Kailyn Huang
CJL
Photo by author
We’ve all heard it before: it’s the people that make a place. Yet one of the most intimidating things about moving is getting to know those people in that place.
Luckily, if you’re at Waseda, finding your people isn’t an “if” — it’s a “when.” The university’s ICC, or Intercultural Communication Center, is a haven for those looking to socialize and make new friends while enjoying the perks of studying in Tokyo.
With over 200 multilingual events a year, ranging from casual language lunches to ikebana workshops and mountain treks, there’s no reason not to join in on the fun. Participants are of all ages and backgrounds — when I joined a Welcome Café earlier in October, almost everyone I spoke with was of a different nationality and academic background. If you’re keen on sharpening your foreign language skills, the ICC has you covered, too. In addition to the Japanese Chat Clubs held several times a month, the Language Lunches rotate between English, Chinese, Spanish, and Korean, to name a few.
Whether you’re native to Japan or a new arrival, finding a community is easier than you think. At the ICC, everyone’s welcome.
