At Waseda University, which aims to realize an education and research environment where “no one is left behind,” we have previously reported in this newsletter on the efforts of the Student Diversity Center, which has responded to diverse support needs even in the face of changes in social conditions caused by the spread of COVID-19. This time, we will focus on ICC and introduce their recent efforts in response to changes in the environment. We spoke with three of staff members of the ICC: Adams MARSHALL, a full-time coordinator, Rin TAKAMATSU and Qimo ZHU, student staff leaders, aka the “SSL.”
From left : Takamatsu, Zhu and Adams
Taking advantage of the international environment of the University, the ICC is working to further enhance cross-cultural exchange. Since its establishment in 2006, it has continued to implement a variety of initiatives with the goal of encouraging all students to engage in active mutual exchanges that transcend borders, nationalities, and cultures, and deepen their understanding of different cultures in the process.
Advantages of Online Exchange (ICC Online Exchange Event with Iceland: Experience the Arctic Circle)
With the cooperation of the University of Iceland, we were able to share the charms of Iceland with a live webcast from the region, and exchange information in real time with other university students from both Japan and Iceland online. This was a project that could not be realized before, but because it was an online event, we were able to make it happen despite the time difference and distance. (Takamatsu)
A face-to-face and online event realized through repeated trial and error (ICC Polish Culture Night, a night in an enchanted country in Central Europe)
The event was held last fall, when various restrictions were gradually being eased. Initially, it was supposed to be held online, but as the restrictions were lifted, the need for face-to-face meetings increased, so it was held as a hybrid event. Since there was a live violin and piano performance, we prepared new equipment for distribution. We were able to receive words of appreciation from both the face-to-face and online participants. (Zhu)
At the end of March, when some restrictions were eased, we divided into small groups and strolled by the cherry trees along the Kanda River
The two of them say that the knowledge and experience they gained during that period became a valuable asset after the period when all the events were held online. No matter how the social situation changed, the stance of flexibly carrying out the ICC’s mission was consistent.
Adams talks about the activities of the SSL that he has been farmiliar with and other general students who participate in the events.
ICC’s planning and events are led by students more than you probably realize. The Student Staff Leaders play a central role in this process. They plan cross-cultural exchange events that meet the needs of Waseda students by utilizing their unique perspectives and ideas as active students, and engage in a variety of activities as leaders who bring together the many people involved. By taking charge of a wide range of public relations and administrative tasks, they are able to gain valuable experience that will be useful to society and provide a valuable opportunity for students to grow. Although the form may have changed, the role of ICC remains the same. I would like to continue to work to make ICC known to more students, faculty, and staff, and to realize our philosophy.
Voices of ICC Student Staff Leaders (SSL)
On my first day at Waseda University, I visited the ICC Lounge. I found it very stimulating to meet and interact with people from different backgrounds, so I became an ICC student staff leader because I wanted to get more involved with ICC. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the normal routine that I took for granted has disappeared, but together with my fellow student staff members, we have made online events happen and overcame numerous difficulties. The number of people using the lounge is still slow to increase, but we have seen many participants come to our events. The ICC is a place where different values and ways of thinking resonate with each other. As a student staff member, I will continue to improve this place that enhances cross-cultural understanding. (Zhu)
Having spent my early years in rural Japan, the ICC is a very exciting place for me to interact with people from all over the world with diverse backgrounds and origins. Since becoming a student staff leader, I have been asked what is intercultural for me, and I am still struggling with the question of my own identity. Even in the turmoil of modern society, I am constantly aware of my calling and the need to grow in what I must do in order to demonstrate my own strength within the organization. To this end, I am taking on the challenge of working with my fellow student staff members, fellow working adults, and supporters. (Takamatsu)
A scene from the “Daruma Craft Workshop” held in person
