I first heard of Waseda University while completing a one-year, AFS high school exchange program in Osaka. At that time I had yet to apply to college, let alone an abroad program for my junior year. However, as a sophomore at American University in Washington, DC I decided I wanted to go back to Japan, and began researching foreign exchanges. My school had a program with Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, and though I knew it was a very good school, I really wanted to live in Tokyo, having already spent time in the Kansai area (in high school). I found Waseda’s information online, and decided to apply as an independent student. The application process, though difficult at times, was considerably more accessible than other schools. To fund my year abroad, I also applied for, and was fortunate enough to win, the NSEP David L. Boren Scholarship.
Upon arrival in Japan, I moved into my room at Waseda Hoshien International House. This international student dormitory, though strict in terms of visitation, gave me the opportunity to meet many other exchange students, and build many friendships (several of which I believe will continue for the rest of my life). Living in international housing can be detrimental to one’s Japanese language development (English is widely spoken), but it does provide a high level of convenience in terms of proximity to Waseda’s campus.
I found classes at Waseda, by and large, to be quite challenging. Japanese language courses require quizzing almost every class, and while it can be tedious at times, this is one of the best ways to ensure that your Japanese language ability is progressing well (or not). Outside of class I joined the Waseda Rikogakubu Judo Circle, which gave me another opportunity to use my Japanese, and to meet interesting and friendly Japanese students. My other courses, mostly International Relations and Economics, were taught by knowledgeable professors with excellent English proficiency. For example, my African Politics professor used to work for the Japanese Foreign Ministry in France and Senegal. He was very well informed on the realities of the African Continent. Another Professor, this time in International Business, was one of the funniest and most interesting academics I have ever encountered. I formed a great relationship with him outside of the classroom, and his advice and incisive editorial comments were instrumental in my Truman Scholarship application (which I make note of, because the 24-hour computer facilities at Waseda, combined with the appropriate econ and IR classes, allowed me to complete it while abroad).
Like all things in life, what you get out of Waseda’s international program will be directly proportional to what you put in. If you are willing to do the work, and make the effort to meet with your fellow students and professors, you time at Waseda should be one of the most rewarding things you do during the course of your college career. Peace.
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