Intercultural Communication Center (ICC)Waseda University

If you’re like me, you might find yourself wondering how to break out of your comfort zone and make connections—especially in a new country. If that sounds familiar, the ICC English Chat Club might just be what you’re looking for. Trust me, it can help, even if only a little at first!

The great thing about the club is that it doesn’t matter if you’re fluent in English or still working on your skills. For four weeks straight, you’ll have the chance to chat with the same group of people. You’ll get to know each other little by little, and before you know it, you might find yourselves grabbing kaiten sushi together afterward. Sounds fun, right?

That’s exactly how my own experience went.

When I moved to Japan for the second time, I decided that this time I wanted to try living alone here, but I quickly realised that making friendships isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. Back when I was living in a dorm, it was so much simpler to meet people, and at the time I just didn’t realise how much I’d miss that easy social environment. I assumed I’d make friends easily at Waseda; after all, it’s a huge university, right?

Plot twist: It’s not as easy as it sounds.

I soon discovered that, despite being surrounded by thousands of students, making genuine connections was harder than I expected. My classes are only once a week, and most of my classmates are lovely but super busy, making it tough to find people I could really click with. And as an exchange student with such limited time here, every opportunity to make a lasting connection feels even more pressing.

Yes, sometimes it feels scary to put yourself out there, and not every connection will be instant. But sometimes, just sometimes, you meet people who make you smile, people who are open to sharing parts of their lives with you—whether it’s stories from their past, their present, or who knows, maybe even a glimpse of their future. The world is full of fascinating people and stories—why limit yourself? Why not give it your all and see what happens?

The ICC is a welcoming, warm community, and I promise you won’t regret giving it a try. The people there are genuinely friendly, and they will remember you and greet you like an old friend by the second session. And if you time it right, you might even get some free snacks!

The staff work really hard to make each session fun and stress-free. They come up with creative, engaging activities to help get conversations going, so you never have to worry about what to talk about. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself sharing stories about your travels, discussing future plans, venting about silly little frustrations, and laughing about the quirks of life. It’s an easy-going atmosphere where you can just enjoy the moment and connect with others without pressure.

For me, the ICC became a place of comfort, a safe space where I could meet new people, practice my English, and experience different cultures through the eyes of others. So, if you’re in a similar situation—whether you’re here for a semester or a year, whether you’re a local or an international student—give the ICC English Chat Club a shot. It’s a fantastic way to meet people, make friends, and, who knows, maybe even form bonds that will last a lifetime.

Sometimes, the best things happen when you step out of your comfort zone. So, go ahead—take the plunge, and see where it leads.