Vol. 7
May 24, 2010

I-Chat LoungeIn the comfortable atmosphere of a
sprawling room on the first floor of
Building 13, students sit scattered insmall groups around tables, sharing stories and learning new vocabulary fromEnglish speaking staff. In one corner,
students are gathered in front of the TV
with CNN’s Larry King keeping themcompany. In another corner, a student
pores over the latest issue of The Japan
Times, while next to him, his friend enjoys
viewing English video clips on YouTube.
This is a picture of a typical day at theInternational Chat Lounge or the I-Chat
Lounge as it is known by people at OGU.
For nearly eight years, the I-Chat
Lounge has served as a venue for students to learn new languages and gain
new understanding about other cultures.
It offers students support and guidance
and gives them the opportunity to practice and hone their skills for communication in an international setting. Guest
visitors from overseas are frequently invited, giving Japanese students the
chance to regularly interact with foreigners without even leaving the university.
Monday through Friday from 10 am
until 5 pm, the I-Chat Lounge opens its
doors to more than a hundred students
who stop in to use the facilities and mingle with the staff and fellow students. The
available materials such as books, newspapers, and DVDs are all published in
English. The TV is tuned in to channels
such as CNN and a Tech Chat corner isavailable for students to access Internet
resources in English.
While at the I-Chat Lounge, students
are asked to refrain from speaking inJapanese whenever possible. Interactions take place mainly in English. On
occasion, activities and events have been

A typical day at the I-Chat Lounge

conducted in other languages such as
Korean, Spanish and German. Someforeign students also try to teach theirnative language to other interested students.
The I-Chat staff presently includes one
Japanese speaker and four native English speakers. They support students intheir language learning and are also incharge of planning events and activities
for students to practice their language
skills and to experience the traditions andcustoms of various cultures in fun andexciting ways.
Presentations by guest speakers fromabroad, special cooking classes, crafts
and music, sports activities, and welcome
and farewell parties are some of theevents regularly featured at I-Chat. Holidays such as Christmas, Halloween andEaster have been celebrated annually at
the I-Chat Lounge, introducing students
to a variety of traditions and giving themthe chance to personally experience activities such as carving pumpkins, dyeing
Easter eggs and decorating Christmas
trees. O-hanami (cherry blossom viewing), Tanabata, and other seasonal Japanese activities are also held and are wellattended by the international students.
Beginning this school year, two pilot
projects are being introduced to respondto the academic needs of many OGU
students, Hajimete I-Chat and the STEPUP Learning Corner. Hajimete I-Chat was
created for the benefit of freshmen as
well as students who come in for the firsttime. It is especially designed for thosestudents who are motivated to learn English but may not have confidence in theirskills. They receive extra support with
their language lessons as they are oriented about the rules and functions of the
I-Chat Lounge as well as taught how to
use their time at I-Chat most effectively.
Meanwhile, the STEP-UP Learning
Corner is for more advanced learners
who want guidance about improving theirEnglish level. Its aim is to help students
further progress in their learning by introducing practical skills and techniques thatthey can readily use in their studies. The
role of the staff member serves not only
as a teacher, but also as a facilitator andsupporter, providing students advice,

I-Chat Lounge Staff

which better enables them to achieve
their learning goals and encourages them
to become more independent learners.
As a new member of the OGU International Center family, the I-Chat Lounge
will continue in its role as a place where
both Japanese students and International
students will be able to enjoy learning
about people, languages and cultures ofother countries. It will also now be thestage for holding activities hand in handwith the International Center to help create more opportunities for students andbetter prepare them for their future journeys outside Japan.
(J.D.)The Essence of a Shortterm Program ………
A Student’s First Steps
Abroad!

T

he International Center offers not
only single-semester or one-yearexchange programs, but alsopresents opportunities for short-term
programs twice a year; once in both thesummer and spring terms. If you think it
is impossible for you to attend a longterm study program, have you ever considered one for two weeks or a month?
Regardless of the length of the shortterm program, the chance to study alanguage or participate in volunteer work
would be quite different from simply traveling on an overseas vacation. Attending
a foreign university, living and communicating with the local people are all experiences you would never have on an
ordinary trip abroad. Perhaps you assume a short visit may not be worthwhile? Rather, it really is all up to youPage 2
how to spend the limited time away fromJapan. Some students, after participating
in a mere weeklong study abroad program, returned to Japan with a moremature outlook on life. If you have goals
to enrich your four-year stay at OGU,
why not take a chance and consider astudy abroad experience? The world
awaits you!

T

wenty-eight students have been
selected to participate in the outbound study abroad program forthe school year 2011-2012. Beginning inearly August, the largest number of students so far, will depart to different overseas partner institutions.
In 2009, our first student attended the
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
located in South Africa. This year, ourfirst student will attend Vilnius University
located in Lithuania, one of OGU’s newest partner universities. It is exciting tohear about students’ experiences incountries unknown to other OGU students. At the present time, the Interna-

University of Gävle/Sweden
Homare Masuoka (Junior, International Studies Major)I’m off to the study at the University of
Gävle for a semester! I figured if I wasgoing to study abroad, I wanted to experience something different and unique.
This university offers a special course inoutdoor education. I heard there was an
exchange student at OGU from Sweden
several years ago. Since there isn’t anyone now, it was difficult to find first hand
information about the country of Sweden.
I am excited about the experiences thatlie ahead for me. Although one semesteris rather short, I hope to absorb everything I possibly can in my limited time in
Sweden!

University of St. Thomas/U.S.A.
Yutaro Kashu (Junior, International Studies Major)

I

leave for the University of St. Thomas
in August. Since my freshman year, I
have wanted to study abroad. I had achallenging time raising my TOEFL
score. I wanted so badly to study abroadin the US. I did everything I could to improve my English. I enrolled in English
conversation classes when I was asophomore and I even tried listening to
CNN while on the train ride home eachday. I took every TOEFL test available
and after one year I achieved the necessary score to qualify as a study abroad
candidate. It took me two long years, but I
think it’s really great that I was given theopportunity this time! What appeals to me
most about going on an exchange pro-Outbound Student Selection: 2011-2012 School Yeartional Center is at the peak of orientations
and pre-departure preparations for the 28
outbound students.
Why does the International Centerencourage students to participate in study
abroad programs you might ask? What
are the benefits to studying overseas?
The main objective of studying abroad isto develop one’s language ability. Yet,equally important, the experiences which
students gain abroad can potentially forever change their lives. While living outside of Japan, students will find themselves in situations where they are re-quired to take full responsibility for theirown actions. They must communicate
with people who speak a different language and will experience life withincross-cultural settings.

gram is being able to interact with people from different countries. I’d also liketo cultivate the value of being able toform good personal relationships with all
kinds of people.

Soonchunhyang University/
Korea
Keisuke Nitta (Junior, Foreign
Languages Major)

Wenzao Ursuline College ofLanguages/Taiwan
Mariko Yamamoto (Junior, Foreign Languages Major)As a foreign language major, I’m interested in languages other than English. I chose to study in Taiwan because I
took a course in Chinese as a second
language. I’d like to go where the Chinese language is actually spoken andlearn to improve my own Chinese language abilities. However, my purpose to
study abroad is not entirely for language
learning. I also hope to exchange views
with the local people of and other foreign
students about the customs, languages
and sub-cultures of Taiwan. Through mystudy abroad experience, I also hope tobetter understand the pros and cons ofJapan as a country. It is my wish to
broaden my perspectives and apply the
new skills I will learn in Taiwan in myfuture life.

XXXXXXX

Have you ever had this kind of experience in Japan? Even if you wanted to,these are things you will be not able toexperience if you stay only in Japan. The
study abroad programs are offered toeach OGU student with equal opportunity. Thereafter, it’s up to you to grab the
chance! Who knows? You could be thenext study abroad student!

Ichose to attend a study abroad program with the strong desire to do something different from everyone else. I wantto engage in my upcoming experience in
Korea proactively and try everything possible leaving no regrets. At the same time,
I hope to become a person who canadopt the views and ideas of people different from my own. I aspire to deepen
future international exchanges that manycan enjoy. Now, might be my last chance
to study abroad. I often remind myself
about the spirit to challenge myself anddo the best I can do. I will do everything
possible to learn about the Korean culture
during my time there!

Universität Trier (Germany)
Hiroki Ota (Sophomore, International Studies Major)

A

year in Trier is just a short time sowhile I enjoy myself in Germany I’dalso like to have a productive study
abroad experience. First I want to acquire
German skills. I will work as hard as I canso I can return to Japan capable of taking
the 1st level of the German language
exam. This doesn’t mean, however, that I
want to go abroad only for the sake ofstudying language. I’d also like to try
things unique to Germany or Europe. For
example, there are soccer teams in Germany that are famous worldwide. I lovesoccer and would like to gather with theGerman soccer supporters to cheer thePage 3
local teams on. Since it’s also easy tomove around the EU countries, I’m hoping to go see an Italian soccer game aswell. You can bet I’m off to have a study
abroad experience that’s both fun andfulfilling.

Medicine Hat College (Canada)
Naoto Imamura (Junior, Foreign Languages Major)For sure, I will learn about language
and culture during my year studying abroad. However, through thisexperience, one of my other objectives is
to share information about Japan with
Canadians and other people from aroundthe world. When I go abroad and meetothers, I would like for them to learn more
about my home country of Japan, and toteach them about Japanese culture, history, customs and ways of thinking. To dothis, I must first grow as a person who
understands different cultures. If even
only a one person’s interest is developed
about Japan, I can add at least one more
person to the number of those who would
like to study or travel to Japan in the future.

Seiko and Stella with students

Guidance Counselors: Creating the Bridge Between
International Students and OGU

Studying abroad in a foreign country
can be one of the most exciting
experiences of a student’s life. On
the other hand, it could also be one of themost frightful, lonely, and uneasy experiences for some. One of the jobs of theInternational Center is to help students
cope with culture shock and daily transitions as they acclimate to their studies
and new life in Japan. Five years ago,
there were only 11 international students
studying at OGU. With so few students,
the International Center staff independently managed all of the counseling andguidance issues for each incoming student.
Essential to a strong inbound Japanesestudies program is the clear understanding of students’ individual needs. Suchdiverse student backgrounds, their rangeof life experiences, and the differing university support systems call for an innovative plan of support. Last year, thenumber of international students attending OGU increased to 51 total. As a result, the International Center found it necessary to institute an additional level of
guidance support for all the incoming
students. To help with such support, International Center teachers, Seiko Furuhashi and Stella Maxwell, were asked tohelp provide guidance counseling for the
new students. In the beginning of the fallsemester, these teachers met individuallywith each international student to welcome him or her and complete an initialarrival intake form. Both teachers discussed with the students matters such as
their incoming experiences, any initialdifficulties, and potential challenges inJapan. Stella sensei met with students

from English speaking countries or withstudents who spoke English comfortably.
Seiko sensei conducted intake interviews
and meetings in Japanese with the nonEnglish speaking students. Most students
were doing well and did not require any
special support. Others needed assistance with adjustment challenges: including culture shock, homesickness, difficulty making new friends, host family
communication difficulties, letter writing
assistance, test anxiety, and campus
resources.
Both teachers did their best to listen
and support the international students. If
their students had challenges they could
not assist them with, the teachers would
privately discuss the issue with a staff
member from the International Center.
The staff would then take charge fromthere. All student information was held instrict confidence between the guidancecounselors and the respective International Center staff in charge. At a student’s request, OGU also offered weekly
counseling with a visiting psychologist. In
addition to outlining the support needed,
the general intake form on file provided
the International Center a better understanding of the various needs of each
student making it easier to structure activities accordingly.
There are tentatively 75 international
students expected to study at OGU thiscoming fall semester. More than ever, it
will be necessary to sustain a strong support and guidance plan for all of them.
Once again, new students will be assisted with their transitions and warmheartedly welcomed to the OGU community and the International Center family!

“The Path to International Development” by: Yumi Nagato(OGU graduate student, International Studies, Class of 2001)
Yumi Nagato represented OGU as
an exchange student to the University of St. Thomas. After graduation, she returned to the US where
she earned her master’s degree.
She later joined the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers withthe desire to be involved in international relations. She has quite aremarkable record having alsodone work for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Yumi’s enthusiasm to offer something to the world and make use ofher past experiences has inspired
her to pursue her doctorate fromthe Graduate School of Interna-

tional Studies at OGU. For OGU
students interested in the field ofinternational relations, Yumi is definitely the number one model
alumna!

A

fter being in the field and seeing
how various developmental aid isbeing implemented in different
countries, along with my experience
working at the MOFA, I wanted to sharewith others my reasons for choosing todevote myself to studying full time.
In Zimbabwe where I had been dispatched at the time, power and water
outages were a common occurrence
even in the urban areas. The economy
had been in such a state of collapse thatthe inflation rate was said to have surpassed 10,000%. While all around starving children were dying of hunger, thecountry’s politicians were leading lavish
lifestyles without a worry about the lack offood or fuel. They were living in huge
homes and owned several luxury vehicles. When I saw for myself this reality,
my desire to become engaged in work
involving Japanese government aid andthe development of developing countries
grew. I decided to refresh my knowledge
and study again the basics of international development.
After returning from Zimbabwe in August 2007, I attended classes of the professor who was in charge of graduate
courses in international development,Page 4
Izumi Kobayashi. Coincidentally, he was
my seminar adviser from my college
days. Not long after that in May 2009,
Japan sponsored the Fifth Japan-PacificIslands Forum Summit Meeting that isheld every three years. This meeting
hosts 4 countries and two regions in the
Pacific. Prior to the summit, the MOFA
organized an Eminent Persons Group inwhich Prof. Kobayashi, who specializes indevelopment issues in the Pacific, waselected head. At his recommendation, I
was hired as his assistant and thus began my work at the Ministry.
Although this position ended when thegroup completed its responsibilities inMarch 2009, positive feedback regarding
my work performance merited me a job
as a specialist in economic cooperation at
the MOFA’s International Relations Bureau. The job lasted for a short two years,
but was similar work to that of a full-time
MOFA employee. It was a good opening
for full-time employment and would be agreat opportunity for someone like myself

who was interested in development
issues.
However, in my work at the MOFA, I
became painfully aware of the need forme to acquire fundamental knowledge
about development. I began to think that
if I wanted to be fully engaged in development issues, I needed a proper academic background. Next, I decided topursue a doctorate in the Graduate
School of International Studies at OGU.
In March 2010, I began my studies.
My future goal is to pursue the realessence of development issues while atthe same time, completing my PhD. I
hope to further link my research in international development to my professional experience in the field. It is simply
not enough for me to just know about
international development superficiallyby simply rely on my knowledge of areas such as world history, religion, politics and economics. It is necessary forme to understand the structure andtrends in international society. I may
also face some challenges given mygender and age.
Despite any difficulties forthcoming, I
believe my experiences so far have
prepared me well to face any challenges. Most importantly, I continue toremember and appreciate all thosearound me who have supported bothmy academic and professional goals. I
will continue to work hard and do mybest to successfully achieve my dream.

Yumi With children in Zimbabwe

Tips for a Host Family—Part III by: Yuko Teramura

International Center NewsAs we continue to feature hints
about possible challenges for hostfamilies and international students,
we hope they will help you better
cope with any problems you may
encounter while hosting a student inyour home. Regardless of the typesof problems you may have, keep inmind, conflicts are common andoccur due to the differences in language, culture, and customs in any
family.

within a student’s mind. It is difficult for
students to understand the house rules
unless they are informed in advance.

2011-2012 Exchange Programs

Write down rules and expectations

Exchange program dates are scheduled
for next year. Some dates may seem far
away, but prepare yourself early! Start
now!

Explain your expectations on
the first day

Timing is everything. If you think, “Theexchange student will live here forthree months, so I have plenty of time to
explain my expectations,” or “They willgrow to understand the rules naturally,” or“The International Center will orientatethem about how to live with a host family,” you will definitely come across problems later on.
It is important to lay the foundation ofhouse rules early on. If you avoid communicating with the exchange student
and simply remain polite and perfectly
accommodating, they will be unaware of
any of your expectations and this will
eventually lead to a downward spiral inyour situation at home.
For example, suppose during the firstmonth, they return home late, take long
showers in the morning, or leave waterbottles lying around and you say nothing.
Then suddenly, you inform the student
not to do it. This sudden shift may not
only confuse them, it may create hardfeelings and begin to build resentment

Although it is best to verbally explain
the rules, it may also be a good idea
to put them in writing, post them on thewall, or file them for kind reminders. Students are often nervous upon arrival toyour home and may miss out on somedetails in rules. However, if you write
them down, students can later look up
words they do not understand.
Some details may slip your mind, suchas what food in the fridge is for eating or
drinking first, and which house items are
off limits to students. While many rules
seem minor in nature, problems can rapidly accumulate and can lead to deeper
issues if not addressed properly.

Coping with broken rules andexpectationW

hen the student violates a rule forthe first time, repeat the rule to themand explain its purpose making sure theyclearly understand you. Use gestures,
sign language, or pictures to present yourmessage. It is entirely possible, the firsttime you explained the rule, the student
simply misunderstood your Japanese
because they were nervous when theyfirst arrived. Some students may have alimited vocabulary, but if you write words
down for them, it will help them become
familiar with new vocabulary as well as
reflect on the rule and its purpose. Often
times, students simply apologize for disappointing you and it rarely happens
again.

Application period:
Jan. 11-24, 2011
Language examination:
Jan. 25 & 26, 2011
(For French and German only)

Screening Interview:
Feb. 1-10, 2011
(In Japanese and English)

Announcement of results:
Early Mar. 2011
A reminder to those students interested in becoming a candidate for an
exchange program: While fulfilling thelanguage requirements set by each
university is expected, grades are also
important. Applications will only be accepted from those who have a GPA of
2.5 or higher. Exchange students aresent to overseas partner universities asrepresentatives of OGU. Keep in mind
candidates must maintain the required
GPA for the exchange program!

Football field at The University ofMississippi

Page 4

Medicine Hat College
officials pay OGU a visit
During April, OGU welcomed President
Ralph Weeks and Russel Boris, directorof International Education of Medicine
Hat College from Canada. Representatives from both schools shared in discussion about their programs, and later attended a special event at the I-Chat
Lounge together. Medicine Hat College
will offer an intensive three-week English
language program slated to begin thissummer. The first OGU exchange student, Naoto Imamura, a Junior and Foreign Language major will attend Medicine
Hat this coming fall.

Welcome to KC!
As we said farewell to Titis Nitiswari,during the month of March, we also
welcomed three new members to theInternational Center family in April. Joy
De Vera is from the Philippines andcalls Quezon City home. Joy has crossjob duties at the I-Chat Lounge as wellas in the International Center. Students
will see her all around campus. Meng
Tao, originally from Shanxi, China also
holds British citizenship. For questions
regarding anything Chinese, Tao is the

go-to person! Daniel Lilley comes to us
from Christchurch and is New Zealander who definitely understands Kansai humor. The three new staff members are multilingual; they can speak
Japanese, English, Chinese and Filipino. We can now say with confidence,
the International Center has become
truly ethnically diverse, making it a truly
international team.

From right: Joy, Daniel and Tao(Top) Mr. Weeks (Second from left) Mr.
Boris (Leftmost), (Bottom) I-Chat Event

Osaka Gakuin University/Osaka Gakuin Junior College
2-36-1 Kishibe-Minami, Suita City, Osaka 564-8511
Tel: 06-6381-8434 Fax: 06-6381-8499 Email: inoffice@ogu.ac.jp