While I was studying at a university in China, I had an opportunity to work for a Japanese hotel under an internship program. All my Japanese colleagues were very polite and seemed to work diligently for the future of Japan. I was so impressed with their attitude that I wanted to study in Japan. I chose to study at Doshisha University, because I found the educational approach of Joseph Hardy Neesima, the founder of the university, to be inspiring. In particular, he emphasized that both teachers and students, regardless of position, should discuss matters with one another on an equal footing. I believe that this approach is important for students to expand their knowledge. I would like to apply this approach when working as a teacher in the future, making use of my experience in Japan and knowledge of Japanese ways of thinking.

I was sorry that the attractiveness of my home region was not effectively publicized. So I wanted to study how to raise local residents’ awareness about tourism and how to create sustainable tourism models. That is why I chose to study at the Graduate School of Policy and Management. I am now a member of a research group headed by Professor Mitsugu Iguchi. I thought that Professor Iguchi’s arguments concerning tourism promotion and community development would perfectly match the research theme that I wanted to pursue. We have many opportunities for discussion within our research group, which provides an environment where everyone can say whatever is on their mind without inhibition, regardless of position. I believe that we can come up with good ideas and do good research because we are exposed to different opinions.

I am happy to have enrolled at Doshisha University, because I have made some wonderful friends and encountered excellent teaching staff here. All of them have a gentle and friendly aura. When I go sightseeing in Kyoto with my friends on holidays, they tell me about the culture and history of Kyoto. Moreover, Doshisha University has a Tutor System under which international students are supported by senpai senior students called tutors. Whenever I am in trouble, I can ask my tutor for advice without hesitation. Therefore, I can focus on my studies without worrying about my daily life. Until I complete my degree at Doshisha University, I will deepen my research, learn more about Japanese people’s attitudes toward others and improve my capability to fulfill my future dream of contributing to the sustainable development of my home region.