Alumni & Careers

APU not only has a quality International Relations program but also houses an active research center. By presenting at its annual Asia Pacific Conference (AP Conference), I received valuable feedback from international scholars that helped to improve my research. Through the conferences, seminars, and workshops I attended at APU, I was able to meet many experts and build my professional network.

APU's GSA program provided me with outstanding experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Not only did courses in the International Relations (IR) division challenge me to think in depth and analytically about international affairs, the multicultural environment allowed me to do so with a worldwide network of friends and classmates whose different perspectives acted as precious learning resources during classroom discussions. Additionally, the ample opportunities for research funding and assistance gave me the invaluable experience of presenting my research at reputable international conferences around the world. During my study, I was constantly enriched by the academic setting at APU, the embracement of global values that inspired me to approach my research – and my personal life – from multiple perspectives. I feel that the master's program at APU did not only shape me into who and what I wanted to be, but also prepared me thoroughly for my next journey.

APU’s Master of Asia Pacific Studies is a unique learning platform that enabled me to effectively communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with my international peers on academic and creative projects. I not only learned in depth about my specialization (International Relations), but I also learned lessons that will be invaluable throughout my academic journey from the courses packed with assignments, presentations, and academic writing tasks. APU’s outstanding faculty and my inspiring supervisors challenged me to prove my mettle and relentlessly pursue my dreams, and so I decided to continue into APU’s Ph.D. program. Furthermore, how the university provided us with adequate academic, logistical, and financial support even during the pandemic to ensure unhindered learning was truly commendable and heartening.

Joining the International Relations division in the Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies does not only provide me with an environment of academic excellence and intellectually stimulating research, but also the opportunity to work with supportive faculty, be part of a thriving graduate student community, and access an engaging alumni network. My experiences at APU so far have allowed me to thrive in my research activities and obtain critical analytical techniques to focus on the issues of vital importance to the Asia Pacific region.

Every choice we make is a step on the path of self-discovery. Whether or not to pursue a degree in higher education, when and where to do so, and under whose guidance － these are choices that, when made wisely, can enable self-betterment and shape future visions in one’s chosen profession. The choice to join the Society and Culture division at APU’s Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies has not only given me the chance to pursue my master’s degree, but has also acquainted me with the right people who support me unfailingly and help recognize my passions, strengths, and weaknesses. While professional consultation is always available when needed, I appreciate that in our division we are encouraged to explore and develop our research freely and independently. The program duration of two years is indeed short, but filled with rewarding experiences, valuable lessons, and cherished memories with professors and friends. It is a choice that I'm proud of making, for it has made me a better person － rich in knowledge and gratitude.

Due to my desire to pursue a career in academic work related to the field of Japanese popular culture, I was motivated to join the Society and Culture division. The professors in this division specialize in a broad range of topics and encourage their students to analyze their lectures critically. By interacting and discussing directly with these professors and my classmates, I have broadened my perspectives both academically and professionally as a global-minded citizen.

I’ll never forget my life at APU, which was full of exciting academic challenges and deep satisfaction with the unique multicultural environment. During my time as a student in the master’s program for International Cooperation Policy, I was able to create strong bonds with friends and colleagues all over the world — a personal network of accomplished professionals that I am still a part of today. After graduating under the expert guidance of my professors, I accomplished my dream of rejoining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in my home country as a diplomat. I am now serving as First Secretary in Myanmar’s embassy in Washington DC, USA. The real-world experience, knowledge, and awareness of international issues that I obtained through my studies at APU are invaluable to me as they have proven to be essential tools in my career in international diplomatic relations. I am very grateful for and will always remember my dear professors and classmates at APU.

Studying in APU is like joining an exclusive world journey. Interesting and academically stimulating lectures, in addition to significant hands-on experiences, have given me the chance to familiarize myself with in-depth knowledge of international public administration. Supportive faculty, various campus activities, and ample opportunities for research funding and assistance have also provided the right mixture of knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for me to take a step higher in my career path.

Becoming a graduate student at APU has been one of my best life decisions so far. Supportive faculty and in-depth academics provide me with knowledge and skills necessary for my future career in international public administration. With students from all over the world, the lectures and discussions involve interesting, real-world applications of theoretical knowledge. In addition to studying, APU’s international cultural events, field trips, and social events bring me a sense of community and understanding that makes me more confident to pursue my dreams.

During the master’s program at APU, I met students from dozens of different countries with different religions, cultures, and perspectives. We all dreamed of fulfilling our personal goals and making a difference in our home countries. My professors helped me to comprehensively understand Japan’s urban management policies, and as a result I am optimistic and firmly believe that I can make a great contribution to the improvement of Shanghai’s environment.

My time at APU has been one of the most significant milestones in my career. Its culture and its location have proven to be a boon to me both professionally and academically. I have been able to get to know professors and peers from various backgrounds and with different expertise while taking in APU’s beautiful natural surroundings, with the added benefit of being assisted in my daily life by APU’s engaging staff. I will never forget the relaxed and secluded learning environment of APU, with its globally connected and yet accessible social setting. The diversity of students, faculty and staff at APU is a resource that has allowed me to grow as a person, to see myself contrarily, and to be self-governing in my academic and social life. My experiences here have allowed me to strengthen the relationship between Fiji and Japan, and I hope one day to raise the educational standards of the Asia Pacific region in general. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of APU.

The two-year IMAT graduate program broadened my horizons, reaching beyond the conventional boundaries of discipline, culture and business. IMAT provides a unique theoretical and practical setting within small-sized classes, enriched by valuable debates and input on sustainability issues and challenges. This included looking at issues such as management practices and policy aspects of waste and wastewater management, energy efficiency, renewable energy and technology from different perspectives. Thus we were encouraged to develop critical and holistic thinking skills as well as problem-solving capabilities tailored to specific projects or situations. From this study, I learned to view things differently and to see potentials and opportunities in every challenge to move towards more sustainable development. Also, I appreciated the international and multicultural integration of the program offered both in Japan and Germany. I personally valued meeting people from different parts of the world which boosted my intercultural competence and open-mindedness to succeed in today’s global community.

The IMAT program completely changed and broadened my approach to research and learning thanks to its cross-continental reach between Germany and Japan. The interdisciplinary knowledge I mastered through the IMAT program has been invaluable to my work providing services as a freelance consultant to international organizations and the government of Bhutan as well as in my continued education in interdisciplinary research as a fulltime PhD student in Germany.

Studying in IMAT has allowed me to discover, develop, and enhance my own potential. Due to the variety of lecturers from academic, governmental, and business backgrounds as well as the cross-cultural experiences that APU in Japan and IfaS in Germany offer, I have gained confidence in international cooperation, broadened my horizons, and nurtured my passion in this innovative and emerging field of study.

I was drawn to the IMAT program because of its interdisciplinary study approach and the opportunity to apply classroom taught theory into the field. Topics such as renewable energy financing, climate change policy, and wastewater management are essential to tackling the real-world sustainability issues of today. I have taken part in dynamic in-class debates and visits to renewable energy sites such as biomass, wind, and solar energy facilities, cultivating a mindset for critical thinking, developing a capacity to work in multicultural environments, and nurturing my analytical and leadership competence.

Studying at APU significantly impacted my life. Under the division of Tourism and Hospitality in International Cooperation Policy, I studied and researched destination development and tourism policy. Through this, I learned the importance of policies and how to apply the ideas of tourism into destination and regional development. Furthermore, the environment at APU taught me how to shape my own world in a multicultural society by interacting with people from various countries. As a result of active participation in several school activities, I realized that mutual understanding can only happen when we accept the differences of each other and seek ways to work and live together. I believe APU is the perfect place where you can experience a real global society!

Studying tourism as a master’s student at APU has given me a greater understanding of the current state of international tourism — and what potential it holds — through an emphasis on the connection between local and global stakeholders. My astute and resourceful professors take advantage of APU’s location in Beppu, as it is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in all of Japan, by drawing upon on the robust local tourist industry for their course material. We as students are encouraged to draw from such sources, but also expand our sights to incorporate global dimensions in our research; this is in turn facilitated by the range and depth of specializations and expertise of our professors. Another layer in APU’s education exists thanks to the global student body, as I have daily opportunities to discuss various topics and issues with classmates from different countries from all over the world. This has enabled me to view my own studies through countless perspectives and to truly appreciate the unity that results from diversity, both on campus and in the tourism industry itself. I am very thankful for being a part of this strong and multicultural community at APU.

Joining the Tourism and Hospitality division at APU was a significant milestone in my career which created immense opportunities to learn and interact with different cultures and environments, while developing social interaction and international communication skills. The courses, field studies, and internships the program provided have enhanced my knowledge and skills in developing policy, and I now believe I can contribute to developing sustainable tourism in my country.

As an APU student, I found that the genuinely international and multicultural environment that the university offered greatly influenced students’ intercultural communication abilities and contributed immensely to our personal development and leadership potential. This type of interactive relationship also existed between students and faculty in the Development Economics division, which resulted in a positive rapport that contributed to the development of students’ research topics as well as created a strong sense of community. My APU experience helped to increase my research capabilities and apprised me of beyond-the-classroom opportunities such as international mentorship programs. These skills I obtained were even further enhanced by serving as both a teaching assistant and a research assistant. Even as a master’s student, I was eligible and encouraged to present my own research at international conferences, which proved an invaluable means towards improving my research methods. Should you choose to study at APU, you can be confident that the program will draw out your leadership abilities and help you stand out as a global leader wherever your career path leads you.

At APU I was given the opportunity to experience the intricacies of enriching cultures with unique people from all parts of the world. The knowledge and skills I gained from interacting with many different people allowed me to expand my own range of thought. As a result, I was I able to work more effectively as I organized and implemented social programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns through my local government after graduating.