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WIDS: Waseda International Discussion Society  

WIDS (Waseda International Discussion Society) is a registered circle (student club) at Waseda, where students coming from different backgrounds gather to discuss global events they’re interested in English. Each week, students take charge of the discussion and introduce a topic that they would like to share with other members. The usual flow of the circle is as follows: each week, designated leaders choose a topic and share related articles in the group chat. Then, they also prepare a discussion question to help guide the meeting and encourage conversation among the members. During the weekly meetings, students freely share their opinions on the topic and have the opportunity to hear from others as well.  

WIDS puts great importance on the value of “respect,” as it is a community made up of international students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Emphasizing this value has allowed international students at WIDS to build meaningful bonds and form strong connections at Waseda, which was my primary goal that I aspired for when I decided to establish the circle.  

WIDS Members Group Photo

WIDS members on the final meeting of the semester

A picture of me leading the discussion during the weekly meeting

My Journey Behind Establishing a Circle at Waseda University  

My motivation for establishing WIDS was simple: to create a space where international students who may be struggling to adjust in the new environment could feel welcomed and make the best use of their time here. This motivation comes directly from my experience as an international student at Waseda.  

When I first arrived in Japan, my Japanese speaking ability was limited and I only knew how to read hiragana and katakana. This language barrier created a big wall of fear blocking me from joining communities that conduct their activities primarily in Japanese. These account for most of the circles at Waseda, and I gradually became trapped in the fear that no one would truly welcome me. These thoughts confined me to a small world that prevented myself from envisioning what I could truly achieve as a university student.  

Seeking guidance, I talked with School of International Liberal Studies Professor Takeshi Akiba,  whom I first met in his ‘Minorities and the Law in the United States’ course, and who is now both my zemi (seminar) professor and circle advisor, about my concerns and struggles adapting to the new environment. During our conversation, I shared how international students, including myself, often feel disconnected from Waseda  communities due to language barriers and our perception of the lack of spaces where we can comfortably engage in discussions and build connections. Rather than simply sympathizing with my concerns, he encouraged me to take initiative and create the kind of community that I wished had existed when I first entered the university. With his strong support and encouragement, I decided to establish a circle that can provide a space where international students can actively engage with the Waseda community beyond language and cultural barriers.  

To better understand the professor’s thoughts and perspectives on the concerns I raised at that time, I conducted the following interview. During my interview with Professor Akiba, I asked for his thoughts when I first shared my difficulties adjusting to life at Waseda and he explained:  

“I thought that there should be a way to solve the problem. So, I thought of a way how I could get you out of this current situation. I always trust in students’ capacities and one or two things can be done to put them on track to what they can achieve.”  

He also noted that international students experiencing such struggles is not unique to my experience. When asked whether he had ever encountered other international students facing similar difficulties, he answered:  

“I can see that struggles among the international students are a common issue, not only at Waseda but in general as well. For international students who are facing language and cultural barriers, they need to overcome these barriers to take an initiative. So, the question is how we could make an environment where all the international students could also participate and find a place to join. Overall, the general directions should be – we need to continue saying that international students are also Waseda students, and they should be fully included in the university community. We are educating the future leaders of the society, who will be using their power to influence many people’s lives, so Waseda has a responsibility to teach students to become inclusive leaders.”  

In addition, when I asked the reasons for supporting WIDS and why he was willing to facilitate its establishment without hesitation, he said:   

“One, I wanted to support what you wanted to do. Second, it was something that I also wanted to do. Next to Japanese students, SILS has a large body of Chinese students and Korean students, and I was wondering if we were fully taking advantage of this diversity. I had always hoped for a place where students from different countries could interact more deeply with each other and engage in joint activities, and WIDS fit right into what I was looking for. I hoped to bring the value of having a lot of international students on the campus through WIDS. Since we have been expanding English-degree programs across the university, it is increasingly important to provide access to services, including opportunities for extracurricular activities, in English as well. Waseda puts an importance on building character not only in classroom settings but beyond academics. This includes tolerance and ability to work with others, and this could be gained through extracurricular activities as well. These activities should include not only Japanese students but all students.”  

Professor Akiba’s reflection during the interview made me realize why I decided to establish WIDS without hesitation in the following semester after consulting him about my concerns. What began as a conversation about my personal struggles was, in fact, supported by a broader vision of creating a more inclusive and interconnected Waseda community. Knowing that someone genuinely supported my idea gave me the confidence to take the first step and turn WIDS into reality.  

How to Establish a Circle  

Establishing a circle can sound like a complicated and difficult process. I had the same initial impression, but the reality was much simpler than I expected. There are different kinds of circles at Waseda: “Official Circles,” and “Registered (unofficial) Circles.” WIDS is currently registered as a “Registered (Unofficial) Circle,” which can be established through a relatively simple application process on MyWaseda (the university’s internal information portal) that should be completed each academic year and can be registered anytime within the year.  

The information and documents that need to be provided include:  

1. The name of the circle  
2. The president and vice-president
3.   The goal and content of the circle  
4. “飲酒に関する誓約書  (Alcohol Policy Agreement Form)” with a signature on it and; 
5.  The members of the circle  

This simple process showed me that taking an initiative and starting something new at Waseda is much more doable than many students can imagine. However, WIDS would not have been possible without the support of the faculty members who were willing to help along the way.  

During my first registration process, I remember sending an email to the Student Affairs Section and receiving a prompt and thorough response without hesitation. Moreover, I greatly appreciate Professor Akiba, who shared a similar vision with me. He was a big encouragement throughout the journey as he was willing to become the advisor of the circle and support its establishment.  

My experience taught me that if you are willing to take a first step at Waseda and do something new, there are faculty members and staff who are ready to support your journey and take the adventure together. Waseda is always willing to cooperate and build an environment for international students to integrate fully at the University.  

This was also reflected in the interview with Professor Akiba. When asked about how Waseda is creating an environment where international students can integrate and take initiative, he explained that:  

“The University is already aware of the issue, and they are spending a lot of resources on it, such as hiring staff and counselors who can speak and provide services in English. This may not be just enough yet given the demand, and it might take a little bit of time, but we are on the right path. But enlarging the pool of the supportive staff will be the question. Also, being aware of the large international student body and being inclusive of their needs is important.” 

I also asked what roles faculty members can play in supporting international students throughout their journey at Waseda:  

“Connecting that student with the resources is important. We have to keep asking if we are doing enough and what advice we could give to them. Faculty members have influence over so many things, so being inclusive in your own way and whatever jobs you are doing is important”  

Professor Akiba concluded the interview by saying that it is always a pleasure for him to support students who are willing to take initiative. His words from the interview serve as a reminder for all the international students that while challenges may certainly exist through the journey, meaningful changes can be made when they take a first step and are met by a community willing to support them.  

Professor Akiba after the interview  

Lessons I Have Learnt Throughout the Journey:  

In conclusion, one of the greatest rewards of establishing WIDS has been watching how students coming from diverse backgrounds gather together to share their interests, perspectives, and ideas in an open and welcoming environment. Every week, I am inspired by the positive energy that these members bring to our discussions. Observing how students from different cultures and walks of life can build meaningful connections, engage in thoughtful academic conversations and broaden each other’s perspectives give me a genuine pleasure.  Special Session at WIDS with Professor Malcolm Field  

Adjusting to a new life as an international student will never be easy, and coming out from your comfort zone to start something new will introduce you to new kinds of worries and challenges. Nevertheless, when there is a community and people who are willing to help and trust you, progress can be made. Waseda is a place where international students can take initiatives and make changes. Once you take a step further, you will realize how willing they are to help and make progress together, rather than discouraging your ambition. The reality can be much more doable than expected.   

About Author CHOI, Jeongwon:  

Hello everyone, I am a fourth-year student at SILS. At Waseda, I am part of three different circles: WIDS, which I am the president and founder of, Borneo Project, and SNY (Stateless Network Youth). I act as a student contributor to reach out to the students who are seeking to have better university lives at Waseda. I am originally from Korea and moved to Japan when I was accepted at Waseda. I had difficulty adjusting to my new life in Japan but learned that even just a little initiative can open doors to so many opportunities. I also enjoy trying out different cafes around Tokyo in my free time. I hope you will also find a way to enjoy your lives in Japan too.