What is September enrollment? Six months of freedom that broaden your future ─ Choosing September enrollment

I think it started with my experience of studying abroad in Canada for a year from the second half of my second year in high school. Although I wasn’t very good at English, my outgoing personality and love of talking to people helped me, and my English skills improved after studying abroad. Through that study-abroad experience, I realized that an overseas environment really suited me, so I started thinking about going to university abroad as well. After graduating from high school, I was preparing to enter a university in Canada or Australia, but since I couldn’t get a scholarship, I changed my path and decided to attend a university in Japan instead. However, the reason I chose to enroll in September instead of April was that I didn’t want to make a rushed decision. I wanted to carefully think about what I would study at university and take the time to make a proper plan. My parents trusted me and supported me right to the end, which was very encouraging.

From my study abroad experience, I had a strong sense that “if you take on a challenge, people will accept you,” and that became the basis for my career choices, so I wanted a university where I could challenge myself in anything. I also had a strong desire to study in English in an international environment. In Japan, I considered AIU and APU as my options, but after attending APU’s open campus, I decided “this is the place for me.” I was also attracted to the double degree system and the business program with international accreditation, and I hoped that enrolling in September would give me more opportunities to interact with international students.

There were so many things I wanted to do in Tokyo. First, volunteer work. At the KIV Kids International Village,I joined a program where children learn English through activities such as games and dancing in an international environment through activities such as games and dancing. In addition, as a volunteer at the church, I helped with a week-long summer event held in the summer, supporting activities for kindergarteners and elementary school students such as crafts, water play, Bible study, and snack time. Through this volunteer experience, I developed communication skills and leadership that allowed me to stand between people of different ages and cultures and facilitate events smoothly, and I learned the importance of having an attitude that builds relationships of trust. I also cultivated the ability to responsibly bring a group together. I’m glad I didn’t hesitate to give it a try since I had time until September. And I worked part-time to save up for tuition and living expenses at APU. For example, I worked at an English-language after-school daycare and as a staff member in charge of assisting foreign customers at a gym. In addition, I kept working on getting my driver’s license and studying for the IELTS.

It’s because I wanted to take on the challenge of a long-term study abroad program. When I was in the first year of high school, my English level was around Eiken Pre-2, but after studying abroad in high school, my IELTS score went up to 6.5. Since I was hoping to challenge myself with a long-term study abroad program in university through a double-degree program in my major field, I worked hard during my gap year after graduating from high school to further improve my English skills. I worked in a job using English at Kids International and made sure I had opportunities to speak English at church so that I wouldn’t lose my English skills. In the end, I was able to raise it to 7 before entering university.

It’s a lot of fun. Since everything is based on English, the specialized classes are tough, but the international students help me, so I have many chances to use English and every day feels fulfilling. I am also taking on roles such as RA (Resident Assistant) and SA (Student Assistant), and challenging myself by joining a club that organizes business competitions. I am also interested in Korean and Chinese, and I am taking classes in those languages. Building on my IELTS score of 7, I am working to further improve my English so that I can participate in the double degree program in the Faculty of International Management and study at NEOMA Business School in France. By the way, I am still on good terms with my host family from my study abroad in Canada; I ask them to proofread my essays and we read books together. I do want to maintain my English skills and conversation level, but honestly it’s mostly because I simply enjoy talking.

I want to be involved in hospital management. My younger brother has a severe disability, and I’ve realized that the level of support available varies greatly depending on the region. I want to create a world where people can receive comprehensive services no matter where they live. That’s why I’m studying management and administration.