From Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Name
Konnichiwa! My name is Zhansaya, my foreign friends call me Saya.
Where are you from?
I am from Kazakhstan, Central Asia.
LL.M. Waseda University
Why did you choose the Waseda LL.M.?
I chose Waseda LLM because the syllabus offered Law and some Economics courses combined, and I have interest in both fields.
How do you think the program affects/ impacts your future?
Waseda University is considered to be one of the prestigious private universities in Japan. So I would recommend Waseda University if you aim at working in Japan in the future, as your future employer would definitely value your background.
How is your life as a student at Waseda?
Unfortunately, due to global lockdown I spent my first semester being still in Kazakhstan and taking classes online. I only managed to arrive in Japan in the middle of the second semester. There is still a hybrid system with classes being offered offline and online, but campus looks much more lively now in comparison to the last semester, when everyone was taking classes from home. I regret that I did not have the opportunity to join any clubs that Waseda is so famous for, as extracurricular activity was also suspended a couple of times.
How do you spend your free time?
Most of my classes were online, but whenever I had a chance, I would go to university campus to take classes from there or study in a library, because I live within walking distance from the main campus. Also I am doing a part-time job now with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, so I am quite busy.
How are you adjusting to life in and around Tokyo?
I think the opportunity to live in Tokyo was the initial reason for applying for Waseda University. I love Tokyo, it has a lot to offer, and I love to explore the city with my friends. However, it can get quite expensive for a student, so I recommend you to apply for financial aid scholarships and get a part-time job. I also think that friends are a vital and valuable part of your life, and making friends would definitely make it easier to adjust in a new environment. I lived in a dormitory right beside the main campus and it really helped me to make new friends and connections.
Please give a short message for future LL.M. students!
I hope you enjoy both your classes and time in Tokyo and get to make a lot of friends!