2024 Fall Semester Programs
Talk Time
Talk Time started in mid-October, offering a fun and engaging way to explore languages and cultures! In this program, exchange students take on the role of teachers, sharing insights into their native languages and unique cultural traditions. Throughout the fall semester, participants can join weekly Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Polish, Mongolian, and Spanish sessions. Each session delves into various fascinating topics, from self-introductions and greetings to discovering mouth-watering local dishes, top tourist destinations, and the latest trends in each country. It's an interactive way for university students to broaden their horizons!
Chinese Talk Time
Polish Talk Time
Vietnamese Talk Time
Spanish Talk Time
Korean Talk Time
Thai Talk Time
Mongolian Talk Time
International Centre x Library Collaboration
Explore the World Through Guidebooks
A vibrant exhibition showcasing guidebooks from around the globe was set up, offering visitors a window into different cultures and destinations. In addition, a selection of guidebooks about Japan was presented, allowing international students to explore local and global perspectives in one place.
Japanese Books Through the Eyes of International Students
An intriguing exhibition featured Japanese books selected by international students, offering a unique view of Japanese literature through the lens of those who have encountered it in their home countries. Popular titles from students' native lands were also included, with colourful pop-up displays that highlighted the diverse ways in which Japanese culture is experienced and appreciated worldwide.
Connecting the World Through Books
Every week starting in November, a special series took participants on a literary journey to discover the essence of different countries through books. Using guidebooks from the first collaboration, travel destination suggestions were made, and exchange students explained the background and reasons behind the books they selected, offering participants a deeper understanding of the choices. These sessions provided a rich array of insights from diverse perspectives, encouraging participants to explore the world through literature.
English Connections (EC)
Starting in October, exchange students from the United States, Canada, and Poland have joined our students in the English conversation exchange program, English Connections. Participants engage in conversations on a variety of topics, such as hobbies, daily life, and the traditional cultures of each other's countries, and they sometimes enjoy playing English-language games together.
Multicultural English Connections (MEC)
In the fall semester, students were divided into two teams and visited Tokiwa University High School and Chigakukan Secondary School to connect with junior high and high school students. The Tokiwa University High School team met every Wednesday for lively English conversations. They explored topics related to the SDGs and, with the remaining time, delved into engaging discussions on a variety of subjects, such as cultural differences, sparking exciting exchanges of ideas.
Christmas Party
The Chigakukan Secondary School team met twice a month joining classes, and communicating in a mix of English and Japanese. One memorable experience was playing badminton with 3rd year students, while another highlight was cooking Korean instant noodles with the 4th year students. After preparing the noodles, everyone enjoyed them together, sparking lively conversations about various types of noodle dishes and instant foods from around the world.
日本事情Ⅰ-Experiencing Japan- Class
This class is aimed at international students and is taught by Associate Professors Oseki and McManus. The course is designed to help students learn about Japanese culture, customs, and traditional crafts through lectures and visits to off-campus facilities.
Yukata
As part of the class, we had the exciting opportunity to invite an instructor to guide us through how to wear a yukata. We delved into the rich history of Japanese clothing and explored other fascinating aspects of traditional culture. To top it off, we enjoyed a hands-on experience learning creative ways to use furoshiki, and discovering its versatility firsthand!
Kendo
In December, an exciting Kendo workshop took place, offering a deep dive into this fascinating martial art. Along with video demonstrations, Associate Professor Ozawa showcased various techniques, revealing the different styles within Kendo. He shared intriguing insights, like how a match can be decided by a fraction of a second—just a 0.009-second delay in striking the men (helmet) can determine the winner. Despite the short time, the session was packed with captivating details about the sport.
