those who are thinking about going beyond the faculty that they belong to gain a wider knowledge-base, please apply to Ochanomizu University.

In addition, starting this year, mutual credit exchange system with Hitotsubashi University has started. Hitotsubashi University is known as the top-ranking national university in economics and management in Japan. Since Ochanomizu University has other mutual credit exchange systems with other universities besides Hitotsubashi, one can easily take classes in faculties that Ochanomizu University does not have just by applying. This privilege is only reserved for regular students. Since I am thinking of starting my own business in the future, I am taking a class on management at Hitotsubashi University.

Life in Japan, cultural gap

Myogadani, which is where Ochanomizu University is located, is a quiet town that is most suited for academic life

The Tokyo we see on TV in Korea is either Shibuya, Harajuku or Akihabara. But when I actually came to Japan, I realized that the atmosphere can change entirely between just one subway station a difference between just one subway station totally changes the atmosphere. I had an image of Tokyo as a place with many skyscrapers. But when you leave the metropolitan area for just a bit, you are surrounded by greenery, and most of all, I was shocked by the coexistence of the ambiance of the traditional part of the city and the old culture with a modern city. Even though Ochanomizu University is located in Myogadani which is very close to Ikebukuro, it is very quiet, and I believe it is most suited for studying.

I have gotten quite used to living in Japan, but when I first came here, I remember being taken back by how long it took to open a bank account. I realized that it was important to take the initiatives to ask questions, since no one will tell me if I kept silent.

The University does not give referrals for residential accommodations. Instead, there are three dormitories that belong to the university, and the only dormitories that a regular student can join are Oyama Dormitory and SCC. In the beginning, I lived in the University dormitory (Oyama), but now I live in the Tokyo International Exchange Center (not owned by the University), where many international students live. I only spoke in Japanese at the dormitory of Ochanomizu University, but since there are so many different nationalities now, we all mostly speak in English and I am always nervous because I do not speak the language very well (laughs). Outside of school, I have a part-time job as a Korean language instructor. I want to venture out on holidays, but since I am in the midst of writing my graduation thesis, I do not have any time.

My future image

After working for a Japanese company, I would like to start my own business

In the beginning, I thought about working in Japan after I graduated, but now I am thinking of applying to graduate school. After finishing my master’s program, I want to take advantage of what I learned in japan and experience life in a Japanese organization. In the future, I would like to start my own business. Among the Japanese students, there are many who just want to be a housewife in the future, and I think this is unfortunate.

In addition, the students that I know from South East Asia are very bright. Therefore, I want to launch a company that utilizes such female human resources and international students from South East Asia. Finally, I want to build a company that supports and develops highly competent human resources from all over Asia in order to widely contribute to the countries of Asia.

Favorite spot caption

Ms. K.M. says, “I love the architecture of the Main Building.” It is a historical building that expresses the wisdom of women which serves as a symbol of Ochanomizu University.

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