The ICC held a special 3 day camp from February 16th to 18th at the
Sugadaira Kogen Ski Resort in Nagano in which more than 100 people
from many different countries participated.
The special feature of this camp was the “No border rules” where participants
had to conceal their nationality, age, department and even their real names in
order to create an environment without normal preconceptions and prejudices.
We divided the participants into several different teams for the bus ride,
ski school and evening activities, which gave them the chance to talk with
as many people as possible.
Furthermore, it was possible to converse without knowledge of the title or status
of the other person which is usually given at the beginning of the conversation.
Instead each conversation could be based on experiences and hobbies which immediately
brought the participants closer together and gave them common ground. The environment
enabled a much deeper exchange than one would usually get in everyday life.
*Participants Voices*
・I was able to talk to people more proactively than usual.
・Because the no border rules were so comfortable, I was able to communicate very easily.
・There was no prejudice based on nationality, everyone was accepted as they were.
・Strangers were able to become great friends.
・I not only learned about other people, but also learned more about myself as well.