I decided to study abroad because I would like to gain a deeper understanding of International Relations. I am currently majoring in this field at university. Studies at the university stimulated my interest in analyzing International Relations from a political perspective. Therefore, I have determined to study this subject from a different perspective than Japan and to study in the United States, which has a significant impact on international society. At Eastern Washington University, my chosen destination for studying abroad, I have the opportunity to major in International Relations and Political Science. I am particularly interested in taking courses in “International Affairs ” and “Political Science”. These courses provide me with classes such as “Introduction to US Politics”,” Political Theory ”and “Global Issues,” all of which are interesting to me. I am confident that I can cultivate the ability to analyze international societal movements from multiple perspectives through these classes. While I am there, I will be living in a campus dormitory, which will allow me to concentrate on my studies like never before. I would like to make the most of this study abroad opportunity and acquire deep knowledge and the ability to understand international issues properly.

At the university where I am studying abroad, I take classes such as “US Politics,”” Political Theory,” and “Comparative Politics,” and I focus on political science. Among them, “US Politics” was the class I was most interested in and worked hard on. In this class, I learned broad topics regarding American politics such as federalism, civil liberties and rights, legislation, judiciary, and administration. The professor explained in detail how politicians, bureaucrats, lobbyists, etc. work and influence American politics, and how government functions, which enabled me to gain deep knowledge. Additionally, in classes such as “Political Theory” and “Comparative Politics,” students were given opportunities to discuss with each other through online posts, and I was able to broaden my knowledge by being exposed to various opinions on politics. In my daily life, I have been granted many wonderful encounters as I experience American culture, and I feel that my English skills have improved. I would like to continue actively learning and grow even more.

I was able to learn new aspects of International Relations and Political Science during a 10-month study abroad. In the spring quarter, I took classes such as American Political Thought and International Politics, where I studied political development and discussions in U.S. history and observed international relations from a different perspective from a Japanese university. In addition to the knowledge gained from lectures, living in the U.S. allowed me to learn about the Americans’ political attitudes and discussions. Especially the fact that I was able to observe the current administration’s policies and people’s reactions to it directly was a great experience since I have an interest in the divisions within U.S. society. As future goals, I would like to continue pursuing International Relations at the university and actively engage in work and volunteering, where I can utilize my global perspective and intercultural understanding. I also hope to put myself in an environment that enhances my English skills and expands my possibilities.