Activities

From August 2025 to June 2026, I participated in a double-degree program at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA), Fudan University. My coursework primarily focused on research methodologies, political science, and international relations. Given my major in educational development, these courses provided me with new theories and knowledge I had been unfamiliar with, which was an intellectually stimulating experience. In addition to coursework, it was required to complete defense of master’s thesis through a total of four screening phases in a year. Although passing them was highly demanding, refining the thesis based on feedback and advise from my supervisor and the defense committee significantly enhanced my research capabilities.

At Fudan University, I was exposed to diverse cultures and values, as the student population includes many international students from Europe as well as Asia. Traveling through China on faculty-organized trips gave me a firsthand appreciation of the country’s deep history and its ties to Japan. Moreover, being constantly asked “What about Japan?” by peers prompted me to reflect deeply on my own country from a broader perspective. Ultimately, even though these experiences did not directly align with my academic research, they were invaluable in broadening my horizons. Although my life at Fudan University was full of numerous challenges, overcoming them through mutual encouragement and intellectual inspiration with my peers made it a profoundly rewarding period, marking a year of personal and academic growth.