Columbia University students visit Waseda as part of Japan’s Friendship Ties Program
Tue, May 26, 2015On May 20 and May 26, Waseda hosted groups of students from Columbia University, realizing the concept announced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Columbia last year known as the Japan’s Friendship Ties Program, “KAKEHASHI Project” sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The program aims to promote understanding of Japanese diplomatic relations, government, and history and encourage students to communicate the strengths and charms of Japan after returning to their country. Waseda and Doshisha University are currently the only Japanese universities participating in the Program.
Students attended lectures by Professor Paul B. Watt (director of the Global Leadership Fellows Program (GLFP)) and Professor Mieko Nakabayashi (Associate Director of GLFP) on Japanese Religion and Culture and Women and Politics and listened intently while enthusiastically asking questions.
Discussions between students with various backgrounds flourished as Waseda students selected for the GLFP interacted with Columbia students during lunch and campus tours.
On May 26, Columbia students returned to Waseda to give presentations on their experiences during the week and on differences between the United States and Japan.
“Thanks to today’s professors, I feel I have deepened my understanding of Japanese politics, society, history, and diplomatic relations. To spend a day here and interact with students is an incredible opportunity made possible by Waseda. I would definitely like to return in the future as a student,” said one Columbia student.
Waseda students who participated in the event were thankful for the opportunity to interact with and learn from Columbia students.
Global Leadership Fellows Program (GLFP)
The GLFP is a four year program for training future global leaders. The program accepts fifteen first year students every year who study abroad at prestigious American universities such as Columbia University and after returning to Waseda, participate in seminars with American exchange students focused on resolving global issues.
