Bachelor’s in Political Science '15
Master’s in Department of Political Science '16
Home University: Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan

Why I chose Temple and the DBMD
Temple University has a good reputation in Japan. I also liked having the opportunity to be the first student my home university sent to Temple for its Dual Bachelor’s Master’s Program.

What Temple has taught me
I have to organize my time more carefully than I did as an undergraduate. In graduate school you only take three classes per week. That means you have four days off. You need to manage those days carefully so that you finish your work in time.

My advice
I definitely recommend this program. However, future students should know that the first semester in graduate school can be tough. You might feel frustrated. But, don’t be afraid. This is something that all graduate students experience. You’ll learn how to handle it.

What surprised me
I was amazed at how big and flat the U.S. is. In Japan, you can see mountains wherever you are, even in the middle of Tokyo.

How Temple differs from my home university
My university is at the center of Tokyo and the campus is relatively small. Temple has such a big campus. Also, my home university doesn’t have any fine art faculty. It’s exciting that art students are studying here.

Future plans
I am planning to pursue a Ph.D. in the U.S. And I hope I can teach political science at my home university. In Japan political science is not very popular compared with the other social sciences.

Favorite food
My favorite Philadelphia foods are Philly cheesesteaks and pepperoni pizza. I thought steak with cheese might be too rich and greasy. But, I like it.