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Q: Can you briefly introduce the student association you are involved in? <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Athea Denise Pandong, President of The Philippine Association in Waseda: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe Philippine Association in Waseda (PAW) is a student-led cultural organization dedicated to fostering a strong, supportive, and vibrant community for Filipino students at Waseda University. Guided by its mission, PAW creates a home through engaging events such as welcome parties, picnics, weekly lunches, study groups, and casual get-togethers. With a vision to unite Filipino students in celebrating their heritage, spreading Filipino culture across Waseda, and empowering each other through leadership, innovation, and cultural exchange, PAW serves as a vital space where students can thrive both personally and academically. Currently, there are 37 members.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Jessie Felicia Siauw, President of Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia (PPI) Waseda:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cPPI Waseda is part of the coalition of Indonesian Student Associations across Japan and the world. It’s an association that holds events 1-2 times per semester for Indonesian students to get to know each other and interact, as it is always nice to have a community of your own diaspora abroad. Currently, there are about 50-60 people officially registered in the association, but there are probably more unregistered people.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hyunsoo Park, President of Waseda University Korean Student Association:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe Waseda Korean Student Association was established in 1945, following Korea\u2019s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, and is one of the oldest Korean student organizations in Japan. As of now, there are 688 Korean students enrolled at Waseda University, many of whom actively participate in various programs and events organized by the association. The organization is systematically operated under the leadership of representatives from each faculty and continues to engage in a wide range of activities both on and off campus.<\/em><\/p>\n All Korean nationals enrolled at Waseda are automatically considered full members of the association, as we do not require any membership or participation fees. This inclusive approach allows every Korean student to access the support and community of the association without barriers.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Q: What were the goals and intentions behind forming this association, and when was it established? <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Athea Denise Pandong, President of The Philippine Association in Waseda: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWhen I first entered Waseda, I noticed that many other nationalities had their own circles or communities, and it made me feel a bit isolated. I started reaching out and connecting with other Filipinos, and over time, we naturally began spending more time together. During a picnic in Odaiba last year, we joked about forming an official Filipino community at Waseda \u2014 but the idea stuck. We realized we didn\u2019t want future first-years to go through the same sense of loneliness we experienced. So, we decided to build a space where fellow kababayans could connect, support each other, and celebrate Filipino culture.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Jessie Felicia Siauw, President of Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia Waseda:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAs for when PPI Waseda was established itself, there’s little to no information on this, but the PPI Jepang (nationwide) was established on 24 June 1953. Since then, branches across Japan were established, either per area or school.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Hyunsoo Park, President of Waseda University Korean Student Association:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe association was founded in 1945 with the goal of supporting Korean students studying at Waseda University, promoting cultural exchange, and building a strong sense of community. It was established in response to the needs of Korean students in the post-liberation era, providing a platform for mutual assistance and solidarity.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Q: How have you supported Filipino\/Indonesian\/Korean students at Waseda?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Athea Denise Pandong, President of The Philippine Association in Waseda: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cRight now, our main focus is on community building. We organize events that give Filipino students a chance to meet, make friends, and support one another \u2014 whether it\u2019s with academics or personal challenges. One of our most impactful events is our midterms and finals study sessions, or <\/em>\u52c9\u5f37\u4f1a<\/em> (benkyoukai). It\u2019s a space where senpais and kouhais help each other review for classes they\u2019ve taken, share study tips, and just be there for one another. Even if there\u2019s no active reviewing, we provide snacks and a space to relax and talk \u2014 sometimes, that kind of support matters just as much.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Jessie Felicia Siauw, President of Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia Waseda:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWe provide a place for underclassmen to network with upperclassmen and potentially make friends, as well as sometimes hold collaboration events with PPI Kanto, or PPI Japan, and even Kopi Kalyan in Harajuku. We currently have a freshman and living-in-Japan handbook guide in the process, and we expect it to be published before the new school year starts.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hyunsoo Park, President of Waseda University Korean Student Association:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAt the beginning of each semester, we host welcome events and overnight retreats for new and returning students, helping them settle into life in Japan. These programs are partially funded by support from the Waseda Korean Alumni Association and our own organizational revenue.<\/em><\/p>\n Importantly, we do not collect any membership or participation fees\u2014every Korean student at Waseda is automatically considered a full member of the association. This ensures that all students can freely access support and participate in activities without financial burden.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n For students preparing for employment, we collaborate with job consulting firms that specialize in foreign job seekers in Japan, and we also host recruitment briefings for Korean companies.<\/em><\/p>\n In terms of housing, we partner with Japanese real estate agencies to provide options with reduced initial costs, easing the housing burden for newcomers.<\/em><\/p>\n We also share part-time job opportunities in real-time\u2014including interpreting, long-term internships, and event staff positions\u2014helping students stay economically active. Monthly networking events (1\u20132 per month) are also held to foster connections among students.<\/em><\/p>\n The association participates in the Waseda Festival each year, introducing Korean culture and promoting our organization. We also take the lead in organizing inter-university exchange events with Korean student associations from other universities in Tokyo.<\/em><\/p>\n Additionally, we run several sub-groups such as WCIG (a consulting and job prep club), AKAONI (football club), AKATORA (basketball club), JOEUM (band club), WUKDA (dance crew), and HANPYEON (editorial team).<\/em><\/p>\n In February 2024, we hosted a discussion with members of the National Assembly of Korea to present challenges faced by Korean students in Japan and propose policy improvements, demonstrating our active engagement beyond the campus.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Q: Can you tell us in detail about some recent or upcoming events hosted by the association? <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Athea Denise Pandong, President of The Philippine Association in Waseda: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cRecently, we\u2019ve hosted several events aimed at bringing the Filipino community at Waseda closer together. One of our highlights was a hanami picnic in Roppongi, where we enjoyed Filipino food under the cherry blossoms. We also celebrated Araw ng Kalayaan with a lunch event that featured free lumpia for everyone. In addition, we\u2019ve been holding casual weekly lunches \u2014 simple gatherings where fellow Filipinos can catch up, share stories, and build friendships. <\/em><\/p>\n Another meaningful event we participated in was the Pinoy in Japan charity initiative. In collaboration with a Filipino-led organization, we helped provide meals to the homeless at Ueno Park. It was a powerful experience that reminded us of the importance of giving back, even while we\u2019re far from home. <\/em><\/p>\n As for upcoming events, we\u2019re planning a finals get-together this [Spring 2025] semester \u2014 a chance to unwind after exams. Next semester, we\u2019re excited for our welcome party for new students, as well as a Christmas celebration to end the year on a warm note. <\/em><\/p>\n We\u2019re always looking for new ideas and are open to suggestions from the community \u2014 we want everyone to feel included since this association is theirs too.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Jessie Felicia Siauw, President of Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia Waseda:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWe will have the Indonesian student gathering right when the semester starts, where snacks, drinks, and several Indonesian local snacks will be served. In the spring semester, we held our regular gathering where we held games and gave prizes to the winner of those games. Students can expect a ‘Kopi Tubruk’ event in the fall semester, which is held in collaboration and at Kopi Kalyan in Harajuku.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hyunsoo Park, President of Waseda University Korean Student Association:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cMost recently, we organized a joint barbecue party with Korean student associations from eight major private universities in Tokyo, drawing around 100 participants. The event was led by Waseda\u2019s association and received sponsorships from Lotte Liquor Japan and Hyundai Mobis Japan, who provided beverages and food ingredients.<\/em><\/p>\n Thanks to the low participation fee and high-quality experience, the event received excellent feedback\u201482.8% of respondents stated they would like to attend again. The event strengthened inter-university ties and may lead to regular collaborative events in the future.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Q: How has your experience in the association impacted your time at Waseda?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Athea Denise Pandong, President of The Philippine Association in Waseda: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cBeing part of the association has made my time at Waseda so much more meaningful. I\u2019ve met so many fellow Filipinos, and it\u2019s been incredibly fulfilling to see everyone come together and enjoy each other\u2019s company.<\/em><\/p>\n To be honest, in the beginning, I had a lot of doubts. I wasn\u2019t even sure if there were many Filipinos at Waseda, and at times, I felt a bit discouraged that we couldn\u2019t find more members. But even then, I had so much fun working with my friends on the core team, so we just kept going. Thankfully, this semester, we finally started meeting a lot of new Filipinos, and people kept showing up to the events. <\/em><\/p>\n Every time I see a room full of kababayans smiling and connecting, my heart feels full. I also want to thank the core team, who are not only my teammates but some of my closest friends. Thank you for taking care of PAW with the same passion and heart as I do. <\/em><\/p>\n On behalf of all of us, thank you so much for being part of this journey. Seeing you happy is truly what keeps us going.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Jessie Felicia Siauw, President of Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia Waseda:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201c<\/em><\/strong>I’ve gained a lot of connections and met new people, either within or outside Waseda, that I did not have the opportunity to meet before – I’m really grateful for the experience in that sense. Since the Indonesian Student Association does not have a fixed event schedule, we usually arrange what we can and within our capacity, as most of our members are also busy during the school year.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hyunsoo Park, President of Waseda University Korean Student Association:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThrough the association, I had the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds, which broadened my perspective. I developed essential skills such as collaboration and conflict resolution, and I gained a sense of responsibility and leadership by organizing and executing events. These experiences have been invaluable and cannot be learned through coursework alone.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Q: What advice would you give to incoming students thinking about joining your association?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Athea Denise Pandong, President of The Philippine Association in Waseda: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cHonestly, there\u2019s not much pressure or formal advice \u2014 we\u2019re a pretty chill circle! PAW is more like a big group of friends than a traditional org. Just feel free to drop by, join our events, and connect with fellow kababayans. And if you ever feel like giving back or getting more involved, we\u2019d love to have you join the core team too! <\/em><\/p>\n At the end of the day, it\u2019s important that we stay connected and uplift one another. The Filipino community and culture are steadily growing here in Japan, with more and more students coming to study and build their lives here. There are even nationwide initiatives like the Association of Filipino Students in Japan, supported by the Philippine Embassy. <\/em><\/p>\n There\u2019s something powerful about creating a space where Filipinos can feel at home \u2014 even thousands of miles away. Sharing our culture and looking out for one another isn\u2019t just meaningful \u2014 it\u2019s something to be proud of and I\u2019m truly honored to be a part of this with PAW.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Jessie Felicia Siauw, President of Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia Waseda:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI would say that it\u2019s definitely encouraged for Indonesian students, especially new ones, to join PPI and the networking events, as it\u2019s a good opportunity to get to know your seniors and ask advice from them, as it\u2019s always nice to have a community of people from your own country to depend on.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hyunsoo Park, President of Waseda University Korean Student Association:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAlthough student association activities may appear fun and vibrant from the outside, they actually require a great deal of responsibility and dedication. Organizing various events and programs takes significant time and effort. However, the sense of accomplishment after successfully completing an event is deeply rewarding.<\/em><\/p>\n The spirit of the student association is rooted in service. More than seeking personal benefit, I believe it is essential to be driven by a sense of mission to serve the community.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Indeed, these communities have provided Waseda international students with a more meaningful university experience. With the incredibly diverse student population in Waseda, international student associations create opportunities for students from different backgrounds to connect, support one another, and foster a sense of belonging that makes life in Japan more fulfilling. Being an international student may not be easy, but it gives one the opportunity to form vibrant communities and valuable relationships, ultimately creating a home away from home. <\/p>\n This article was written by the following\u00a0Student Contributor<\/a>: For many of the over 8,000 international students here at Waseda, leaving home to study at a university in a d […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":85600,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[81,117],"tags":[370,302,175],"class_list":["post-85596","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-topic","tag-contributor-en","tag-student_support-en","tag-students-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85596","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85596"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85596\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85615,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85596\/revisions\/85615"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85600"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85596"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=85596"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=85596"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/08\/THIS-1IMG_8326.jpg\")
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\nAra Paula Patenio Obial
\nSchool of International Liberal Studies<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"