Study

Kevin Edling, second semester student in East Asian Economics and Politics. He is pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree, 1-subject programme.

What made you choose this degree programme?

My first brush with Japan and the Japanese language was through my friends and various media, and I was thrilled. However, enrolling in a 2-subject Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Studies was out of the question, because I felt that the organisational challenge would be too great and because I didn’t want to study linguistics and history to the extent required in that degree course. Following extensive research, I finally came across East Asian Economics and Politics 1-subject Bachelor’s degree at RUB, and my instant thought was: “This is it!”. I have never regretted this decision.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

The language course (Japanese) is as intensive as expected, and its structure is excellent, especially on the basic level. You notice the progress you have made in the course of two semesters, and are happy about it. I didn’t have many expectations apart from that one – let’s say I was pleasantly surprised by the entire structure of the course.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

The politics courses in general and the language course. The “life” at the departmental student committee, which feels almost like family.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Learning Japanese, no question.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

I have not yet set a definitive goal for what I want to do with it. I am studying it out of interest, not because I will be able to utilise one of its aspects one day.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

If possible, do not hold a part-time job in addition to studying, because learning the language is very time-consuming.

Listening to music in the language of the respective country boosts learning.