NOBUSHIMA Ami | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Reasons for Participating in the Program

I have had a strong interest in Korean culture and history since before entering APU, and I have wanted to gain experience conducting field research in areas related to my interests. I found this field study program to be a valuable opportunity that aligns with my interests, as it allows me to learn about Korean culture and history under the guidance of a professor while also conducting on-site research through a practicum. In addition, having taken Korean I at APU, I was eager to deepen my learning by using the language in a real-life environment.

How the Program Helped You Grow

I conducted interviews and surveys with local youth in Busan on the issue of population decline, through which I gained many insights and discoveries that I could not have obtained beforehand. In addition, by staying in Busan for a week, I was able to experience the atmosphere of the city and the characteristics of its people firsthand, which informed and enriched my research. Through these experiences, I realized the importance of knowledge that cannot be gained solely from literature or media sources. Moving forward, I aim to deepen my learning by actively visiting sites and verifying information myself, and to apply these experiences to my future academic studies and career.

Message for Students Interested in The Program

The main appeal of this program is that it provides students with the opportunity to conduct research on topics based on their own interests in an actual local setting. In particular, in Professor Kim’s Busan field study, I was able to gain a deeper understanding by listening to many insightful and engaging stories from the unique perspective of a Korean professor. This experience not only broadened my knowledge but also allowed me to connect what I learned in class with real-life situations, making it a truly valuable academic and personal experience. If you are even slightly interested in this program, I strongly encourage you to apply. There are many valuable opportunities and meaningful experiences waiting for you that cannot be gained through regular classes at APU alone.