Lulu
GSICCS
Last semester, as I started my second journey with the Language & Culture Exchange Program organized by the Intercultural Communication Center (ICC), I was eager to dive into another round of enriching cultural and linguistic exchanges.
This time, I was so lucky to be matched with two remarkable individuals who brought with them a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives: a staff member from Waseda University and a researcher from the Waseda Institute for Advanced Study (WIAS). The former provided practical advice on job hunting and insights into working at Waseda—a perspective I found invaluable as I considered applying for a staff position. The latter opened a window into the academic career, enriching our discussions with his depth of knowledge. It was such a surprise to get matched with them because I usually don’t have chance to make friends with people who are much older or have a lot more experience in life than me.
We three are from Japan, Taiwan, and China. Our Taiwanese partner has lived in the United States for over ten years, so his English is perfect. My Japanese partner, of course, speaks perfect Japanese. I speak both languages but still want to get better. So, we spoke in both English and Japanese, which was great practice for me. From debating the best ramen restaurants near campus to dissecting the educational systems of the US, Japan, Taiwan and China, our discussions were as varied as they were enlightening.
We met about once every two weeks and have kept in touch even after the program ended. It’s been such a wonderful experience. If it weren’t for this program, I might never have met these incredible people. I’m really thankful for that and can’t wait to join the Language and Culture Exchange Program again this semester!
This program is more than just learning languages. It’s about making connections that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. It’s about sharing your culture and learning about others. It’s about getting advice from people who have been where you’re heading and making friends along the way. I learned so much and had a lot of fun. I would recommend it to anyone at the university who is open to learning and meeting new people. It’s a chance you shouldn’t miss!
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The ICC Language & Culture Exchange Program is organized each semester. See below for the latest announcement. Applications cannot be accepted after the deadline, so don’t miss it!
