{"id":88746,"date":"2026-07-13T09:14:38","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T00:14:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/?p=88746"},"modified":"2026-07-13T09:16:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T00:16:04","slug":"building-connections-and-opportunities-as-an-international-student-wids-waseda-international-discussion-society","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/news\/88746","title":{"rendered":"Building Connections and Opportunities as an International Student (WIDS\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Waseda\u00a0International Discussion Society)\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

WIDS:\u00a0Waseda\u00a0International Discussion Society\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WIDS (Waseda\u00a0International Discussion Society)\u00a0is a<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>registered circle (student club<\/span>)\u00a0<\/span>at\u00a0Waseda, where students coming from\u00a0different backgrounds\u00a0gather to discuss global events\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0interested in English. Each week, students take charge of the discussion and introduce a topic that they would like to share with other members<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>The usual flow of the circle is as follows: each week, designated leaders choose a topic and share related articles<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>in the group chat<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>Then, they also prepare a discussion question to help guide the meeting and encourage conversation among the members<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>During the weekly meetings, students freely share their opinions on the topic and\u00a0have the opportunity to\u00a0hear from others as well.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WIDS puts\u00a0great importance\u00a0on the value of \u201crespect,\u201d as it is a community made up of international students from diverse cultural backgrounds.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Emphasizing this value has allowed international students at WIDS to build meaningful bonds and form strong connections at\u00a0Waseda, which was my primary goal that I aspired for when I decided to\u00a0establish\u00a0the circle.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

WIDS Members Group Photo<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

WIDS members on the final meeting of the semester<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

A picture of me leading the discussion during the weekly meeting<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

My Journey Behind Establishing a Circle at\u00a0Waseda<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/b>University\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My motivation for establishing WIDS was simple: to create a space where international students who may be struggling\u00a0to adjust in the\u00a0new environment<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>could feel\u00a0welcomed and make the best use of their time here.\u00a0This motivation comes directly from my experience as an international student at\u00a0Waseda<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When I first arrived in Japan,\u00a0my Japanese speaking ability was\u00a0limited\u00a0and\u00a0I\u00a0only knew how to\u00a0read\u00a0hiragana and katakana. This\u00a0language\u00a0barrier\u00a0created a big wall of fear\u00a0blocking me from\u00a0joining communities that conduct their activities primarily in Japanese. These account for most of the circles at\u00a0Waseda, and I gradually became trapped in the fear that no one would truly welcome me. These thoughts confined\u00a0me to\u00a0a\u00a0small world that\u00a0prevented myself\u00a0from envisioning what I could truly achieve\u00a0as a university student<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeking guidance, I talked with<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>School of International Liberal Studies\u00a0Professor Takeshi Akiba<\/a><\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0whom I first met in his \u2018Minorities<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>and the Law in the United States\u2019 course<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>and who is now both my\u00a0<\/span>zemi<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>(seminar) professor and circle advisor<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>about my concerns and struggles adapting to the new environment. During our conversation, I shared how international students, including myself, often feel disconnected from\u00a0Waseda<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0communities due to language barriers and our\u00a0perception\u00a0of the lack of spaces where we can comfortably engage in discussions and build connections.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>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<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>With his\u00a0strong support\u00a0and encouragement, I decided to\u00a0establish\u00a0a circle that can provide a space where international students can actively engage with the\u00a0Waseda\u00a0community beyond language and cultural barriers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To better understand the professor\u2019s\u00a0thoughts and perspectives<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>on the concerns\u00a0I raised at that time, I conducted the following interview.\u00a0During my interview with Professor Akiba, I asked\u00a0for\u00a0his thoughts when I first shared my difficulties adjusting to life at\u00a0Waseda\u00a0and he explained:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought that there should be a way to solve the problem<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0So, I thought of a way how I could get you out of this current situation<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>I always trust in students\u2019 capacities and one or two things can be done to put them on track to what they can achieve.<\/span><\/i>\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He also noted that\u00a0international students\u00a0experiencing such struggles is\u00a0not unique to my experience. When asked whether he had ever\u00a0encountered\u00a0other international students facing similar difficulties, he answered:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span><\/i>I can see that struggles among the international students are a common issue, not only at\u00a0Waseda\u00a0but in general as well. For international students\u00a0who\u00a0are facing\u00a0language and cultural\u00a0barriers, they need to overcome these\u00a0barriers to take\u00a0an\u00a0initiative.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>So, the question is how we could make an environment where all the international students could also\u00a0participate\u00a0and find a place to join. Overall, the general directions<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>should be\u00a0\u2013 we need to continue\u00a0saying\u00a0that international students are also\u00a0Waseda<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>students,<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>and\u00a0they should be fully included in the university community.\u00a0We are educating the future leaders of the society<\/span><\/i>,\u00a0<\/span><\/i>who will be using their power to influence many people\u2019s lives, so<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>Waseda\u00a0has a responsibility<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>to\u00a0teach students to\u00a0become inclusive leaders<\/span><\/i>.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition,\u00a0when I asked the reasons for supporting WIDS and why he was willing to\u00a0facilitate<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>its\u00a0establishment without hesitation, he said:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span><\/i>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<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>I hoped to bring the value of having a lot of international students on<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>the campus through WIDS.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>Since we have been expanding English-degree programs across the university<\/span><\/i>,\u00a0<\/span><\/i>it is increasingly important to provide access to services, including opportunities for extracurricular activities, in English as well<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>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<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>These activities<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>should include not only Japanese students but all students<\/span><\/i>.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Professor Akiba\u2019s reflection during the interview made me realize why I decided to establish WIDS without hesitation in the following semester\u00a0after consulting him about my concerns.\u00a0What began as a conversation about my personal struggles was, in fact, supported by a broader vision of creating a more inclusive and interconnected\u00a0Waseda\u00a0community.\u00a0Knowing that someone genuinely supported my idea\u00a0gave me the confidence to take the first step and turn WIDS into reality.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Establish a Circle\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Establishing a circle can sound like a complicated and\u00a0difficult process. I had the same\u00a0initial\u00a0impression, but the reality was much simpler than I expected. There are<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>different kinds\u00a0of circles at\u00a0Waseda: \u201cOfficial Circles,\u201d and \u201cRegistered (unofficial) Circles<\/span>.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>WIDS is currently registered as a \u201cRegistered (Unofficial) Circle,\u201d which can be\u00a0established\u00a0through a\u00a0relatively simple\u00a0application process on\u00a0MyWaseda\u00a0(the university\u2019s internal information portal) that should be completed each academic year and can be registered\u00a0anytime within the year.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The information and documents that need to be provided include:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The name of the circle\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. The president and vice-president<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>The goal and content of the circle\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. \u201c<\/span>\u98f2<\/span>\u9152\u306b<\/span>\u95a2<\/span>\u3059\u308b\u8a93\u7d04\u66f8<\/span>\u00a0 (Alcohol Policy Agreement Form)\u201d with a signature on it and;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. \u00a0<\/span>The members of the circle <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This\u00a0simple process\u00a0showed me that taking an initiative and starting something new at\u00a0Waseda\u00a0is much more\u00a0doable\u00a0than 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.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    During my first\u00a0registration process, I remember sending an email to the Student Affairs Section and\u00a0receiving\u00a0a prompt and\u00a0thorough response without hesitation.\u00a0Moreover,\u00a0I\u00a0greatly appreciate Professor Akiba, who shared a similar vision with me. He was\u00a0a<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>big encouragement throughout\u00a0the journey as<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>he was willing to become the advisor of the circle and support its establishment.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    My experience\u00a0taught me that if you are willing to take a first step at\u00a0Waseda\u00a0and\u00a0do something new,\u00a0there are faculty members and staff who are ready to support your journey and take the adventure together.\u00a0Waseda\u00a0is always willing to\u00a0cooperate\u00a0and\u00a0build<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>an\u00a0environment\u00a0for\u00a0international students\u00a0to\u00a0integrate fully at the\u00a0University.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    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<\/span>:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cThe 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<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>given the demand<\/span><\/i>,<\/span><\/i>\u00a0and 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<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>being inclusive of their needs is important<\/span><\/i>.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    I also asked what roles\u00a0faculty members\u00a0can play in supporting international students\u00a0throughout their journey at\u00a0Waseda<\/span>:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cConnecting\u00a0that student<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>with the resources is important. We\u00a0have to\u00a0keep asking if we are doing enough and what\u00a0advice\u00a0we could give to them. Faculty\u00a0members\u00a0have influence over so many things, so being inclusive in your own way and whatever jobs you are doing is important<\/span><\/i>\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Professor Akiba\u00a0concluded the interview by saying that it is always a pleasure\u00a0for\u00a0him to support students who are willing to take\u00a0initiative<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>His words from the interview serve as a reminder for all the international students<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>that while\u00a0challenges may\u00a0certainly\u00a0exist through the journey,\u00a0meaningful changes can be made when they take a first step and are met by\u00a0a community willing to support them.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"

    Professor Akiba after the interview \u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

    Lessons I\u00a0Have\u00a0Learnt\u00a0Throughout the Journey:\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    In conclusion,\u00a0one of the greatest rewards of establishing WIDS has been watching how students coming from\u00a0diverse backgrounds\u00a0gather together\u00a0to share their interests,\u00a0perspectives, and ideas in an open and welcoming environment.\u00a0Every week, I am inspired by the positive energy that these members bring to our discussions.\u00a0Observing how students from different cultures and\u00a0walks of life can build meaningful connections, engage in thoughtful academic conversations and broaden each other<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s perspectives give me a\u00a0genuine\u00a0pleasure.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> \"\"<\/span> \"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>Special Session at WIDS with Professor Malcolm Field<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Adjusting to a new life as an international student<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>will never be easy, and coming out from\u00a0your\u00a0comfort zone to start something new\u00a0will introduce you to new kinds of\u00a0worries\u00a0and challenges.\u00a0Nevertheless,\u00a0when there\u00a0is\u00a0a community and people who are willing to help and trust you,\u00a0progress can be made.\u00a0Waseda\u00a0is a place where international students can take\u00a0initiatives\u00a0and make changes. Once you take a step further, you will realize how\u00a0willing\u00a0they are\u00a0to help and make progress\u00a0together, rather than discouraging your ambition. The reality can be\u00a0much more\u00a0doable\u00a0than\u00a0expected.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    About Author CHOI,\u00a0Jeongwon<\/span><\/i>:\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Hello everyone, I am a\u00a0fourth-year\u00a0student at SILS<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0At\u00a0Waseda, I am part of three different circles: WIDS, which I am the president and\u00a0founder\u00a0of, Borneo Project, and SNY (Stateless Network Youth).\u00a0I act as a student contributor to\u00a0reach out to the students who\u00a0are seeking to have better university lives at\u00a0Waseda. I am originally from Korea and moved to Japan when I was accepted at\u00a0Waseda<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0I had difficulty adjusting to my new life in Japan but learned\u00a0that even just a little\u00a0initiative\u00a0can open doors to\u00a0so\u00a0many opportunities<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>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.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    WIDS:\u00a0Waseda\u00a0International Discussion Society\u00a0\u00a0 WIDS (Waseda\u00a0International Discussion Society)\u00a0is a\u00a0registered […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":88748,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[81,117],"tags":[263,370,167,368,302],"class_list":["post-88746","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-topic","tag-campus_scenes-en","tag-contributor-en","tag-culture-en","tag-engagement-en","tag-student_support-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88746","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=88746"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88746\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88764,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88746\/revisions\/88764"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88748"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88746"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88746"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/top\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88746"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}