At the International Commons
Bringing a global perspective to student life
2024.09.19
"International Commons" - a new hub for international exchange
In April 2024, the International Commons opened as a new hub for international communication at our university. Located on the first floor of Building 7 on Aoyama Campus, the International Commons is run by a five-member team from the International Center of our university, and promotes interaction between international and Japanese students, as well as between international students themselves.
INDEX
▼ Interview with the person in charge
▼ Function 1: An "event space" that is the perfect entry point for international exchange
▼ Function 2: The Global Lounge, a lively place for students
▼ Feature 3: "Chat rooms" where you can have fun conversations based on level
▼ Function 4: "Wellness services" provided by bilingual Japanese-English counselors
▼ Interview with the person in charge
International Affairs Department International Exchange Division (International Center)
Associate Manager
Aya Nagasaku
With a flexible mindset, we aim to create an "international space" for students.
The keywords are "one-stop service" and "friendliness"
Our university has been supporting international education and cultivating international people through the International Center. The International Commons is a platform established as part of this initiative. Four functions to support international exchange for students ("Event Space", "Global Lounge", "Chat Room", and "Wellness Services by Japanese-English Bilingual Counselors") are concentrated in a bright and friendly space like a cafe. We have made every effort to make it possible for students to enjoy international exchange, so even those who are interested in international exchange but have no opportunity or are not confident in their language skills can visit with peace of mind. In addition to its location just to the left Main Gate, it is also home to Japanese students who are highly interested in international exchange and intercultural understanding, making it a "safe place" on campus for international students.
Examples of International Commons Utilization
The feature of the International Commons is that you can deepen your international exchange in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. There are various places with various functions such as "Global Lounge" and "Chat Room", so you can use them freely according to your level and needs. Among them, we especially recommend the "Chat Room" as a gateway to international exchange. Chat sessions are divided into levels from beginner to advanced, and there are two types of session styles to choose from: "Group Session" and "One on One Session (one-on-one conversation with a chat leader)". You can participate at your own level without any difficulty, and it seems that meeting a chat leader often leads to expanding your interactions with other international students.
We also recommend the various events held in the "Event Space." The "Meet Up Café," held twice a month, is particularly popular and attracts many repeat visitors. By participating in beginner chat sessions and international events and jumping into the circle of international students, the psychological hurdle of international exchange is lowered, and an increasing number of students are actively enjoying exchanges in the "Global Lounge" and other venues. In addition, the "Wellness Service," run by bilingual Japanese-English counselors, supports international students who are struggling with interpersonal relationships and language/cultural barriers in cross-cultural exchange.
At the first "Meet Up Café," donuts were distributed as a special "favor" to participants, conveying a sense of welcome and making the event a huge success.
A "Safe Place" where everyone respects diversity and can have fun with peace of mind
The students who gather at the International Commons come from a variety of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, cultural background, and lifestyle habits. We ask users of each space to refrain from discriminatory remarks and aggressive discussions in advance, and we place great importance on maintaining a "safe place" where everyone can feel safe and enjoy themselves. Currently, the International Commons is bustling with repeat and new users every day, and has become a valuable place where Japanese students and international students can meet and interact. If you have never used the International Commons before, we encourage you to take the first step to expand your world and possibilities.
International exchange with exchange students from Louisiana in the "Kotatsu Space"
▼ Function 1: An "event space" that is the perfect entry point for international exchange
This is a space where information sessions and workshops with an international theme are held. Many students start their international exchange by participating in events such as study abroad information sessions and various talk events, and the "Meet Up Café" held twice a month is particularly popular as an introductory event. These international events also play a role in spreading the diverse functions and appeal of the International Commons throughout the university. On days when there are no events, the space is used as a place for independent study and interaction, just like the lounge, and is bustling with many students.
■ International exchange begins with table tennis "Ping-Pong Monday"
Focusing on the appeal of table tennis (ping pong) as a communication tool that transcends language barriers, a table tennis table will be placed in the "Event Space" on Mondays. On this day, exchange students from the UK, privately funded international students from Korea, and Japanese students were enjoying "Ping-Pong Monday," with balls and Japanese and English flying around. With no explanation of the rules, table tennis is played at close range, allowing players to see the smiles and rhythm of their opponents as if they were there, and it seems to be a good way to get to know each other and also a way to change your mood (participation is open. Every Monday from 11:00 to 17:50).
Report 1
Meet Up Café: Making friends beyond national and cultural backgrounds
"Meet Up Café" is held twice a month at Aoyama Campus to meet the needs of international exchange, such as "I want to talk to international students!" and "I want to make friends with Japanese students!" First, groups of around five people will introduce themselves and do a simple ice-breaker in either English or Japanese. After that, they will enjoy an hour of free talk, regardless of group or language. If you are attending the same Aoyama Gakuin University, why not take this opportunity to talk with various international students?
The courageous "first step" led to interactions with international student friends
3rd year, Faculty of Law Department of Law
Rei Hikita
What sparked my interest in overseas was my hobby, basketball. As I followed the news of the American NBA and other sports, I started to think, "I want to make friends with people from overseas," but at the time I had no opportunity to meet international students, and I wasn't confident in my language skills, so I couldn't take any new action. However, when the International Commons opened, I decided to take the plunge and participate in the event "Meet Up Café." I quickly became friends with the international students from the United States, and even had fun interacting with everyone at the after-party. Now that I was a little more confident, I next participated in the beginner's session of the "chat room." Until then, I had a preconceived notion that "in English, you have to talk about difficult things," but through the session, I learned that I could communicate with simple conversations like "How's it going?" and "It's good!", and English became even more familiar to me.
Now I use the Global Lounge almost every day and have fun with my international student friends. I felt that the psychological and linguistic barriers to speaking English have been dramatically lowered since I mustered up the courage to participate in the event. I urge you to be a little brave and take the first step.
Hikita talking with an international student he met at the Meet Up Café
"Meet up Café" where international students and Japanese students can have fun together
Exchange student School of Cultural and Creative Studies (Hamline University, USA)
Dylan Rasmussen
The International Commons is a place for international students to hang out, and I drop in almost every day. Students who speak not only English but also various other languages gather here. The Meet Up Café is a valuable event where you can make new encounters with Japanese students. The good thing about exchange events is that everyone, both Japanese and international students, participates in a relaxed atmosphere. Many students may feel hesitant to converse in a language other than their native language, but there is no need to worry about not being able to speak fluently. I came to Japan as an exchange student in April this year and have been studying Japanese for two and a half years, but at the recent Meet Up Café, I was able to communicate with Japanese students and other international students in a fun way, using Japanese as the common language.
The International Commons is a place where all users can relax and have fun, regardless of the zone or function. If you drop in once, you will immediately understand this. Various events and chat sessions allow you to learn more about foreign cultures and languages, so Japanese students who are interested in overseas should not hesitate to join us. You will surely find friends who share your hobbies and interests.
Served as the US ambassador for Ambassador Session Week
Report 2
Aoyama Gakuin University x U.S. Embassy in Japan
『Maia & Alex Shibutani Special Talk Session』
Aoyama Gakuin University The Shibutani siblings (Alex and Maia), Japanese-Americans and bronze medalists in figure skating (ice dancing) at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, visited our school and held a "Maia & Alex Shibutani Special Talk Session" was held in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Tokyo and . Twenty students and exchange students participated in the session. During the talk session, the Shibutani siblings answered questions from the students and shared valuable tips on how to think through life, how to achieve goals, how to build a career after success, and other topics that will give us great hints on how to build our future.
VIEW DETAILS →
We are happy to host the event at Aoyama Academy, which has had strong ties to the United States of America for 150 years.
US Embassy in Japan
Tomoko Silva Mr. Miss.
In the Culture and Public Relations Department, she leads the EducationUSA team, which promotes studying in the U.S. She is also responsible for planning and coordinating special lectures and exchange events, such as those held when important people visit Japan.
The Shibutani siblings also enjoyed interacting with the Aogaku students, and have posted about it on Instagram. Thanks to this, we have received positive feedback from both inside and outside of Japan. We are happy to be able to hold this event at Aoyama, which has had strong ties with the United States for 150 years. We hope to continue to cooperate in the future so that the good relationship between Aogaku and the United States will continue. Thank you for your support.
Report 3
Study Abroad Fair: Solving all your concerns about studying abroad
"I'm interested in studying abroad, but I don't know where to start," "I want to hear about the study abroad experiences of my seniors," "What kind of test is IELTS?" "Can I look for a job while studying abroad?" - etc. The "Study Abroad Fair" was held at the International Commons, where people could gather information related to studying abroad, and was attended by approximately 80 people (more information here). Preparation for studying abroad starts one year in advance. If you didn't notice the "Study Abroad Fair" but are thinking about studying abroad, come visit the International Center right away! Consultations are available during opening hours at any time.
When I first started thinking about studying abroad, I attended the Study Abroad Fair, which gave me a clear goal and a strong will to take on the challenge.
1st year, Faculty of Law Department of Law
Marino Abe
Ever since I was in high school, I had wanted to study abroad when I became a university student. Just after I enrolled, I learned that a "Study Abroad Fair" was being held at the time when I started to seriously consider studying abroad, so I participated. It is true that when I learned about the application requirements for studying abroad (GPA and IELTS score), I was worried whether I could meet the standards, but I realized that in order to realize my dream of studying abroad, it was important to first study hard at university and advance my English studies. My interest in studying abroad grew, and I became clear that I wanted to take on the challenge.
I became interested in the "Constitution" in my junior high school social studies classes, and after taking classes in high school, I also became interested in comparing Japan with other countries, which led me to enter Faculty of Law. I was attracted to Aoyama Gakuin University because of its emphasis on internationalism even in the fundamental areas of law, such as the Constitution, Civil Law, and Criminal Law. This summer, I will be spending a month at Faculty of Law 's overseas training program, AOYAMA LAW UK Seminar" I plan to participate in this event.
During my studies, I plan to visit the UK for overseas training, or to go to Scandinavia, a country that is a leader in gender equality. Study Abroad at Partner Universities I would like to do this. Although basic human rights are guaranteed in Japan, gender stereotypes remain deeply rooted. I would like to not only track the current state of gender inequality in the world from Japan, but also to actually live in areas with a high gender gap index, in order to get hints for thinking about what is different between Japan and the rest of the world and what is needed.
Click here for the "STUDY ABROAD GUIDEBOOK 2024 (digital brochure)"
Report 4
Learn about foreign countries through international students at Ambassador Session Week
We held an event called "Ambassador Session Week," where international students who raised their hands to become ambassadors for their countries shared various topics in English and Japanese about the culture and lifestyle of their hometowns. This spring's ambassadors are from seven regions: Slovenia, Mongolia, China, Hong Kong, Canada, France, and the United States. In each session, the ambassadors introduced the unique and attractive aspects of their hometowns to the participants. In the Q&A session after the presentations, an endless stream of interesting questions and answers were asked, and the students were seen having fun interacting with the ambassadors.
Report 5:
Experience Japanese culture in English
"Learn authentic Japanese tea in English with international students at this workshop!"
A bilingual Japanese-English tea master was invited from Shizuoka, one of Japan's leading tea-producing regions, to hold a workshop where international students and Japanese students could use their five senses to deepen their understanding of Japanese tea on a global level while comparing the taste of matcha, sencha, and Japanese black tea. In the second half of the year, workshops on "Shogi," "Ikebana," and "Furoshiki" are planned.
▼ Function 2: The Global Lounge, a lively place for students
This is a space where international and Japanese students can relax and study together. Games such as chess, Jenga, and darts are available for rental as a tool to enhance communication, and books about overseas are also available to read. The "Kotatsu Space" and "Street Piano" are also popular, providing an intimate atmosphere. More and more students are using it on a daily basis, and sometimes international and Japanese students introduce each other to their friends, expanding the circle of international exchange. We have also received feedback from users saying, "I can meet my friends here," and as per the philosophy of the International Commons, it has become an "international place" where students can relax. Opening hours are Monday through Friday from 10:30 to 18:00, and eating and drinking are also available.
"Street Piano" - A place for people to socialize around the piano
The Global Lounge has an electronic piano that anyone can play freely. "When a Japanese student starts playing his favorite song, the international students and other students gather around the piano, and when he finishes, they applaud, and there is a moment when they are united through music (Mari Hamada, International Center International Promotion Team)." Also, on this rainy day, a friend was studying next to a student who was quietly playing Satie's "Gnossienne." The two first-year students in Department of History started visiting the International Commons after using the "chat room" for an assignment in their English class (you can play freely without having to call out to each other. Sheet music is also available).
▼ Feature 3: "Chat rooms" where you can have fun conversations based on level
This is a place where you can have fun conversations in foreign languages (English, Chinese, Korean, etc.) with the help of "chat leaders" who are trained international students. There are also Japanese language sessions for international students. Sessions are divided by level, and you can choose from two types: "group sessions" and "one-on-one sessions (one-on-one conversations with a chat leader)." The topics of the sessions change daily and are familiar to you, so you can participate according to your level and interests. You may start with the beginner level and as you gain confidence, you may be able to casually interact with the international students who spend time in the lounge. In some classes (English and second foreign languages), using the "chat room" is an assignment or a point to add to your score, and some students discover the appeal of chat through classes. In principle, you need to make a reservation to participate in the sessions, but if there is space available, you can also join in without waiting. Students in the high school division can also participate.
In this session, high school students participated together with university students.
Chat Leader
Exchange student School of Cultural and Creative Studies (North Central College USA)
Mary Alice Rasmussen
After meeting someone in America, she entered Aoyama Gakuin University and is now actively working as a chat leader.
I have been studying Japanese for 7 years. When I was in high school in the US, I encountered the Japanese language in class and became attracted to the depth of Japanese culture. At university, my Japanese teacher, Sachie Banks, was a graduate of Aoyama Gakuin University, so she recommended that I study at Aoyama Gakuin University, and I came to Japan as an exchange student. I am currently working as a chat leader, and I feel very rewarded when Japanese participants tell me that they "discovered the joy of English through the sessions."
▼ Function 4: "Wellness services" provided by bilingual Japanese-English counselors
Adjacent to the space where lively interactions take place is a quiet area where bilingual Japanese and English counselors can provide counseling. If you would like to speak in English or talk about multicultural issues, please feel free to contact us.
Part-time counselor at the International Center (Japanese/English bilingual)
Rie Miura
Supporting students from an international perspective. Responding to a wide range of inquiries based on personal overseas experiences.
Wellness services that cater to students with international backgrounds
"Wellness Services" is a place where students can feel at ease and seek advice. The name of the service conveys a positive message: "Become healthier." Counseling is provided in both Japanese and English, so students from multicultural backgrounds, whether Japanese or foreign, are welcome to use the service. In addition to individual consultations, we also hold small-group workshops that students can easily participate in during their lunch break, such as "self-discovery" and "improving interpersonal skills." We are also starting to support the training of volunteer student "tutors" who will support international students in their university life (academic and lifestyle). I myself have spent about half of my life overseas and have experienced many changes in environment. I would like to use these experiences to contribute to your growth.
The interior is a friendly space, yet privacy is guaranteed.
When providing counseling, we place particular importance on three points: being aware of the international situation, avoiding assumptions based on Japanese common sense, and ensuring psychological safety, including anonymity. The client may be from an area of international conflict or an area where freedom of speech is restricted. At Wellness Services, we aim to provide support that meets the needs of each individual while maintaining a different perspective than counseling between Japanese people.
Feel free to consult us about any worries, no matter how small.
In student life, you may encounter problems such as friendships, worries about studies, and homesickness. If you feel even the slightest bit anxious or have questions, or if you feel like you want someone to listen to you, please feel free to stop by our "Wellness Service." By talking, you may gain new insights. Find your strengths, areas you want to improve, and find your goals, and think together about how to walk your own path. Student life is an important time for growing into an adult. Please feel free to use our "Wellness Service" to understand yourself and have a better student life. Both foreigners and Japanese people can use it. It is free to use, and the opening hours are from 9:45 to 17:00 every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Online reservations are the rule, but you can also visit on the day if there is availability.
