This spring, Ms. Machida will enter the Melbourne Law School at Melbourne University. More than just having a dream for the future, she has set herself the goal of working for the United Nations or Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization). With her sights on international work, Machida used the Faculty of Law's Scholarship for Highly Motivated Students to make use of her four years at university to the full.

As a first year student, she spent three weeks in England, learning legal English on a study abroad trip. In her second year she did a ten-day international finance internship in Hong Kong and Singapore. And in her third year, she acquired a scholarship in the civil service section, making use of the Scholarship for Highly Motivated Students a total of three times. "They didn't really understand American English in England," she says, "so I struggled." But she benefitted from acquiring an international outlook.

When she says, "I looked up the Scholarship for Highly Motivated Students as soon as I entered Chuo University," it is clear that she carefully planned her use of it. What originally turned Machida's eyes towards the world was studying in the international department in her high school days, and after entering university she devoted herself to international activities.

She belonged to the ALSA (Asian Law Students, Association) circle, in which she debated with Asian students in English about issues in their countries, and wrote essays in English about women's labor issues in Japan. She even went to South Korea to hold discussions in English.

Her seminar was Professor Satoru Osanai's class on English and American Law. And one of her reasons for deciding to enter Melbourne University Law School was Professor Osanai's advice: "If your goal is to join an international organization, graduating from Japanese university alone isn't enough. Learning at an overseas university that provides specialist higher education in English, the international language, is a must."The fact that the Melbourne Law School puts more emphasis on Asian law research than other law schools in Australia was another factor in her decision.

She has chosen to study on the Master of Laws at Melbourne Law School, a course that is oriented to working adults. Many of the students enrolled in this program are in their 30's, 40's and 50's and have extensive working experience. Machida's eyes sparkle when she says, "I am nervous about studying with students who are not the same age as me and with people who possess great knowledge, but I am also looking forward to being able to learn in an environment with such a high level of knowledge."

Machida adds, "Having many professors at Chuo University who will really give you sincere advice was extremely helpful." Professor Osanai is one of those. She finished with some advice of her own for her juniors. "It is said it is difficult to find work, but don't be discouraged. Take on various challenges. Four years will fly by. If you make a decision to do something, you should act upon it immediately. Don't limit yourself to Japan and definitely experience going overseas."

(Hiruma)