- Featured Article
SILS Parent’s Day held on June 20, 2026
国際教養学部 ペアレンツ・デーを開催
Thu 09 Jul 26
国際教養学部 ペアレンツ・デーを開催
Thu 09 Jul 26
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) held its Parents’ Day at the Waseda International Conference Center.
At SILS, students enrolled in Study Plan 1 (SP1), whose first language is Japanese, are required to study abroad as part of the curriculum. Compared with other undergraduate schools at Waseda University, SILS students often pursue highly international academic and career paths, making the understanding and support of their parents or guardians especially important in encouraging them to take on new challenges.
SILS Parents’ Day is held annually in June, shortly before students depart for their study abroad programs. The event provides an opportunity for students, their parents or guardians, and Waseda to deepen their mutual understanding and strengthen their partnership in supporting students’ academic and personal growth.
SILS Parent's Day
Approximately 30% of SILS undergraduate students are international students from around the world, and students whose first language is Japanese are required to participate in a one-year study abroad program.
As a result, Parents’ Day, which is held annually at this time of year, is attended by many parents and guardians of students who are scheduled to begin their study abroad programs this September.
Parents’ Day is more than simply an information session for parents and guardians. It provides an opportunity for them to gain a deeper understanding of SILS’s educational philosophy, academic initiatives, and student support services, while also giving them the chance to ask questions and receive answers directly from the University.
This year’s event welcomed approximately 240 participants at the venue and around 200 more via the live webinar, creating a valuable opportunity for meaningful dialogue through a wide range of questions and comments from parents and guardians.
Greetings from Dean Prof. Satoshi Inaba
Introduction of Associate Deans
Regarding the study abroad program, staff from the Center for International Education (CIE) provided an overview of the schedule leading up to students’ departure, as well as the preparations required before leaving Japan.
This was followed by an explanation from the SILS on the procedures for transferring credits earned during the study abroad program.
The session continued with a presentation by the Career Center, which covered the current employment trends for Waseda students, how students can make the most of their time while studying abroad, and job hunting during their study abroad experience. The audience listened attentively, as today’s job market and recruitment process are significantly different from those that many parents and guardians experienced when they were seeking employment.
The presentation also highlighted the value of Waseda University’s alumni network, and the close connections students build through seminar classes at the School of International Liberal Studies.
During the presentations given by current students and alumni, many questions were asked about student life at the SILS, as well as their experiences studying abroad.
Haru Fukuda (4th year student), spent one year at the University of Texas at Austin, USA
Nana Ota, after graduating from SILS, successfully leveraged her study abroad experience in her job hunting.
Current students and alumni shared their perspectives on the unique appeal of the SILS, drawing on their own experiences.
The School of International Liberal Studies (SILS), based on the founding principles set forth by the founder Shigenobu Okuma, is committed to educating students who will contribute to the world.
With much support from parents and students, we will continue to make reforms to meet the needs of students and the changing times. We would like to put even more effort into educating students who can become future world leaders.
Photo Gallery
Recorded Video (Available until July 31, 2026)
Related Links