I used to think not to take any class in the last semester, just wanted to focus on the final paper. It meant that I would only come to campus once a week. Yet, I needed something to do for killing time: meeting people and seeing something interesting, as well as dressing up. I decided, therefore, to take a class taught by an American Professor, not only to improve my English but also because the class was easy and the teacher was nice. There were my classmate and I as his students, and since he changed the schedule to the same day with the research project class, we were allowed not to attend the class if we had to prepare a presentation.
At the early of the last semester we got a workshop. We had to
present our research in front of the professors including people from
another laboratory. However, it
was not as nervous as normally research class because the time was set
up and hopefully no question at all, but a week before you had to submit an abstract to administration office. It is changeable, though.
This semester was so challenging and a lot of hustle bustle. Besides we should demonstrate a meaningful progress of our research, we also should fight to write the paper. Yup, I realized that I just spent the time on power point more than wrote the thesis. In my case, I also was planning a series of my memorable trips around Japan. Additionally, there was Gion Matsuri, and various activities with other Indonesians (PPI Kyoto-Shiga)
This was the time I should deal with statistical analysis and typed about 10,000 academic words. However, the professors do not care what
methodology you use as long as you can logically explain the findings of
your study. I just wanted to finish it, I did not care about the quality. My professor was busy person, so during the semester I only talked to him once.
 |
| got the receive |
Actually, we had already known the schedule of the submission and the defense, but about two weeks before, the timetable for everyone was announced on the board. It was so hectic and rush. The more closer to the due time, the more distraction I had. As a result, I submitted it at the last minutes of the final day. At the time, one of the staff even should pick up us, Indonesian students, at the media room. FYI, everything is DIY. You should ask the cover for binding at the administration office. Everything to bind is available there.
DO NOT BE LATE, EVEN A SECOND!
Interestingly, there was farewell party before defense. It was free of charge for the graduating students. Here, the professors will tell you a little bit about you paper and say some supportive words. Out of the class, they were so nice and fatherly. I miss them.
Well, I still have no words to describe about the defense and my feeling after that. During 30 minutes, we had about 5 minutes to explain main points of the research, and no electronic device. After that, the professors asked and commented it. No pressure, just suggestion. Then, we had a week to revise, but we didn't get the corrected thesis. That's it.
Phew, we had about 7 weeks summer break until the graduation.
After having a long vacation, here's the day confirming that our academic mission accomplished. Without any impression whether I was were passed or not, passing through the final defense seemed to be a confirmation that all of us were graduated.
Lucky me, pointed as valedictorian, so I got rehearsal and had a right to wear the academic gown. Honestly, I have thought about this, then surprisingly, it came true. FYI, there is no dress-code for all graduates and guests, just dress up whatever you want. Having intention to fully feel graduation of abroad university, I preferred to wear a 'modern' dress rather than a traditional one.
First orientation day in Ritsumeikan University. Here we met other new international students. The students had information regarding bicycling safety and disaster from police department and fire fighters. It seemed that safety and disaster are very crucial for people in Japan. Also you will have information of culture adjustment. Anyway, you may skip this orientation, but in my opinion, that makes your student life abroad is not complete.
Clothes? Just wear the casual one, but it's O.K if you want to wear batik. There was no any dress code, anyway. For Indonesia Linkage Program, there were sessions that we could skip because they were irrelevant for us.
