Jerry Tan
Center for Japanese Language
Photo by ICC
A curious exploratory dander around campus on a Monday afternoon unknowingly led me to one of the truly hidden gems of the Waseda Study Abroad experience – the Waseda Intercultural Communication Centre’s (ICC) Welcome Cafe. Having had a stressful first few days in Japan, it was great to finally have the opportunity to make new friends from all around the world! Even whilst queuing outside the Welcome Cafe, conversations and self-introductions could be heard buzzing around, livening up the foyer of Waseda’s 3rd Building to the sound of many different languages being spoken. I felt welcome, and I felt a sense of belonging in a diverse community many thousands of miles away from home.
Once inside, we were sorted into smaller groups and after listening to a brief introduction to the role of the ICC, the conversations shortly ensued. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my group of 6 was made up of citizens from 5 different countries, on different continents! Regardless of own individual backgrounds, we were all excited to be studying at Waseda, and to be experiencing Japan. From chats about our favorite food in Japan, to the many different questions to our Japanese friend about the hidden gems in Tokyo, we all had a great laugh and enjoyed our time together! Though the Welcome Cafe ended after an hour, our conversations moved to the ‘Orange Cat’ cafe in the Murakami Library, where we continued to talk about our interests and dreams for the future till sundown. After an Aburasoba group dinner and a stroll around Sakurazaka in Shibuya, we all parted ways for the night, content with the day and with hearts filled to the brim with the love from new friendships.
Fundamentally simple yet extremely rewarding event, the ICC Welcome Cafe gave me a group of friends and memories that I will cherish. If you’re thinking of joining the next ICC Welcome Cafe, or had considered joining the ICC Welcome Cafe, I would highly encourage you to do so. Whether you are seeking to meet new friends, or just practice your Japanese, the ICC Welcome Cafe is the place for you. A chance encounter led me to meet some of my incredible friends, and I’m especially certain that you will too. After all, a journey of a lifetime can only be made better with amazing company!
