(※) This article is a reprint of an article originally published on Monday, May 15, 2023. For information on 2024 (held on April 12th and 13th), click here.
Mr. Mizuno from Center for International Education
Waseda University has many agreements with universities around the world. There may be people who entered the university with the dream of studying abroad, or students who started thinking about studying abroad after entering the university. On the other hand, I think there are many people who have questions such as ``I'm interested, but I don't know where to start,'' ``How should I choose a study abroad destination or program?'' and ``Can I graduate in 4 years?''
That's why Center for International Education holds a Study Abroad Fair twice a year (April and October) to provide a wide range of information necessary for studying abroad. The Spring Study Abroad Fair was held at International Conference Center Waseda Campus on Friday, April 14th and Saturday, April 15th, 2023, and was the first in-person fair in four years. Approximately 2,000 people visited the fair over the two days, making it just as lively as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we'll be reporting on the day's events together with Mizuno, a member of Center for International Education staff! <Parts of the event are available on YouTube. Don't miss that!>
INDEX
▼ Introduction of each event
▼ Voices from student study abroad advisors
▼Voices from participants/Voices from person in charge “Looking back at the study abroad fair”
Introduction to each event
stage event
At Masaru Ibuka Auditorium on the 1st floor of International Conference Center, a stage event will be held to introduce basic information that you should know when aiming to study abroad. The following events were held.
① "Study abroad consultation session by student study abroad advisors: "Yes, let's go study abroad."
In a panel discussion format, student study abroad advisors presented realistic study abroad experiences that were both funny and moving based on their own experiences.
YouTube containing footage of 4/14. 4/15 was held with different members and a different content.
Mizuno
The panel discussion included not only administrative topics such as how to choose a study abroad program and preparation for studying abroad, but also real information based on actual experiences, such as problems and how to deal with them at the study abroad destination, and useful information for living in the country. . There are also "straightforward talks" that only student study abroad advisors can provide, and I'm sure many students will want to study abroad even more after hearing their experiences.
② "The ABCs of studying abroad"
Explanation by Center for International Education staff
Mizuno
Many people who have started considering studying abroad are confused by the question, "What should I do first?", so staff Center for International Education introduced basic information such as the characteristics of each program and financial plans. In order to make it easier for students to take on the challenge of studying abroad, which is often thought to be a difficult hurdle, we have tried to carefully answer each and every basic question. If you are wondering whether or not to go study abroad, I think it would be a good idea to first familiarize yourself with the basics of studying abroad before thinking about it.
③ "Start with a short-term or medium-term language study abroad! ~A study abroad program that you can participate in even without a language score~"
Mizuno
We introduced a program that is primarily aimed at language study abroad, and is open to people who are interested in studying abroad, but find it difficult to spend a year away from university, or who don't have a language score. There are "short-term study abroad programs" where you study abroad during summer or spring vacation, and "mid-term study abroad programs" that last one semester. Since many of the participants wishing to participate have little experience of traveling overseas, we have focused on basic preparation methods.
The venue also included an information board (left) with information on various study abroad destinations and a materials corner (right).
Consultation corner & consultation booth
The booth that was busier than usual was a booth where you could directly consult with Center for International Education staff and student study abroad advisors. There was also a line waiting for their turn.
"Study Abroad Consultation Corner" (Study Abroad Consultation by Staff)
Consultation services are provided by Center for International Education staff in the first conference room on the third floor. In addition to booth-style individual consultations, there was also a ``Frequently Asked Questions Corner'' that explained the often-asked study abroad schedule and the differences between each program using exhibit materials.
Photo left: Many participants are waiting their turn for booth-style individual consultation.
Photo right: Participants listening to explanations from Center for International Education staff at the “Frequently Asked Questions Corner”
Mizuno
There is basic information you should know when studying abroad, such as the required tuition fees and various procedures. However, there are unfortunately some students who are not aware of this at the application stage or after the candidate has been selected, and are in trouble right before studying abroad. To prevent this from happening, we have prepared this corner so that you can gather the necessary information here.
"Study Abroad Consultation Booth by Student Study Abroad Advisors"
After most of the participating students gathered basic information at the ``Stage Event'' and ``Study Abroad Consultation Corner,'' they headed to the ``Study Abroad Consultation Booth with Student Study Abroad Advisors.'' Here, the participating students were able to hear individual advice from study abroad advisors based on their own experiences, and the students were seen enthusiastically asking questions.
Study abroad consultation booth by student study abroad advisors. They were popular because they were easy to talk to as a fellow student.
Mizuno
After getting some basic information at the staff consultation corner, I wanted them to go to the student study abroad advisor booth to hear real-life experiences and advice about what they enjoyed and what they struggled with. By gathering information from various angles, it will be easier to consider specifically studying abroad that is suitable for you, which should lead to better choices.
<By theme> Study abroad preparation seminar
In the second conference room on the third floor, a ``Study Abroad Preparation Seminar'' was held that focused on topics that students would be interested in once they have decided to study abroad, such as how to prepare for the TOEFL and how to proceed with job hunting after returning home. I would like to introduce two of the seven seminars held this time.
"Is it only possible to learn English in the US and UK? ~ Study abroad destinations all over the world! Expand your options! ~"
Many students who wish to study abroad in English tend to think that ``studying abroad in English = the United States or the United Kingdom.'' However, there are actually other countries and regions where you can study abroad using English.
Mizuno
Programs in the US and UK tend to be popular and highly competitive, but there are also many excellent English programs in countries other than these two that can be called ``hidden gems''. The greatest strength of the study abroad programs offered by Waseda University is the wide range of programs you can choose from. Actively collect information, expand your options, and find the program that best matches you!
" 'How to choose a study abroad program' - Read the search tool 'List of study abroad programs'! -"
Finding the program you want from among so many programs can be a daunting task. In such cases, a search tool called "Program List" on Center for International Education website can be helpful.
Mizuno
In fact, this program list has many tips and points to keep in mind when using it. In this seminar, we gave a lecture on how to use it practically and how to view it.
Photo left: "Are you only able to study English in the US and UK? ~ Study abroad destinations all over the world! Expand your options! ~"
Photo on the right: "How to choose a study abroad program" - Let's understand the search tool "List of study abroad programs"! (held on April 15th at Masaru Ibuka Auditorium on the 1st floor)
Partner school/embassy presentation & consultation booth
Booths from Waseda University's partner schools and external organizations were set up in the lobby on the third floor, and presentations by each partner school were held in sequence in the third conference room. There were students who listened intently, and students who boldly asked questions in languages they were not yet familiar with.
Photo left: A total of 25 partner schools, embassies, etc. participated this time.
Photo right: Presentation by a partner school representative
Photo left: At the consultation booth, even if I couldn't ask questions fluently in a foreign language, the person in charge understood my intentions and answered them.
Photo on the right: At some consultation booths, student study abroad advisors called ``partner school ambassadors'' can provide interpretation and hear about their study abroad experiences.
Mizuno
Gathering information is the key to realizing your desired study abroad experience. I would like people to use this booth as one way to do that. I also believe that by having a challenging spirit and trying out various things while studying abroad, you will double the experience and learning you will gain. I was very happy to see students having the courage to speak up.
Voices from student study abroad advisors
Hiroki Yoshida, 4th year, School of Political Science and Economics
*Student affiliation and year of study are as of the time of the interview in 2023.
I took the stage to say, `` Yes, let's go study abroad.'' I myself studied abroad at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States for half a year in the spring of my third year, and during the panel discussion, I talked about why I decided to study abroad, how much it cost, how to spend a day, my schedule for the year, and other topics. We talked about changes in values before and after.
The thing I wanted to convey most was the great potential of studying abroad. It takes courage to go to a place where you don't know anyone and the language and culture are different. However, once you go out to the other side of the ocean and have a little bit of a spirit of challenge, you can do anything you want. I myself was able to improve my English skills from a level of everyday conversation to being able to conduct interviews in English as an intern for a TV reporter. By spending a limited amount of time in a new place, you will develop the ability to cherish each day and always try to get something out of it. I believe that studying abroad is a valuable time to improve your own potential.
Haruki Yamamoto, 5th year School of International Liberal Studies
*Student affiliation and year of study are as of the time of the interview in 2023.
On the day, one of the things that stood out to me during the consultations at the booth was a question from a certain student about how to balance studying abroad with other student life. University life is quite busy, with activities as student club executives (second- and third-year students) and job hunting (fourth-year students). By organizing and prioritizing the timing and options for each activity on the spot, I was able to create a small opportunity to think about when and how long it would be best to study abroad. I was very happy to hear that after the consultation, she seemed positive and said, ``As soon as I get home, I'm going to look into study abroad programs that I can participate in in English and plan my way to graduation!''
As I told the student, there are a variety of program options for studying abroad, such as short-term/long-term, fall departure/spring departure, etc. Before you give up on studying abroad because of the timing or duration, try looking for a program that is compatible with what you want to do, and if in doubt, ask a study abroad advisor!
Participant's voice / Person in charge's voice "Looking back at the study abroad fair"
Participant A
I was nervous about studying abroad, but after participating in various events, I became very interested! I'm thinking of making a plan to study abroad.
Participant B
I didn't know where to start, but now that I know exactly what I need to do, my motivation has increased! I would like to prepare properly without compromising.
Participant C
My seniors who have experience studying abroad were very kind and helpful, allowing me to feel closer to studying abroad and answering any questions I had. I want to study abroad even more!
Participant D
There were many partner school booths, and it was great to hear directly from them! I was able to get the information I wanted through explanations in easy-to-understand English.
Mr. Mizuno:This fair was an event aimed primarily at new students to help them learn about the basics of studying abroad. I am happy to be able to deliver study abroad information to many students. If you were unable to come to the study abroad fair due to your schedule, please come to Waseda Global Gate (WGG) in Building No. 22 on Waseda Campus! WGG is a lounge where you can consult on everything related to studying abroad, from basic information to specific applications. If you are thinking of applying for the next study abroad program in fall 2023 (October), we recommend gathering information and preparing early. We look forward to your visit!
Interview and text: Kaori Sasuga
Photography: Kota Nunokawa
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