Greetings from the Director
Recently you may have noticed an increase in the different languages being used around campus. It's no wonder that currently over 2800 international students (not to mention faculty and researchers) from more than 90 countries are pursuing further study at Waseda. Also, an increasing number of local students are broadening their horizons by heading abroad in their quest for knowledge. It is no longer uncommon at Waseda to see students from different cultural backgrounds studying, living and existing together.
The International Community Center (ICC) was established with the purpose of providing opportunities for international and local students to meet, interact, and deepen their understanding of other cultures. Furthermore, it is expected that the humble friendships born from the ICC will eventually grow into a larger network that branches out across the globe.
Anyone that visits the ICC will instantly feel at home in its relaxed "open-cafe" style atmosphere. There are many ways to enjoy the ICC. Chat with new and old friends over a cup of coffee, or gather information on international students' home countries or local students' home prefectures from the "Information Area". Catch up with the latest world news via our international broadcasting system, or surf the web on one of our in-lounge computers. Of course, we welcome you to participate in our popular cross-cultural events, that include fun and informative introductions of different regions from across the globe, informal cafe-style chat sessions, movie screenings, and field trips across Japan... just to name a few. As you can see, from exciting large scale events, to smaller relaxed gatherings, the ICC truly has something for everyone.
Waseda University has a long tradition of welcoming students from abroad. This tradition has evolved into a new culture of international understanding, and is continuing to grow in the garden of Waseda. Join the ICC in helping make Waseda a truly diverse place to be.
Keiko Hata, December 2008
