KATAYAMA Nanami | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Program: (ST) Kitakyushu Field Study
Instructor: TSUCHIHASHI Takuya

Reasons for Participating in the Program

While attending classes at APU, I have many opportunities to learn about the SDGs, and through this, I have become interested in the environmental field. I learned that in Kitakyushu, which is near Beppu where we live, there were real environmental problems, and that I could visit the site to see and learn about them firsthand. I applied for this program because I did not want to miss out this valuable experience, which goes beyond what can be understood in regular classes. Also, I thought it would be a waste not to participate in field study (FS) from the first year, especially since the students of College of Sustainability and Tourism (ST) are the only ones who can join from their first year in APU!

How the Program Helped You Grow

Visiting Kitakyushu, I was surprised to see how environmental issues can significantly impact people. I learned that the water, which now flows naturally there, was once harmful when it entered our bodies due to toxic substances. Moreover, it was shocking to realize that we, humans, did not notice it and, even if we wanted to take measures, we couldn’t have imagined that the water contained harmful substances. This experience made me realize the importance of being grateful for what we take for granted in our daily lives.

Message for Students Interested in The Program

The FS program offers a valuable opportunity to visit sites and experience things firsthand, which cannot be fully understood through classes alone. I don’t think you will regret going, so if you are unsure, I believe applying will contribute to your learning! Especially for ST students, we are the only ones who can join from their first year in APU, so I encourage you to join! One of the unique features of FS is the opportunity to share many opinions that you couldn’t think of on your own through site visits and group work. Let’s use this opportunity to broaden our learning!