Ms. Emine Goncu
Turkey
iSKO
IRP Class of 2007

Apart from the valuable knowledge that I gained in classes on various subjects, I think the most unique aspect of studying international relations at IUJ was its literally "international" character with students coming from more than 50 nations.

Studying in this "little UN" gave me the chance to get first-hand information about many different cultures that before I had had very limited ideas about, to have an international network of friends, and maybe most important of all, the opportunity to form my own opinions about all these cultures based solely on my own experience without the artificial barriers of stereotypes.

My undergraduate major was English literature. I had learned various foreign languages and gained knowledge mostly about the western part of the world. IUJ complemented that with what was lacking for me to reach my career goal of working for the UN: a specialized education in International relations particularly focused on the eastern part of the world and living together with a truly international community for a considerable length of time.

Ms. Ijilmurun Chuluunbaatar
Mongolia
Executive Director
Mongolian National Committee
for Pacific Economic Cooperation
IRP Class of 2007

For me IUJ was not only a challenging environment for intellectual life, but also a great place to explore so many different cultures and values. The International Relations Program, where students and faculty from diverse backgrounds can interact, gives us thorough knowledge about cultures, politics, and economics around the globe and especially the Asia-pacific region. The intensive Japanese language program at all levels and the helpful career counseling services are valuable assets of IUJ.

Mr. Rotha Chan
Cambodia
Communications and Community
Liaison Manager
ANZ Royal Bank
IRP Class of 2007

IUJ offers an exceptional environment for study and research through its extensive resources and professional guidance from superb professors.

Special seminars, newly established PLATFORMs, and various academic activities enrich student life and provide a springboard for students' social and career development.

At IUJ, students develop a richer cultural perspective and become global citizens. Students not only become specialized in their fields but also can choose to become proficient in Japanese through the university's excellent Japanese language program, which is FREE.

Another distinct characteristic of IUJ is its cross-registration system where students can register for any course from the university's five programs, so best preparing themselves for their future career.

Mr. Kim Young Wan
Korea (ROK)
Lecturer, Faculty of Law,
Chuo University
Japan
IRP Class of 2000

In the IR program at IUJ I learned so much, in so many different ways, from a formidable array of distinguished scholars. The staff and students are themselves living textbooks, providing insights not only into the cultures they represent, but also into the range of possibilities in human nature and in human relationships. These things cannot be learned from the ossified academic studies which make up the staple diet of international relations programs in so many other institutions. IUJ is a microcosm of international society and we can learn so much about the world, about our own civilizations and about ourselves just by being there. It was in this context that I came to truly understand how important coexistence is with others who have different opinions. In a very real sense, I grew up at IUJ, and learned how to fly on the wings of knowledge and forbearance, into the wider world that lies beyond the campus and the spectacular mountains that surround it.

Ms. Chinara Esengul
Kyrgyzstan
Regional Branch in Kyrgyzstan
International Science and
Technology Center
IRP Class of 2007

My choice of IUJ was not made lightly, and IUJ was not one of several options I considered for getting an MA degree. In fact it was the only university to which I applied. The reason is that IUJ meets the major conditions that I had in mind while thinking about an MA degree. First of all, it has a truly international community, and one needs to experience living in such a community if one wishes to become a specialist in International Relations or International Development. Second, it is located in Japan. Since I have a strong interest in Japanese language and culture, IUJ was a perfect match for me. It combines an MA education with the chance to improve my Japanese and discover the deep and ever-magical culture and traditions of Japan. My expectations were fully met at IUJ. It should be the first option to consider if you have interests similar to mine.

Study as a process, and knowledge as a result; this is the basic logic of any educational process. Coming from this logic, the most helpful aspect of IUJ during my studies here was its challenging environment. By challenging environment I mean both academic and non-academic parts of the IUJ life experience. I have become not only academically more knowledgeable but more mature as an independent person. Two years of interactions with excellent professors, with friends and classmates coming from different cultural backgrounds, with local Japanese people who bring us their beliefs and ways of thinking, warmth and hospitality; all these have enriched me and greatly contributed to the better understanding of myself - both in terms of professional priorities and human values to live with.

My future plan is to contribute to the development of my country - Kyrgyzstan. I know, it sounds naive and simple, but it is true. My dream is to work for an international organization in my country where I can fully exercise my academic knowledge and skills as well as act and work according to the principles and values of a truly global human society. IUJ fit into this picture in terms of its international alumni network. This network has great potential to facilitate realization of a future dream many of us hold, a more peaceful and prosperous world. This dream can come true if you have belief, hard work and mutual understanding; IUJ creates a community of young people who dedicate themselves to such virtues.