Yurie Mizugami, Exchange Student to U.K.

－Please tell us the name of the university and department where you studied abroad.
I studied in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. During the first semester, I studied international law and international relations; during my second semester, I learned about gender in the contexts of international politics and development.

－What made you decide to study abroad?
My interest in gender studies, a field that I felt I could learn more effectively in another country, originally led me to the idea of studying abroad. I had also always wanted to see another world outside of Japan.

－Why did you decide on the University of Edinburgh?
I heard from one of my professors who graduated from there that it was a fantastic university. I was really impressed with its world-class academics and international environment—over 60 percent of all students are international students. Another thing that appealed to me was that I could live in and around the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, which have been registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their historical beauty.

－Please tell us about some of the aspects of your life abroad.
I had fewer classes, which gave me plenty of ways to spend my free time. I would hole up in the library or in my room, reading as many scholarly articles as I could. I also participated in debate and volleyball. On days off, we had parties at some of my good friends' houses.

－What are differences you have noticed between Keio and your host university?
The University of Edinburgh is an international university with many students coming from Europe and the United States. Another difference is that courses are very narrow in focus. The proportion of international students at Keio is much lower. You also have to take many other courses than those in your major, so you tend to end up studying a little bit of everything but in less depth.

－Please tell us about what you feel you gained by studying abroad.
I gained the independence to live on my own anywhere I choose to go. I have become strongly aware that you have to beat your own path without blaming your environment. And I have also realized that I am the type of person who enjoys going abroad and learning about different perspectives and values.
I have made a lot of friends, especially with people from Spanish-speaking countries, and one of my Spanish friends taught me a phrase that has stayed with me: "Love what you do, do what you love." They taught me the secret to enjoying life.

－Please tell us about your future plans.
I plan on going to graduate school overseas.

－Do you have any advice for students who are considering studying abroad?
I think that if you are bold enough to take the leap, then a whole new world will open up for you.
Completely changing your living environment during a sensitive period like university is a valuable experience that will stick with you forever. Studying abroad has changed my perspective and changed my life. I would encourage anyone else to take the same challenge, too! It is easier to do something than worry about it, so what are you waiting for?
Things thought to be unacceptable by Japanese social norms may actually be seen as strengths in a different environment. Go live abroad and expand your possibilities.

Information of the University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an international university with a long history.

About the writer
Yurie Mizugami
Third-year Student
Faculty of Law