Strunk Jacob Phelan
Background: Berkely International School (Thailand)
Explore Freely, Grow Deeply
For students who are unsure about what to study, GDP provides an ideal environment. The program offers many options and enough time to explore different fields before choosing a major, allowing students to discover new interests and grow academically. For example, when I entered university I planned to study agriculture but then I became interested in urban sociology. Now I am focusing on Urban Sociology and Globalization. My research will be about riverside communities and urban informal settlements, exploring issues such as inequality, displacement, and social change.
One of my biggest challenges was adapting to a new culture and education system in Japan, but the small, supportive learning environment in GDP fosters close interaction with professors, while the kind student body and GDPSA help newcomers adapt smoothly to university life. I also worked hard to actively participate in class discussions, which was initially intimidating in an international, discussion-based setting. By preparing notes in advance and making an effort to speak at least once per class, I gradually gained confidence. The support from professors and classmates made it possible to engage fully and helped me grow both academically and personally.
