Times Of TIU

Writer: Karen W.
Editor: Kotomi T.
Translator: Natsumi K.

The fall semester of 2023 has come to an end, and the CG team successfully held six intercultural exchange meetings this year. We are truly grateful to all the students who participated. Starting from the fall semester of 2023, the CG team also moved to the Ikebukuro campus, so the location has changed. Therefore, the CG team’s activity location was at the first campus during the spring semester of 2023, but from the fall semester onward, the events were held at Ikebukuro. In this article, we will look back at the intercultural exchange meetings held in 2023.

Spring Semester 2023

Date: April 27

Time: 5:20 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 

Location: Sakura Classroom (First Campus)  

Theme: Slang and Emojis/DIGITAL SLANG

In this intercultural exchange meeting, we discussed how the usage and meaning of internet slang and emojis differ by country. Participants used their mobile phones to share the slang and emojis they frequently use, along with their usage and meanings.

Additionally, many E-track students participated, and when we held a quiz on Japanese internet slang, there were various interpretations, which made it very lively.

Message from the CG Team:  

Even with the same emoji, the meaning can differ depending on the culture. Understanding each other’s cultures can lead to better communication and avoid misunderstandings.

Date: May 15

Time: 5:10 p.m. – 6:40 p.m.  

Location: Sakura Classroom (First Campus)  

Theme: Board Games

In this intercultural exchange meeting, we compared Japanese and foreign board games and had participants experience Japanese board games. Participants were divided into two groups to discuss whether playing games has advantages or disadvantages in university life. Many students liked board games, so there were mostly positive points, but those who thought about the disadvantages worked hard, making for a heated discussion.

Finally, we played the Mafia game to conclude the event. This intercultural exchange meeting made the participants experience various board games from different countries.

Message from the CG Team:

Even when it comes to board games, there are many different types. Playing them with family and friends can be a fun way to share and understand each other’s different values. Let’s play considerately so that everyone can enjoy the games comfortably.

Date: June 12

Time: 5:10 p.m. – 6:40 p.m.  

Location: Sakura Classroom (First Campus)  

Theme: Summer Festivities

In this intercultural exchange meeting, we focused on Japanese summer events and discussed the differences with other countries. We also introduced recommended spots for summer in Japan and necessary items for summer. Some E-track students were handling these items for the first time, and it became a place for sharing information, such as explaining how to use them and sharing impressions.

Additionally, we hid necessary items for summer in the classroom and had participants find them, making it an experiential intercultural exchange meeting.

Message from the CG Team:  

What you do in the summer varies from person to person. What is normal in your country might be a new discovery for other students. Sharing each other’s circumstances and styles can lead to understanding and empathy for other cultures and perspectives.

Fall Semester 2023

Date: September 29

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  

Location: Global Commons (Ikebukuro Campus)  

Theme: Time Management

This intercultural exchange meeting was the first event held at the Ikebukuro campus. Participants discussed time management to navigate their new life at the Ikebukuro campus. In groups, they debated whether multitasking or single-tasking is better, which led to a heated discussion, and two students presented their conclusions to all participants.

Message from the CG Team:

Even though countries differ, the concept of time management is common to most people. This is because we are all in similar situations, such as being students, which makes it easier to understand and empathize with others’ perspectives and thoughts.

Date: October 30

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  

Location: Active Learning Classroom (Ikebukuro Campus)  

Theme: Halloween

In this intercultural exchange meeting, we discussed Halloween. Participants watched videos related to Halloween and experienced the differences in horror between Japan and their respective countries. Nearing the end of the event, they also played a game to guess the hidden character where they cooperated with each other to find hints. Albeit late, congratulations to the students who got the correct answer!

Message from the CG Team:  

Even though it’s called Halloween, the way it is celebrated and the thoughts about the event can differ by country. By respecting each other’s ideas and ways of doing things, and sharing what we do, we can achieve mutual understanding across countries.

Date: November 17

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  

Location: Active Learning Classroom (Ikebukuro Campus)  

Theme: Holiday

The final intercultural exchange meeting of 2023 was a relaxed event where students sat directly on the floor. Participants discussed whether there were holidays in their countries similar to each other’s, deepening their understanding of each other’s cultures. Lastly, they planned their ideal trip within a set budget, resulting in unique plans that seemed fun if it were to become real.

Message from the CG Team:  

As many people know, each country has special holidays that distinguish it from others. However, we believe that these holidays are celebrated and form part of our identities. Holidays also provide a chance for rest or visiting new places. As what was mentioned on the event itself, “Some people might associate Holiday with the word Travel.”

Conclusion

The CG team successfully completed its activities for 2023. This success is thanks to the students who participated in the intercultural exchange meetings, as well as those who enjoyed CG’s Instagram and the student website “Times of TIU.” Thank you very much. In 2024, the CG team still continued its activities at the Ikebukuro campus, so please participate in our intercultural exchange meetings, check our Instagram and the student website Times of TIU too!