Vol. 1
Date: May 15, 2009

International Center Newsletter
International Center, Osaka Gakuin University

All the world's a stage.
“As You Like It” William Shakespeare

1. A Message from International Center Director, Mike Matsuno

Experience + Discovery = A truly Life Changing experience!
Greetings from the International Center!
Beginning this year, we will be publishing an international
center newsletter to update the OGU community on what
new is happening at the International Center regarding study
abroad and exchange opportunities, partnerships and incoming international student information, as well as all otherinternational center related news taking place on campus.
Fall 2009, we will be sending 18 students abroad to participate in one semester or one year exchange programs.
We are hoping to increase this number yearly, because weall know that a study abroad/exchange experience is a“priceless,” life-changing opportunity. OGU students returnfrom exchange, not only with drastically improved language
skills and knowledge about foreign cultures and people, butmore importantly, they learn about their own identity andvalues and what it means to be Japanese. Moreover, no“price tag” can be placed on the life skills they acquire while
they are away: superior communication and assertivenessskills, resourcefulness and problem solving abilities, andoverall confidence.
Needless to say, the potential experiences, knowledge,
skills, and international friendships our students acquire on

exchange will make a huge impact on their way of thinking,future employment choices, and their overall quality of life.
We appreciate your ongoing support to send as many qualified
OGU students on study abroad/exchange programs; long termor short term. Please help us encourage all students to experience an opportunity that can often only be done while studyingat the university.
If you have any questions or need any further information,please have your students and friends come and talk to us at ournew location:
International Center, Building #1, First Floor.
Yoroshiku Onegai Shimasu

International Center Director & Deputy Director

2. A Message from International Center Deputy Director, Noboru Goto
When I was a university student, I experienced my firstoverseas travel during one of my summer vacations. I traveled
the U.S., Canada and Mexico for one month free of any travelschedule. It was my mini adventure with just my backpackand me! I embarked on the same journey two years in a row.
The first year I went with a friend and the second year I traveled alone. Everything I saw and did along the way was newto me. After my return to Japan, one of my professors eagerly
asked “how did your overseas adventure help you to matureand gain personal growth?” Although at first I was a little
mystified by his question, after some self reflection, I realized
how truly “life changing” my overseas experience was.
Through some self discovery and the opportunity to view firsthand how various cultures and different ways of thinking coexist in the world, I gained both self-confidence and a broader
view of the world.
Next, I went to the graduate school in Japan. Interestingly,80% of my classmates were foreigners. There were students
from Korea, China, Taiwan and Singapore. As a result, thisbecame another invaluable experience for me. I was able tocontinue to learn about other cultures and diversified ways ofthinking, while living in Japan. Even today, I remain in contact with many of my former classmates. My only regret is: Iwish I would have studied abroad while I was in my twenties. I
believe through cross-cultural experiences one discovers foreign countries, more about their home country, and gains abetter understanding of themselves. All of these experiencesserve as a foundation for the future. Ideally, it is best when
students take the opportunity to participate in such events during their university years.
As of May 1, 2009, OGU has 34 partner universities in which
students can study for a semester or a year as an exchange student. Additionally, approximately 30 students from all over theworld, are currently learning Japanese and are immersed inJapanese culture on this very campus. They look forward tocommunicating with you! While it is valuable for you to gooverseas, it is equally immeasurable to have cross-cultural experiences on campus at OGU. The most important thing is totake the first step. You are invited to come to the International
Center located on the first floor of Building #1. Take the firstvaluable step towards understanding differences in various cultures and becoming aware of global ways of thinking. Come tothe International Center and meet an everlasting friend andbecome involved in limitless discussions about your future anddream!

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International Center Newsletter

3. 2009-2010 Exchange Students
The International Center assists OGU students in becoming
exchange students at overseas partner universities and also
hosts students from various partner universities all over theworld. OGU has relationships with forty overseas partner
universities, amongst them, thirty-four student exchange
agreements exist and this number is expected to growthroughout the year. OGU recently became partners withuniversities in the U.S. and Europe as well as in several
Asian countries. Today, students who choose to study Chinese and Korean have many more choices!
Last year, a total of twenty-one OGU students attended
partner universities as exchange students and currently nine
students continue to study at partner universities in the U.S.,
Korea and Thailand.
This year, there are eighteen OGU students studying abroad
at partner universities located in the U.S., Germany, France,Finland, the Netherlands, Australia, Korea, Taiwan and SouthAfrica. Their stories will be featured in both the International
Center newsletter and website this coming fall.
The International Center is pleased to receive two scholar-ships from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
for OGU exchange students for the academic school year 20092010! The selection process for candidates is based on criteriasuch as students’ grades, attendance and their all around academic effort. This year’s two recipients are Mr. Daichi Misaki,
who will be attending the University of Mississippi, and Mr.
Hiroyuki Toma who will be attending the HZ University ofApplied Sciences. Anyone is eligible to apply for these scholarships. If you believe studying abroad might be somewhat of afinancial challenge for you, come to the International Center,
together we can think of a plan for you. Don’t let your dream tostudy abroad slip away!
All the university locations and their required language standards for admissions will be announced in June. If you are interested in learning more about OGU’s study abroad programs,
please come to visit the International Center. Freshmen who are
considering study abroad in the future should begin preparing
as soon as possible. The earlier you begin your study abroad
experience, the better!

4. A Message from Kyoko Shimakawa
Kyoko is an OGU outbound student currently studying abroad at the University ofMississippi. She is an international studies major.
Eight months have passed since I arrived in Mississippi. I
slowly overcame the anxiety and peculiarity I felt when I firststarted my new life in the US. At first, everything seemedlarger in the US compared to Japan. The university campus,
the roads, highways and bridges all seemed huge. It was challenging to acclimate to the new dorm living environment yet,now I feel very comfortable living in a college dorm room.
The most difficult thing for me to get use to was the “food”.
I never expected I would have difficulty adjusting to different
types of food. I found it challenging to eat healthy foods.
After I got sick one time, I was much more careful to makehealthy food choices when I ate.
Despite the challenges I have experienced here, my student
life has been positively influenced by other university students in the US. Mississippi is an ideal place to study because
students here are serious about college and their studies.
They are a great support and a positive influence on one another. Students’ enthusiasm for learning and their positive
attitude towards studying motivated me to do the same. Students in the US often study hard in the library, throughout theweekdays and attend parties and enjoy their free-time during
the weekends. They seem to manage their time wisely. Before I came to Mississippi, I lacked skills to concentrate on
one thing at a time. Once I began to study in the library everyday; I improved my study habits and became better at focusing and completing tasks I was working on.
Students come from all parts of the world to study at theUniversity of Mississippi. This is an excellent place to learn

With friends at the University of Mississippi

not only about American culture, but also, diversified culturesof the world. My study abroad experience has allowed me tolearn about other countries and given me a broader view of theworld. I have even learned a few phrases in Korean and Spanish
while communicating with my classmates. This was a true
cross-cultural experience.
I often felt frustrated and disappointed, when I knew what I
wanted to communicate, but I didn’t know how to say it in English. Regardless, I continued to think positive, study consistently at the library, and I made a plan to improve my situation.
I thought it was important to problem solve and keep my spirits
up to avoid becoming depressed. I made a plan and took step toimprove my conversational skills. First, I found a speaking
partner and asked her to check my pronunciation a couple oftimes a week. Secondly, I got involved on campus and partici-

Vol. 1Page 3Student Eventpated in various events. Then, I was forced to communicate in English with American students. When a student studies abroad, it is critical for them to be confident
and not afraid to try to speak in English.
During my time spent here, I realize that my study abroad experience became areality because of the tireless efforts and support of my family, teachers and manyother people in my life. Living away from Japan has helped me to appreciate their
help even more. In my short time here, I am determined to learn and to grow asmuch as possible. I understand better now, it is me who is responsible for my studies
and to be successful, I must take initiative and do the studying and hard work myself. I realize that my time here is precious and I cannot waste even one moment ofthis opportunity.
Indeed, I have experienced many new things and acquired adequate English skills
as an exchange student. However, equally important, this study abroad experiencehas provided me with an opportunity that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I willcontinue to work hard to improve my English even more during my remaining timein Mississippi. I now firmly believe this life changing experience has given me thecapability and skills necessary to successfully prepare for job hunting and for myfuture life.

5. Partner University: University of San Carlos,Republic of Philippines

Cebu City view of the ocean

Philippines

Cebu Island

Among the many partner universities of Osaka Gakuin University, lies the University of San Carlos located in the Republic of Philippines.
Founded by the Spanish Jesuits on August 1, 1595, USC is the oldest school in thecountry. World War II saw the occupation of CSC by Japanese troops. Shortly before
it’s liberation, in 1944, bombs from US planes fell on San Carlos, narrowly reducing
the school to rubble and ultimately leading to its closure. San Carlos became a university in 1948, three years after it reopened.
Four campuses encompass varied levels of educational programs. There are a totalof eight colleges (Architecture and Fine Arts, Arts and Sciences, Commerce, Education, Engineering, Law, Nursing and Pharmacy) and twenty-seven other departments.
USC is truly a small “international-city”. External affairs, international connections
and a steady influx of foreign students and visiting professors have made USC amulticultural academic community bonded by the common pursuit for global standards.
USC is located in Cebu City on Cebu Island in the Philippines. Cebu is well known
for its beautiful sightseeing locations. It hosts many of the most famous resorts in thecountry showcasing modern hotels with state of the art facilities. Cebu City is theoldest city in the Philippines and is home to numerous historical buildings andmemorial monuments.
English is already one of the official languages in the academic and political circles
in the Philippines. Consequently, it is not entirely necessary for all students to travelto the U.S., England or Australia to study English. If you find traveling overseas forexchange might be somewhat of a hardship for you, studying in the Philippines might
be a feasible alternative.
In the fall of 2008, OGU welcomed Jose Maria A. Mateo, “Butch,” the first exchange student from University of San Carlos. If you would like to learn more facts
about the University of San Carlos and the Philippines, please come visit the International Center!

Please see the International Center website for more information.
http://www.osaka-gu.ac.jp/int_exchange/main.html

6. Foreign Student: Jose Maria A. Mateo, “Butch”
Thirty students were welcomed from OGU partner universities in September of 2008. Today, twenty-four of them continue
to study in the OGU international exchange program. Butch, astudent from the University of San Carlos was interviewed
about his impressions of Japan, his life and his home university.
When Butch first arrived in Japan he was surprised to findthat it is was much cleaner than he had expected. He wasamazed at the strict eating etiquette. Even now, he continues toworry that he follows the expected eating etiquette closely as toavoid hurting anyone’s feelings. His observations of men sitting
on the train were somewhat of a shock for him. In his homecountry, train seats are given away by males to their elders andespecially to women. He found it even more shocking to see
men riding as a passenger on the back of a bicycle powered by awoman. Although many men in the Philippines might share thesame respect for females as Butch does, it was his mother who
trained him as a child to be kind and help women whenever hehad the chance. Butch always tries to help the female staff at theInternational Center carry heavy items or clean the office asneeded.
Prior to coming to Japan, Butch studied Japanese for a semester and took a free Japanese lesson offered by the Philippine
government for two months. Nonetheless, he could still only
speak limited Japanese. Yet now, he can communicate a little
more with Japanese people using simple sentences. Butch asserts that people in the Philippines are interested in studying
Japanese because it is useful when they look for a job.

7. Additional International Center News
1) Host Family Orientation
July 6 (Sat.) 13:30 - 16 :00 p.m.
OGU continues to offer foreign students the opportunity to livewith a host family during their stay in Japan. As a result of thedramatic increase in the number of foreign students this year,
OGU is in need of additional host families. In order to reach thisgoal, we need your help.
Requirements:

1) home is an hour or less travel time to OGU
2) must have a private room3) two meals a day (including holidays)
If you are interested in hosting a student, please attend our Host
Family Pre-meeting. We hope you will join us in reaching ourgoal and thank you for your continued support for the OGU exchange program.

Butch with other foreign and OGU students

The University of San Carlos, assertively promotes theinternationalization of the campus, but according to Butch,
there are currently zero Japanese students attending there.
All courses, with the exception of foreign language classes,
are instructed in English; hence, there are many foreign students on campus. Additionally, many students and researchers from European countries study with Philippine students
in the graduate school. USC is an attractive place to study
because Japanese students can of course study English, aswell as enjoy the community, the beaches, the mountains
and the abundant shopping areas. Butch recommends USC
to OGU students because the living costs are low, and thestudents can stay in the Philippines without any financial
hardships.
Butch is majoring in marketing at USC. After graduation,
he hopes to become employed with a trading company exporting Philippine products to other parts of the world. His
dream is to operate his own company in the future. We hope
his dream will come true one day and he will contribute tothe friendship between the Philippines and Japan and promote bilateral trading with great success!
Kumai and Mr. Masafumi Shibutani, three new staff members at the International Center.
As we move forward with new beginnings, we will be focusing our efforts on increasing both the number of OGU
students studying abroad, as well as foreign students studying Japanese at OGU. We are extremely dedicated to helping
both the OGU and foreign students live their dream of becoming an exchange student. Moreover, we wish to help
students make the most of their “life changing” experienceso they may be successful in their future.
We appreciate your generous support and continued cooperation for the International Center exchange programs!

2) International Center Staff Changes:
During April and May there were several staff changes at theInternational Center. Ms. Rika Kawano and Mr. Kenichiro Yamamichi were transferred to the Admissions office and Ms.
Yumi Nakamura was transferred to the Student Affairs Office.
We would like to thank each of them for their contribution to theInternational Center.
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Titis Nitiswari, Ms. Tomomi

The International Center Staff

Osaka Gakuin University
International Center
2-36-1 Kishibe-minami, Suita City, Osaka 564-8511
Tel: 06-6381-8434 Fax: 06-6381-8499
Email: inoffice@ogu.ac.jp