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Kim Young Wan
Korea (ROK)
Class of 2000
Lecturer,
Faculty of Law,
Chuo University
Tokyo, Japan
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In the IR program at IUJ I learned so much, in so many different ways, from a formidable array of distinguished scholars. The staff and students are themselves living textbooks, providing insights not only into the cultures they represent, but also into the range of possibilities in human nature and in human relationships. These things cannot be learned from the ossified academic studies which make up the staple diet of international relations programs in so many other institutions. IUJ is a microcosm of international society and we can learn so much about the world, about our own civilizations and about ourselves just by being there. It was in this context that I came to truly understand how important coexistence is with others who have different opinions. In a very real sense, I grew up at IUJ, and learned how to fly, on the wings of knowledge and forbearance, into the wider world that lies beyond the campus and the spectacular mountains that surround it.
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Christian Buck
Class of 1997
German Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan
photo taken by his wife,
Christiane Buck,
Class of 1998,
in Kunduz /
North Afghanistan
when he was Head of Mission
at the NATO/ISAF
Provincial Reconstruction Team
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Eleven years after my graduation from IUJ and several posts into a German foreign service career, I know exactly what brought me here. Two years of serious studies in International Relations in the peacefully secluded, yet so very global setting of the International University of Japan, under the supervision of outstanding and dedicated teachers, have prepared me for the challenge to represent my country in a range of completely different cultures and political settings. Being a diplomat means to talk to everyone, try to make sense of it all, report back to capital what you gathered, and act on the resulting policy instructions - to which you may have, in some cases, contributed. There is a straight line between the papers I wrote in Diplomatic History or International Political Economy classes and the cables I now write to Berlin - not only because both somehow look encrypted. There was some insight to be drawn from the seminars on nuclear strategy at IUJ when I chaired the European Union working group on the Middle East and Iran during the German EU presidency in Brussels. Not least, I learned at IUJ that history and geography will teach you more about the politics of a given country than anything else - true for Germany, true for Japan, certainly also true for Afghanistan where I serve now.
I can hardly express what I owe to the absolutely excellent and truly international education I received at the International University of Japan.
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Yusuf Rahman
Class of 1989
Joint Managing Director
and Director on the Board,
Seishin AMT,
An Indo-Japanese Joint
Venture in India
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My experience at IUJ was something that went far beyond the cross cultural perspectives I developed, or the skills and abilities that were fostered there and helped me face up to the larger issues which confronted me later in all aspects of life.
The IR Program provided a unique and varied experience, where I believe I learnt to look at things in a new way, in a manner that the method of summation of objective facts and empirical analyses, taught in most institutions of higher learning today, fails to address. In a world of numbers and projections, where to typify and aggregate a situation or personality means studying the exterior without knowing the essence, I learnt to look at the socio-cultural and psychological imperatives inherent in any situation. This has stood me in excellent stead in my present job, where I have to negotiate joint ventures and technical tie ups between my Japanese company and various non-Japanese firms.
At IUJ I met professors who knew as many as nine languages. They knew not only the grammar and the words of those languages, but had the most profound and fascinating insights into the cultures that they represented. Learning from people such as these was illuminating, to say the least. The education at IUJ takes place not only in the classroom but also spontaneously among the diverse nationalities that are represented on campus, and in the countryside around Urasa as well. I made lasting friends in both places and the relationships are as vibrant now as they were 16 years ago.
A famous Japanese singer, Misora Hibari, once sang a song about life, which she likened to the flow of a river, where one can see the hometown in the distance. I also like to think of Urasa and IUJ as the home town in the distance as the river of life carries me where it will.
In the near future the river seems to be propelling me to become the Joint Managing Director and Director on the Board of Directors of an Indo-Japanese joint venture in India. |
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Naoki Wakai
Japan
Class of 1996
Director of International
Partnership
Verio Inc. (100% subsidiary of NTT Communications)
Denver Colorado, USA
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At IUJ I had studied an infrastructure provision utilizing private sector power in South East Asian countries. After I worked in Hong Kong for three years, I moved to the USA to utilize my knowledge and experience in Japan and Hong Kong. I am providing IP based services to US companies in US as well as in Asia.
My study in the IRP covered the political and economic relationship between Hong Kong and Guangdong province in mainland China, and also overseas Chinese business networks in Southeast Asia. The knowledge I gained contributes my business a lot. Without a deep knowledge of Hong Kong as a gateway to China and of the paradigm shift from Hong Kong to the mainland, my business would not have gone well.
IUJ life out of the classroom gave me a good experience, too. Whether we liked it or not, we Japanese had to play a main role in all sorts of activities. Japanese are not accustomed to this. The IR program, especially, had a lot of foreign students with a small number of Japanese. It was a great chance for us to learn how to behave in an international society. My negotiation skills and flexibility in multi-cultural environments improved remarkably. This, too, has proved very useful in my current business life. |
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Juliana Chan
Malaysia
Class of 1997
Assistant Director,
Policy and Quality Assurance
Monash University
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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I had a most fascinating two years studying International Relations at the International University of Japan. This prepared me well to face the challenges of the workforce.
The IR Program provided students like myself with the knowledge, the analytical skills and the practical, observational experience required to come to grips with the big issues of the times in which we live. The courses were systematically organized and of the highest quality. What I found especially appealing was the opportunity to gain insights from many perspectives, including anthropology, sociology and the humanities, to enhance my understanding of the world. Moreover, daily interaction with fellow course mates and faculty members from more than forty countries offered me the best possible introduction to cross-cultural communication. This helped develop my interpersonal skills and strengthened my confidence.
IUJ and my scholarship provider, the Matsushita International Foundation, opened up a window of opportunities for me and my life was never the same again. |
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Bobur V. Mukhamedov
Uzbekistan
Class of 1998
Acting Deputy Head,
Department of Europe
Ministry of Foreign Economic
Relations,
Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan
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Located deep in the Japanese heartland, IUJ and its IR Program provide students with an understanding of the real substance of international relations and of the mechanisms and instruments of diplomacy. As a student there, my experience was a remarkable one. I might say, in fact, that is was unprecedented in my life. I studied in a multinational environment, meeting students and members of staff from all over the world. Simply being at IUJ and interacting on a daily basis with one's colleagues gave one a sense of participating in international society and provided many opportunities to look into the essence of things. The IRP courses which I took examined international society from many different perspectives, giving both a broad overview and an in-depth analysis of the problems of our age. I also had the opportunity to meet prominent politicians, diplomats, business people and other "front runners" in many fields. Discussions out of the classroom at numerous informal gatherings were unforgettable experiences and made me more appreciative of the IUJ learning environment, which enables students to come to grips with "real" knowledge in a very direct fashion, to gain a broad view of the world and to share their opinions with others. The knowledge and experience I gained in the IR program at IUJ equipped me with a solid foundation for my present career. |
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Adrian Lochrin
Class of 1998
Department of Prime Minister
and Cabinet,
Australian Government
Canberra, Australia
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I can recommend the Master's degree in International Relations program at IUJ without hesitation.
For me the two-year IUJ program was a professionally relevant experience. Since graduating I have worked on a number of South East Asia and North Pacific policy issues. Looking back on the six years since graduation, it is clear that my approach to analyzing these problems, writing assessments and dealing with foreign officials benefited from my time at IUJ.
At IUJ the student gains equal benefit from the staff and student bodies. Permanent and visiting academics offer students a blend of deep North, East and Southeast Asian academic expertise and policy experience. Among the visiting professors was a former US Ambassador with experience in Central America and a current senior UN official with expertise on nuclear disarmament. The two-year program also gives graduates the time to take a comprehensive set of courses. My emphasis on Japanese history and politics and international security was rounded out with courses on the international political economy and US foreign policy.
IUJ's strength is its diverse student body, representing business and government from over forty countries. Lessons in cross-cultural communication are an everyday fact of life at IUJ. Considering different national perspectives on problems also practices thinking creatively about issues. My current position requires me to form judgements on East Asian security issues. My IUJ experience has been invaluable in educating me on how to go about thinking through these problems and considering how other governments and societies might view these issues differently. The two-year program presents a rare opportunity for busy professionals to take time out to consider strategic issues, including how to think strategically on matters of short term significance, while developing cross-cultural interpersonal and communication skills.
It would be an omission not to acknowledge the many benefits of residential life at the university. The region has distinct seasons. In winter, a student could spend the afternoon skiing in up to four meters snow at some of Japan's best ski fields, many within fifteen minutes drive of the university. An outdoor hot spring after study in the evenings was routine. In summer, mountain bike riding through the countryside to remote temples and shrines - at which some lessons were held - was a good way to keep fit. The region also produces the best sake in Japan. And throughout the year there are opportunities to attend festivals in many of the villages in the area as well as participate in the university's cultural open days. For a weekend break, the nearby shinkansen station means Tokyo is only an hour and a half away.
IUJ was a uniquely broadening experience. My two years were professionally beneficial and personally rewarding. Since graduating five years ago, my classmates and I continue to talk about our time at IUJ as among the most enjoyable periods of our lives and few of us can imagine a more rewarding education. |
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Ian Martin
U. K.
Class of 1999
Managing Editor,
Social Science Japan
and Research Assistant,
Institute of Social Science,
University of Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
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IUJ was a superb place to study international relations. For one thing, the international flavour of the student body ensured that we had to adopt a "hands on" approach to our studies right from the start, with the challenges and rewards of international relations an everyday reality. Studying with students from throughout the world in the intimate setting of IUJ was an education in itself, and neither the lessons of practical diplomacy leant in this regard nor the joys of immersion in IUJ's cross-cultural cauldron will ever be forgotten. IRP was greatly enriched by this aspect of the IUJ community, moreover, and I found my understanding and methodologies very much challenged by the diverse and often conflicting approaches to academic research and the study of international relations I encountered among faculty and fellow students. This academic diversity enabled my own approaches to develop and mature, impressing on me the need to retain an open mind at all times but also giving me ample opportunity to practise defending my corner when necessary! These lessons were invaluable when it came to writing and defending my thesis, and continue to serve me well. It was a great privilege to spend two years in a beautiful and quite fascinating part of Japan, rich in cultural and historical interest, and I would recommend IRP at IUJ to anyone looking for an MA program that combines a stimulating course with a unique life experience. |
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Dian Prodanov
Bulgaria
Class of 1999
Senior Expert,
Asia, Australia and Oceania
Directorate,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Bulgaria
Sofia, Bulgaria
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Let me begin by saying that for me IUJ is not just an institution of higher learning. It is much more than that. It has been a guiding light, a path-finder. When I first came to Japan five years ago, I had no idea that this small but generous and warm hearted country would have such an impact on my life. I have always wanted to see my own country prosperous and advanced. To that end, in my academic career, I have tried to acquire the kind of knowledge which will allow me to be of value to my Motherland. I can say, without reservations, that IUJ played a major role in my life in this respect.
Currently I work at the "Southeast Asia" Bureau in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. I advise politicians and diplomats on the social, economic and political effects of government decisions on the governments of Southeast Asia. My duties also involve the planning of inter-governmental meetings and conferences. In addition, I plan logistics and oversee diplomatic protocol of official visits to Bulgaria by Southeast Asian politicians and dignitaries and explain Bulgarian foreign and domestic policies to governments and nationals of foreign countries. In order to do all that efficiently, I need a deep understanding of the region I am working with. This kind of understanding cannot be acquired simply through books. I can positively state that without the knowledge and practical experience I gained in the International Relations program at IUJ, I would not have been able to perform my current duties successfully.
In my opinion, IUJ occupies a unique place in the realm of international universities, on a global scale. The IR Program gave me a solid basis for understanding the philosophical and religious traditions, the history, the politics and the diplomacy of the vast and complex region of Asia. Among other things, the IR Program encourages creativity, an ability to think cross-culturally and an understanding of how to apply the "lessons" of history to contemporary situations. To me personally, one of the most impressive traits of the IR school is its zero-tolerance of all forms of tyranny over the mind and its respect for, and openness to, any unfashionable or "politically incorrect" positions that students may espouse. It is an open and tolerant place, promoting the lofty ideals of liberal education and democracy. It has the additional advantage of being situated in a picturesque area of rural Japan, peaceful and very conducive to stimulating the life of the intellect.
The IR Program at IUJ is highly diverse and flexible, suited ideally to the academic needs and expectations of a variety of professionals. It provides the opportunity to experience, at first hand, the rich and ancient culture of Japan, to appreciate the nation's extraordinary technological progress, and to make great friends with people from all over the world. I still maintain regular contact with the people I met there.
The IR Program at IUJ is highly diverse and flexible, suited ideally to the academic needs and expectations of a variety of professionals. It provides the opportunity to experience, at first hand, the rich and ancient culture of Japan, to appreciate the nation's extraordinary technological progress, and to make great friends with people from all over the world. I still maintain regular contact with the people I met there. |
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Yohei Mori
Japan
Class of 2000
Bureau Chief,
Washington DC Bureau,
Ryukyu Shimpo
Washington, D.C., USA
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There are possibly few graduates whose research at IUJ has been so closely related to their present work as mine has been. At the present time I am working as a journalist, in the American capital of Washington D.C., employed as a special correspondent for the Okinawan newspaper Ryukyu Shimpo.
My main job is to watch developments in the US government regarding the Okinawan base problem and to write articles on this subject. This was precisely the theme of my MA thesis at IUJ.
In addtion, I have published a series of articles in the weekly magazine Sande Mainichi and have contributed pieces on international issues to the international news magazine Fosaito (Shincho-sha), to Sapio (Shogakukan) and so on.
For we journalists, who tend to be swept along by the news that breaks before our eyes, the broad perspectives and theoretical approaches we studied in the IR Program at IUJ, have proved extremely useful.
When I came to IUJ, I left my position as a journalist with a major Japanese newspaper. After I graduated I worked for two years with CNN, then struck out on my own. Perhaps the most important thing I gained at IUJ was the spirit to take up challenges. Opportunities do not come unless people are willing to take them up. For me, IUJ was the springboard to the second new start in this third decade of my life. |
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Kohei Nomura
Japan
Class of 2003
MOT School
CareerRise Corporation
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At IUJ, Japanese students and their overseas colleagues from more than forty countries live together and study international relations. When I first heard about this I was pleasantly surprised, because it seemed to me that this environment would enable all students to experience an international and multicultural lifestyle in the course of their daily academic lives. And in fact this is exactly what happens. After I entered IUJ I was able to discuss the contents of our classes with foreign students, talk with them about our homework, study together for presentations and exchange opinions about international affairs. Our discussions about the terrorist attacks on the United States were one of the most beneficial experiences for me at IUJ. In my opinion, IUJ, where students come from many continents and regions, and have different religious and ethnic backgrounds, is the best graduate school in Japan for people who want to study international relations. IUJ gave me the detailed knowledge to understand the context of international events, a grasp of the theories necessary to analyse these events, and fostered my ability to think logically. For me, the fact that all classes are in English and that Japanese natives are a minority in the International Relations Program were attractive points.
In the future, I would like to work for a research institute where I can make the most of the knowledge and experience I gained at IUJ, or proceed to a Ph.D. program. My thesis was entitled "Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional Organisations in UN Peacekeeping Operations." |
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Mark Holley
Ireland
Class of 2004
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IUJ offers a variety of classes, taught by a distinguished faculty regularly complemented by visiting professors. Classes are typically rigorous and lively. The international composition of the student body ensures that wide array of opinions is heard and discussed.
The student life at IUJ is excellent. Its idyllic location lends itself to outdoor pursuits of all kinds. IUJ itself has excellent sports facilities. The student body regularly finds time to organize campus events, such as Open Day and Ski Day, to name but two. |
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Khagani Malikov
Azerbaijan
Class of 2004
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Japan is one of Asia's most developed countries. It can set a good example for other Asian countries and help them to achieve their goals in the fields of democracy and market economics. I chose an education in Japan because I thought it would provide me with the chance to learn from the Japanese experience in political, economic and social development.
If you are interested in the Asia-Pacific region and related issues then IUJ is a good place for you to get a solid education. |
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Lee Chen Chen
Singapore
Class of 2004
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I like the quietness and the beauty of the surroundings of IUJ. Local people are amazingly warm and friendly. The smallness of the university makes the study environment very relaxed and cozy. |
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Aziz Bebitov
Uzbekistan
Class of 2004
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I chose IUJ, first of all, because it has a truly international student body, which is important for people who want a truly international education. Secondly, IUJ is a compact and fully residential institution, which is very important in the everyday life of its students. There is a close relationship between professors and students at IUJ. We students can approach the professors at any time, anywhere on campus, without making any appointment, to discuss our academic problems or future plans. They are always very helpful and happy to advise us. This is what leads me to compare IUJ to a single family. We eat together at the Shokudo, we live together on the campus, and we study together. |
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