Student Spotlight

Why I Chose Keio SFC and Japan

Coming from Indonesia, I've always wanted to study abroad, believing it would give me a wider perspective on education and sociology, and allow me to bring new insights when I return to my home country. When considering my options, Japan struck me the most ideal as it was accessible enough yet not too much in my comfort zone--it provided me a challenge! Other than that, I've always loved Japanese culture; the food and art here is amazing! Upon narrowing my focus to Japan, SFC appealed to me as the GIGA program allowed me to have interdisciplinary perspectives, meaning that I wouldn't be constrained to just one field of study. Though this learning approach was quite new to me, I was able to learn a lot, have the support from many mentors, and make unforgettable bonds in SFC!

Challenges and Upsides of Attending a Japanese University

When I set my mind on Japan, my biggest concern was definitely the language barrier. English is my second language, so learning a third language was quite an intimidating prospect! I was worried about whether I could get by. Knowing only the basics of reading hiragana and katakana, I enrolled at the very basic level of the Japanese course in SFC, and after a few semesters, I was able to live my day-to-day life in Japan quite comfortably with the Japanese I learned. For incoming students, don't worry, it's entirely possible to enroll in SFC without knowing much Japanese beforehand. When it comes to filling out forms in Japanese like for the city hall, the Student Life section at SFC is ready to support you. That's a big selling point of attending SFC; you're given a lot of support as an international student! In general, attending a Japanese university also has its perks like the various "circles" you can join, which is a major part of Japanese culture. Additionally, this comes with the unique culture of festivals, like Tanabatasai. It's such a fun event that even the locals would attend!

Comparing Learning Environments at SFC and Universities Back Home

The learning environment in Japan is much more close-knit, especially in SFC Seminars (at least the ones that I know of)! In Seminars, students and professors can talk somewhat more casually, participating in events together like field-trips, lunches or dinners, sometimes cooking together, where we're able to develop a closer connection. At SFC, we often have gatherings in the Student Built Campus (SBC) where we even stay overnight! I don't feel hesitant when seeking help from mentors here, and the professors I've reached out to have fortunately always been so kind! Oddly enough, I feel comfortable reaching out to professors in Japan without worrying about hierarchies, despite my initial image of strong hierarchies in Japan, as reflected in the use of honorific language (keigo). Especially in the GIGA program, peers are also very kind. Courses aren't restricted by year levels, so fourth-years often mingle with first-years. As we're quite a small community compared to the Japanese programs, we're all very close and supportive of each other!

Message to Prospective Students

Being an international student can feel intimidating, especially when you're stepping into a foreign world alone for the first time. It's scary if the people in the country you're going to don't speak your language. But education has no limits! If you want to learn, the opportunity is always there. At SFC, you'll also receive immense support from the school and peers, so don't worry. Just reach out to the school for help in filling out any of the intimidating forms (there's quite a lot in Japan...), and student groups like AIS ;) are always there to help you out with course registration or adjusting to life in Japan. We're all here to help you!

(This story was captured in 2024.)