I've been studying international relations at SPS. I believe that open-mindedness, critical thinking, and adaptability to different cultures are very important qualities for anyone working in this field. I had the opportunity to study abroad in the U.K. during my third year of university, which was a valuable experience. Building on that, I felt that studying in Japan would offer me distinct experiences and perspectives that would further enrich my education. Plus, I'm genuinely interested in Japanese culture, and Japan has always been one of the countries I've wanted to visit.

I feel very fulfilled here. What I especially appreciate about the IPP program is its international environment with students from many different regions and countries. In the classroom, professors actively encourage us to share our personal experiences and viewpoints, and we often engage in open discussions on a wide range of topics. It’s a space where students support one another, and I always feel safe to speak up. 

This program also has a curriculum that can be tailored to personal interests, which is great because it allows me to explore areas I'm passionate about. The course withdrawal system is very convenient because it gave me the chance to explore subjects that I might not have considered initially, especially without any prior knowledge.

The courses that made a big impact on me are “Gender and International Relations”, “ Global Governance Seminar “, and “New approaches to International law and relation”. 

In “Gender and International Relations,” Professor Maeda gave us the freedom to choose the topics we discussed.
She encouraged us to share our experiences and opinions on gender within international relations. As students in international relations and public policy, we often learn to listen to others' stories to help shape policies. However, in this course, we were encouraged to value our own subjective experiences and personal narratives, recognizing how our unique perspectives contribute to inclusivity and empower us to act within the broader field of politics. It was very enlightening for my personal growth.

Very rich. I built amazing friendships. I thoroughly enjoy having diverse conversations with individuals from different countries and backgrounds. It was very enriching. We can talk a lot inside and outside class, feel free to agree or disagree in such a great environment. I also love exploring Tokyo, whether it’s trying new restaurants, visiting museums, or attending concerts. These activities have made my time here even more fulfilling.

I would definitely recommend IPP for personal growth. Studying here will bring you many valuable things, both academically and personally. The field of international relations is vast, and it can be hard to choose a future path. This program is very helpful because you can select courses you want to explore and talk to a variety of people, which has certainly helped me discover new opportunities.