VOICES

ACE Inbound Exchange student 2023 Spring

Mr. Hoecheon, Lee
Home University: Seoul National University

Comfy and Valuable Experiences at Rikkyo University

I had a great experience thanks to the ACE program. I enjoyed studying at Rikkyo University. Thanks to the support from the ACE program, the days in Japan were even more beautiful.

First of all, I liked the program because it offers opportunities to meet friends from Japan, China, and Singapore. I experienced delighted moments when I met Japanese friends whom I met in Korea in Japan and whom I met in Japan in Korea. It was much easier to get close because we already knew each other.

Second, it was a relief that I had somewhere I could contact at once if something happened. Actually, I never had to contact the office. But it was still a relief.

Third, the material assistance was excellent. Not to mention the generous financial support, the dormitory had everything I needed. It was a single room with a bath, a refrigerator, an air-conditioner, and a sink. It was even only a three-minute walk from the train station. The food provided through the meal plan was very delicious and healthy, too. I realized how much I was used to and relied on the dorm when I left it.

I spent comfortable and happy days at Rikkyo University. Every course I registered for was exciting and made a big impression. I took courses through which I could learn Japan better and courses that helped me develop my abilities for my future career. The ACE program allowed me to take some courses regardless of other standards; I registered for two of them. Through the classes, I was not only able to learn more but also to discuss and get intimidated with new friends and to get to know some good professors. I especially became close with my adviser at Rikkyo University because I took a course taught by him.

I also enjoyed quite a lot of free time in Japan. The 600-minute-per-week requirement for the visa status was the only thing I needed to meet. Although I spent most of my time in Tokyo, especially at the Rikkyo University library, I could also afford some long travel. Thanks to the financial support, I could experience field trips to Nagoya, Sapporo, and Kyoto.

The most valuable gifts from the ACE program are the new relationships with my friends, including those I met at circles and classes. Although it was a shame that I could not attend the ACE meeting in May, it does not matter much now because I have already become friends with students who came to Seoul National University this semester.