Student Testimonials
AY 2023
SARA REUL (USA)
Texas State University, San Marcos
One of the best opportunities to improve your Japanese at Rikkyo is by participating in the Speech Contest. When I first signed up for it, I was nervous but my student advisor was very kind and helpful. He took the time to understand my Japanese and helped me rephrase it in a more natural way. Through talking to him and practicing my speech, I was able to learn and use a lot of new vocabulary, which made daily conversation a lot easier. I also practiced pronunciation and intonation throughly. Now when I speak Japanese, I have a lot more of an understanding and confidence in the language. It was such an amazing experience and I’m so happy I was able to participate in it. I highly recommend it!
Torrence Smith (USA)
University of Toledo
Since arriving at Rikkyo University in August 2023, the university staff, as well as all of my professors have been extremely supportive. I will say the same for the staff at my dormitory. They are very friendly and have been helpful in many ways. They have all been a great support system during my journey here. And whether or not there are people who are willing to support you academically or otherwise can determine the caliber of your experience abroad. Moving to a different country, even for six months, is a life changing experience, and support systems are vital. In fact, they are so vital that I decided to include them in the speech that I performed in the 2023 Rikkyo Japanese Speech Contest. I am both happy and humbled to have been one of the champions of that competition, but my speech would not have been possible without the professors and staff of both the university and my dormitory.
Lucia Gonzalez (Spain)
University of Seville
I will always remember my study abroad year at Rikkyo University as one of the most special and beautiful moments in my student life. The campus is a beautiful place that not only hosted my academic pursuits but also served as the backdrop for countless social encounters and making wonderful friendships. Also, I participated in a club where I was able to integrate more into the Japanese university community and learn a lot. Looking back, my study abroad year at Rikkyo University stands as a beautiful mosaic of experiences that I will forever cherish. It was a transformative period that left an indelible mark on my heart.
AY 2022
Cody Gray (Australia)
University of South Australia
Rikkyo University is a very welcoming and inclusive place to undertake an international exchange. The Rikkyo University campus itself is so beautiful and well maintained; it is a really special experience to watch the campus grounds change with the seasons. The International Office staff are extremely helpful, they really went above and beyond to help me throughout my enrolment period to ensure that all of the classrooms met my accessibility needs and were instrumental in my transitioning process. I enjoyed that my classes had both domestic and other international students mixed together, it made it a multicultural learning experience and everyone on campus is really kind and easy to talk to. I would definitely recommend Rikkyo University for an exchange in Japan.
MAJA BODNAR (Poland)
Leiden University
Rikkyo University made my exchange in Tokyo truly wonderful! I got to experience Japan at least in part like regular students do. The help of the International Office and the wonderful teachers was irreplaceable. They helped me find my place in a completely foreign environment and made Tokyo feel like home. And the students! I’m very grateful for the amazing friends I made in class - I loved participating in group work and later grabbing ramen with my peers. The community spirit feels very special, especially during events such as sports games or the Christmas tree light-up. The amount of courses offered allowed me to broaden my horizons and the university facilities helped me gain new hobbies. I’m very happy to have studied at Rikkyo and hope to be able to visit this special place in the new future!
ZEFANYA EZRANTA (Indoneisia)
Padjadjaran University
Studying at Rikkyo University as Exchange Student is life changing. In my study during Fall Semester, i feel i gain a lot of knowledge and life experience. Students in Rikkyo University can create a life changing experience especially for knowing japanese culture, Japanese way of life & thinking, and language. Moreover, Teacher in Rikkyo University can give me vast knowledge especially what i want to pursue. Not only that, i feel the international office team can give us know-how on surviving in Japan and provide fun activities to know more regarding japanese culture and student life in rikkyo. For anyone who eager to study abroad, I think Rikkyo can be your choice if you want to feel more about Japan and gain more knowledge.
