I’m originally from Thailand, but have been living overseas for half of my life due to my dad’s work. During my last term in high school, environmental issues/topics were brought up quite often in class discussions. This formed my interests regarding the environment, and I decided to choose Environmental Science for my bachelor’s degree. After graduating, I joined the workforce right away, hoping to gain working experience and by working for a corporate company a couple of years. However, I realized my passion for environmental studies is still present and so I would like to further my education related to it, and I started looking for Master’s program that suits my personal/future goals.
One of the main reasons for my decision to choose GES at Sophia University was the word “global”. Since my undergraduate studies, I’ve always believed that the environment and environmental issues are not specific to a certain place, but that everything is connected and linked globally. The main aspect of the program that I find to be very interesting is to have students think outside the box and learn how to tackle environmental issue/problems from a global standpoint. Not only that, but GES offers different disciplines throughout its course, from science to business and social sciences, so that students can have a broad knowledge related to environmental policies, sustainable business, and practices and science.
The program lets me think from a wider viewpoint. This is also because the program is set up in a way that is very diverse. I get to meet new people from around the world every term, and meeting new people and exchanging ideas and knowledge not only has broadened my perspectives, but also made me more open-minded and internationally adept, which could be very beneficial in the future.
I specifically chose the GES program because I believe that it will help lay a foundation for me to work in a multicultural organization such as the United Nations, specifically the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), or to work in an environmental R&D department where I can utilize the knowledge I have gained in order to help both the business and the environment, if possible.
Life in Japan has been a thrill ride. It is undeniably an amazing experience for me. Professors are willing to help and the program is very diverse giving me the chance to meet new people. Although there are ups and downs, like with any other things in life, being here in Japan has been eye-opening. Japan is a great place to see the integration of technology and the environment and to see how everyday life can be very convenient as well as green at the same time. For me as a city girl, this is very important ? the balance between the city and nature. Other than that, Japanese history and culture are very interesting, and there are many matsuri/festivals to enjoy.
Graduate Program of Global Environmental Studies (GENV)
