Arshia

• Name: Arshia
• Nationality: India

Who are you and what is your background?

I’m Arshia from India. I got my IB diploma in 2019 and the subjects I took were Psychology HL, Business HL, English literature and language HL. My SLs were Maths, Spanish AB and Environmental Systems and Society.

What led you to choose Japan for your studies?

I actually really like Japanese culture and I’ve always wanted to come to Japan so when I found out there was an opportunity for me to study in English in the country I love, why would I pass it?

Did you have any trouble adapting to the culture?

When I first came to Japan, it was my first time, so it was a little difficult to settle down at first because everything was new. It was not like India at all.

What helped you the most when you first settled in Japan?  What advice would you give to Junior High School students to help them settle into Japan?

I just researched a lot. When I realised that I was going to Japan and it actually hit me, I opened my laptop and I did a lot of research. Since I went to an international school, I had a few Japanese contacts, so I spoke to them to know a little bit more about the culture.

Do you miss your home country sometimes?

I do miss my home country a lot because once you actually move somewhere else, you realise the culture you leave behind. So it was only when I went to Japan that I realised that I want to eat Indian food. So I went on a hunt around Nagoya to find Indian food. Also, I call home very often, once or twice a week. I also watch a lot of Indian movies to keep myself occupied and I did carry my Indian traditional outfit with me so when I feel like dressing up, I dress up.  

What do you think makes the IB Diploma Programme special?

The beauty of the IB is to specialize - you get to choose your subjects which really makes up for everything. When compared to normal Indian learning, they don’t focus on a lot of subjects like psychology, or physical education. Whereas, the IB makes it possible for people who actually want to pursue a career in those subjects. So it really helps a person to get where they want to be in the future.

What were you thinking at the time you chose your IB subjects? University majors or just subjects that interested you?

When I chose subjects, I thought that first of all, I had to like them. I would not want to study something that I don’t want to actually pursue in the future. So I decided I would do something that would be helpful. That is why I chose Business, because I wanted to study business in the future. I also chose psychology because I like it and it helps with Business.

As an IB student, were you able to develop any specific skills?

Time management is one thing but then it also really helped me to handle pressure very well. There is a lot of stress in the 2nd year when you have all those deadlines on you so it really helped me to figure out how to finish my work and do all my education at the same time. The IB does have different submissions - IAs, extended essays, 2000-word essays, 4000-word essays, along with your normal examination.  Doing all that really gears you for college.

What did you do before the IB?

I took IGCSE and I studied Drama so we had a lot of acting performances to be done along with a lot of examinations. However, the IB is very different because it gives you the opportunities to expand not only on your exams but also on your research. I think that has been really helpful.  

Was it challenging to switch from one system to another?

My school gave me the opportunity to do the IGCSEs and then the IB, so our teachers allowed us to slowly build up the skills we need. It was like stepping stones.  

What is the main quality a student needs to have to be successful at IBDP?

Focusing skills. IB was difficult and rigorous so if you do not have that mindset to get your work done, it’s going to be very difficult. You need to be ready.