Frontiers of International Exchange

Doshisha University International Student Committee

By Zhao Lianwei

　　I am Zhao Lianwei, third year in the Faculty of Social Studies, President of the Doshisha University International Student Committee (China)

　　In 2004, thanks to all the support from the Doshisha Cooperative Society, the International Student Committee was formed. There are two reasons why this committee began.

First off, I think there’s a sense of requirement to make a community that has a similar environment. But the community we are planning shuts out international students. Hence, we want to make it a community where they actively take part, rather than just wait for someone to reach out to them. The community encourages helping each other out and gives excitement to one another.

Secondly, we hope to contribute to one of Doshisha’s educational philosophy, the international principle. As a simple mission, I hope to give impact to their actions and for them to fully understand Japan’s society by deepening the exchanges with the Japanese students.

Our activities
　　At the orientation for incoming international students in April 2006, we gathered many recycled electronic products with the help of the international student committee and numerous numbers of graduate students of Japan. I think it is difficult for international students to live on their own, especially by living far away from home. Therefore, we came up with a special plan to support them as much as possible. We offered the electronic products to international students who needed them. At the time, I was one of the students who received the roducts and that triggered me to join the committee.
　　In June, we were able to have an international cooking party mainly consisted of international students, thanks to everyone’s help from the Doshisha Cooperative Society. There were about 50 Japanese students and 30 international students. We cooked together and enjoyed the food while talking over the different cuisines in their countries. I think we were able to experience a little on the cultures of China, Korea, America, Thai, and etc.
　　In September, I participated in the Japan Nationwide College Cooperative Society Project, Peace Now, in Okinawa. As the one place the US landed on Japan’s territory during World War II, there are still many postwar problems left at Okinawa. By participating in the Peace Now Activity, I was able to think about peace once more with other people. We are going to have a report study meeting in December.
　　In October, a meeting for entering that consisted of few members of the committee and Japanese students was held with the help of the professor at the Center for Japanese Language. It wasn’t only about the guidance for entering but it was also about the troubles that were faced, which I think was useful in the long run.
　　As the Doshisha University International Student Committee, I wonder how we can support more and how we can deepen the exchanges between the international students and Japanese students. We are constantly thinking about this matter. I hope to strengthen the growth through the intercultural exchanges.
　　Today, there are 10 students in the Doshisha University International Student Committee that are from China.

　　The articles were reproduced and modified by the “Doshisha University Staff English Club News “Topics” No.5. (dated on May 31, 2008)

At the dinner party (Kambaikan) with the Chinese students of famous universities in China and Japanese students of Doshisha University after the trial lessons of Graduate School of Business, Doshisha University on July 24, 2008. Doshisha University International Student Committee cooperated at this event.