School of Social Sciences Becca Cannell
The ICC offers many unique and distinctive events, but I have to say their School Visit programme takes the cake. I feel that simply labelling these visits as an “event” does not do them justice. The visits are a truly enriching experience, which I am certain participants have and will regard as a highlight of their university experience at Waseda. I can certainly say that is the case for me.
On Friday, June 20th and Wednesday, June 25th, I attended the ICC School Visit Programme at Waseda Jitsugyo Elementary. The general structure included three 40-minute lessons with three different classes and an optional lunch with the students. Both visits were different but equally fulfilling.
On the Friday visit, the students were 5th grade. Each visit had a different English teacher in charge of the classes, resulting in different tasks and teaching styles. During this visit, we gave our self-introductions and spent between 5 and 10 minutes at tables of 2 to 3 students. We were instructed to use frequency words like “always,” “sometimes,” and “never”. They asked us questions from their worksheets – such as what time we have a bath, what time we wake up, and what time we go home. After that, we had a free conversation, asking questions if the students were shy or vice versa.
On the Wednesday visit, the students were 6th grade. The teacher’s style appeared more structured. While the latter half of this class had a freer conversation, the first half was intriguing. The teacher gave us a sheet for our self-introduction, which included hints for a guessing game about our home countries. For example, those hints might be our continent and a speciality in our country, etc. After this, we also named our favourite chain restaurant and Japanese food. This activity engaged the students well, and it was entertaining to see their excited reactions to our answers. Tip: If you say “Sushiro,” the classroom may erupt.
I will note some memorable observations. I found it interesting how increasingly hyper and less reserved the students got towards lunch time. Surprisingly, one of my groups, initially reserved, wanted to see images from the UK (naturally, I showed them biscuits), and another student amusingly confused the UK with America, showing me images based on US locations.
Additionally, students from all classrooms ran out to greet us in the halls. I imagine for them, having us visit must be quite exciting. Seeing this kind of joyous reaction was truly warming.
I believe we are incredibly lucky at Waseda to have the ICC offer these opportunities. As an exchange student, I am now returning home after an eventful year. The experiences the ICC has given me, along with these wonderful visits, are ones I am sure to remember.
