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PEARL Student Voices
PEARL Student Voices
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Q1: Really simply, why PEARL?
Mainly because I wanted to stay in Japan, and I was also very interested in the study of economics. When I took AP classes in economics in my high school years, I found great joy in studying all of these theories and learning the way the world works.
Q2: What makes PEARL stand out to you?
The small scale of the program – it only accepts approximately 100 students per year. Students and professors are close to each other. We bond, learn together, and have a lot of fun together.
Q3: Are you engaging in any extracurricular activities?
Yes. PEARL has been able to meet my demands for wanting to join a variety of extracurricular activities, where I can interact with students from other faculties, and that has really helped me ease my way into other environments and communities, and scale up on my leadership abilities as well.
I’m a member of a student organization called KWIB, which stands for Keio Women in Business. I also do figure skating in the Keio Skating Association, and I'm going to be the captain of the figure skating team from January 2024.
I’m also an English tutor and I intern at a startup company.
Q4: What message or what advice would you have for someone considering applying to PEARL?
If I had to go through college applications again, I would definitely still choose PEARL. Studying in this multicultural environment, I have been able to grow in many ways. I would like for you to join us, and spend an irreplaceable time here in PEARL just like I am.
If you are reading this and are interested in PEARL, please apply and come have a once-in-a-lifetime experience just like I am.
A Typical Wednesday for PEARL Student
Every day of my week is filled with diverse commitments, making each day unique. From participating in team meetings for student organizations to interning at a startup company, I constantly learn something new. While each PEARL student has their own distinctive schedule, allow me to share a glimpse into my Wednesday routine.
7:00 a.m. – Wake Up
On Wednesdays, I typically wake up at around 7:00 am. I also have days where I wake up at around 5 am to go to my figure skating team practice. This may sound early; however, I definitely do have days where I wake up late. Balance is key! I intentionally scheduled five classes for Wednesdays to keep my other weekdays relatively open for extracurricular activities.
After getting ready, I head to campus, exchanging texts with my best friend so we can commute together. As I walk from Mita Station to Mita Campus, catching a view of Tokyo Tower never fails to inspire me for the day ahead.
9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. – Classes
My morning begins with Labor Economics, a class for third-year students where I explore more specialized topics. Labor Economics was an entirely new concept to me but it is an interesting topic to study.
Next, I attend Economic Development — a class that allows students to delve into topics of personal interest. My presentation group is focusing on investigating how infrastructure investments impact economic growth in both developed and developing countries.
12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
After morning classes, I head to the cafeteria with my friends. I usually order the higawari-teishoku (dish on the menu that changes each day) with a piece of chocolate fudge cake and iced coffee. Some days are filled with discussions about assignments or upcoming events, while others are more relaxed and we just enjoy each other's company.
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. – Class
With satisfied appetites, we attend Environmental Economics. Despite this class being right after lunch, the professor's enthusiasm and energy keep us engaged and intrigued.
With satisfied appetites, we attend Environmental Economics. Despite this class being right after lunch, the professor's enthusiasm and energy keep us engaged and intrigued.
2:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. – Zemi
The final two periods are dedicated to my seminar, or as it’s known in Japan, a “zemi.”. As the zemi head, I arrive early to prepare for the class. After everyone arrives, we delve into discussions and catch up with each other. We sometimes extend our session past 6:00 pm, further strengthening our academic community.
Occasionally, we share dinner together afterward, exploring the many restaurants near Mita campus.
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. – Figure Skating
I head to the skating rink in Kanagawa in the evening for figure skating practice. Despite skating for over 15 years, the rink's cold temperature still catches me off guard. We practice jumps and choreography, often followed by talking with each other about our day for over 30 minutes while we get ready to leave.
10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. – Reflection and Preparation
Upon returning home, I review assignments and attend to other responsibilities. I check my work and internship email for any upcoming tasks. Depending on the day, as the captain of my figure skating team, I sometimes also take some time to prepare the team practice schedule.
I always make sure to make time to relax before bedtime, usually until around 1:00 a.m., after completing my skincare routine while listening to my favorite playlist.
Every day holds its own unique experiences, and as a PEARL student, I appreciate the flexibility to tailor my schedule to my interests and passions. With the myriad opportunities offered by Keio University, there's never a dull day.
