var so = new SWFObject('http://worldcampus.org/video/player.swf','mpl','480','320','9');so.addParam('allowscriptaccess','always');so.addParam('allowfullscreen','true');so.addParam('flashvars','&file=http://worldcampus.org/video/MedleyArao.flv&image=http://worldcampus.org/video/WCIKizunaPromo.jpg');so.write('player_8');Our “Arigato Event” had a few interesting elements. One of the most challenging parts of our event was a section intended to entertain the audience with some of Japan’s most famous songs and dances. When our summer program began, the participants had no idea what [...]]]>

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If you have been following our program or our blog, you have no doubt heard about our “Arigato Event.” Performed near the end of each of our stays, the event is a way for us to say Thank You to the communities and host families [...]]]>

If you have been following our program or our blog, you have no doubt heard about our “Arigato Event.” Performed near the end of each of our stays, the event is a way for us to say Thank You to the communities and host families who have worked so hard to bring us into their world. These communities do most of the work needed to make World Campus International a success. In each of our events, there is a section that highlights the talents and creativity of our participants. This summer we had some members who decided that their talents went better together than on their own. Having never met before the program, these participants put a little Elvis, some Sax, a vocal rhythm track, a traditional Japanese instrument, and a world class voice together to create this amazing rendition of the classic, “Love Me Tender.”

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Even looking back on program 3 from more than a month away, I still can’t believe some of what we experienced. Each program we had to say good bye to some of the people who defined the World Campus – Japan Personality. Through [...]]]>

Even looking back on program 3 from more than a month away, I still can’t believe some of what we experienced. Each program we had to say good bye to some of the people who defined the World Campus – Japan Personality. Through our time together in each program we build bonds that are so difficult to articulate. When we loose some of the people who have become leaders within the group, we are left with a hole. AND… at the beginning of program 3 we found ourselves, once again, looking to fill the voids left by those who could not stay. Then the program began. We welcomed the new participants and amazingly, within 48 hours, the personality of our group evolved. Though the void left by the old group could not be filled, our program 3 group was as complete a team as there could be. The new puzzle fit together to make a unique and extraordinary picture of how cross culturalal cooperation can really make an impact. Program 3 participants saw the Nagasaki Peace Museum, Storks Cradle, Kumamoto Castle, Manda Mine, and an Okonomiaki Sauce factory. Take a look for yourself and see World Campus – Japan as we see it.

(Jay Kinsel, Production Manager)

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Over the past few weeks, we have given everyone a glimpse into the World Campus — Japan program. You have heard a lot about what we do and how we felt as we did it. We now want to let you hear one of [...]]]>

Over the past few weeks, we have given everyone a glimpse into the World Campus — Japan program. You have heard a lot about what we do and how we felt as we did it. We now want to let you hear one of our participant’s thoughts after she returned to the “real” world. Meghan Kuts participated in program 1 and 2 of the WCI Summer 09 tour. She made this video a little more than a month after she returned home. Take a look!!!

Okay, wow. First of all, traveling with World Campus International this summer was my first trip outside of Europe and my first trip alone for more than 2 weeks. At first I was a little bit scared. Who will I meet and what will the program be like? Of course I read a lot about [...]]]>

Okay, wow. First of all, traveling with World Campus International this summer was my first trip outside of Europe and my first trip alone for more than 2 weeks. At first I was a little bit scared. Who will I meet and what will the program be like? Of course I read a lot about the program on the website, but still I could only create an image, which might be different from the real thing… and it was different. All the people I met there were so friendly and open! I am now back in my country called Holland and only now I realize what kind of people I met there and how they changed my whole lifestyle and way of thinking.

I completed all three programs of World Campus International this summer. I visited 6 different cities, lived with 7 different host families and each stay was an experience on its own. I met friends in Japan with the same interests as me, friends with the same passion, friends with a different way of thinking and friends with other customs. I never thought I would meet such a variety of people! Even when I met more than one person from one country, none of them had the same personality or interests. That was the beautiful part of the diversity I encountered. For me, I did not just meet people from Taiwan, Norway, China or Japan; no, I met people who became good friends. I never ever thought that I would get so close to the people I met in the World Campus – Japan program.

The life in Japan I lived was so different from the life I lead in Holland. Not only because it took place in Japan, but also because I was immersed in the World Campus – Japan life. At times we had a busy schedule and I was tired from the program, but it was all worth it. The things I have seen and experienced, shaped my imagination and helped me form opinions on matters like education, international relations and the role of media within the society. Also, my thoughts on different food, customs and languages. Personally, it was weird to speak English every day, but the more I talked with my friends, the more I became accustomed to it. Not only did I learn English, I picked up a little Japanese, Chinese, some Korean and even some New Jersey slang.

I have gained so much. Now, I am sitting in my chair in my house in Holland looking at pictures and videos from the program, reliving the moments. I am trying to reflect on the whole program, but I am still in Japan with my thoughts. I cannot reflect on my experiences if I am still there, can I? When I look at all the pictures and videos, I have come to realize that the time in Japan, which I enjoyed to the fullest, is over.

It might seem sad that the end of the program came. But, it is not the end of World Campus (cliché, but true). I am staying in contact with my new friends on Facebook and mail (people who are reading this and have no Facebook; get Faaaaaaaaaaacebooooooooook!) and I talk to them about everything and nothing as if we were never separated from each other. I think making connections with new people is the focus of World Campus International. Because, truthfully, the program would never have turned out the way it did without the people who were participated.

Thank you for this wonderful time and experience. See you soon!

(Ashwin Ramjiawan, Holland)

For me, although I have been studying in Kyusyu for a while, this was my first time to go to Kikuchi Valley to see the waterfall in Kumamoto Prefecture. It was amazing! There are many waterfalls in my country, but Kikuchi Valley was really special. I felt that especially in the summer, it was very [...]]]>

For me, although I have been studying in Kyusyu for a while, this was my first time to go to Kikuchi Valley to see the waterfall in Kumamoto Prefecture. It was amazing! There are many waterfalls in my country, but Kikuchi Valley was really special. I felt that especially in the summer, it was very cool and it was a peaceful environment. After Kikuchi, the World Campus International group went to Aso Mountain, which provided us with spectacular 360 degree views! On our way up Mount Aso on a gondola, I was able to see a long line of mountains, almost resembling the Great Wall of China. It was a fantastic day!!!

(Cherilyn Than Than, Myanmar)

During 124 years, Manda Mine contributed to a modernization of Japan, so this mine has a historic value. According to Mr. Horiuchi, who used to work in Manda Mine, this mine was accepting of all people. In other words, everyone who had a strong body could work for this mine no matter what your background [...]]]>

During 124 years, Manda Mine contributed to a modernization of Japan, so this mine has a historic value. According to Mr. Horiuchi, who used to work in Manda Mine, this mine was accepting of all people. In other words, everyone who had a strong body could work for this mine no matter what your background was. Mr. Horiuchi was full of passion while talking about the Manda mine. I was impressed with his speech and thought about its potential registration as a World Heritage Site. When we discussed a registration to the World Heritage Site, someone pointed out a negative viewpoint about the Manda Mine, such as its lack of popularity in Arao city. It is important for us to think about both the positive and negative viewpoints of the mine. I got a wonderful opportunity to think about some history of Japan, which is my own country.

(Risa Taniwaki, Japan)

The start of this summer’s third program in Arao provided World Campus International members the opportunity to visit Kumamoto Castle! It is considered one of the strongest castles in Japan. Under the intense heat of the Japanese summer, we walked inside the fortress’ walls, which have withstood a 52-days siege. A guide explained the history [...]]]>

The start of this summer’s third program in Arao provided World Campus International members the opportunity to visit Kumamoto Castle! It is considered one of the strongest castles in Japan. Under the intense heat of the Japanese summer, we walked inside the fortress’ walls, which have withstood a 52-days siege. A guide explained the history of the castle to us and we were later able to explore the premises by ourselves through a scavenger hunt.

After a quick picnic lunch, we headed towards Jikei Hospital, a baby drop-off center that opened in May 2006. The ‘Cradle of Stork’ offers a safe environment for desperate parents to abandon their baby. The Cradle was founded as a ‘last resort system’ to save the lives of babies who would otherwise be left in unsafe environments. Taiji Hasuda, the chief director of the hospital and founder of hospital wishes such places did not exist. The hospital offers 24/7 counseling services to dispel mothers from leaving their children.

Since the establishment of the Cradle, 500 consultations have taken place, which is more than a 1000% increase. Despite its successes, the “Cradle” in Japan remains the only baby post in Japan and represents a controversial issue. In my opinion, the Cradle of Stork is an instrument in saving the lives of unwanted babies who might have been abandoned to perish. Such places are necessary in order to prevent dangerous situations. I think education on contraception and pregnancies, as well as support for expecting mothers and lifting some restrictions on abortions are important steps to resolve this complicated and controversial issue.

(Liz Cullen, Canada)

That is a cheer for the wonderful city of Arao in Kumamoto Prefecture! I am very excited to be the city runner. The Local Organizing Commitee has done a great job and all the World Campus International participants are very happy [...]]]>

A LA BIO A LA BAO A LA BIM BOM BA
ARAO ARAO
RA RA RA!!!

That is a cheer for the wonderful city of Arao in Kumamoto Prefecture! I am very excited to be the city runner. The Local Organizing Commitee has done a great job and all the World Campus International participants are very happy to be here. The experienced participants are so warm and they are excited to be back, while the newcomers are enjoying the whole experience from the beginning.

There is so much to see, taste, touch, and hear, here in Arao, that we all are happy to explore this great city! This is the beginning of our third program and almost the end of the summer tour. We have mixed feelings, but it will be awesome!

A LA BIO A LA BAO A LA BIM BOM BA
ARAO ARAO
RA RA RA!!!

(Gaby Castañeda-Jiménez, Mexico)

Today, World Campus International staff members along with the purple-adorned Arao LOC (local organizing committee) participated in the Charity Bazaar at the Arao City Mall. As a group of gaijins (foreigners in Japanese), we attracted much attention to our booth! There were hand-crafted goodies galore, including scarves, tissue boxes, and flower arrangements, all of which [...]]]>

Today, World Campus International staff members along with the purple-adorned Arao LOC (local organizing committee) participated in the Charity Bazaar at the Arao City Mall. As a group of gaijins (foreigners in Japanese), we attracted much attention to our booth! There were hand-crafted goodies galore, including scarves, tissue boxes, and flower arrangements, all of which were donated by the generous LOC. We also took this opportunity to promote and share about World Campus – Japan with the local community of Arao! Funds raised by the event will go towards helping host future participants.

This slideshow was created by our World Campus — Japan Participant Henning from Noway during our stay in Arao city for our Feb 2008 tour!