World Campus International Blog » Community Partners

You can call us VIP

Thomas Greve — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 22:07:08 +0000

World Campus – Japan gives a unique chance to get to know Japan from the inside, not only by staying in local host families, getting involved with the community and visiting really interesting places, but also by offering opportunities like we had in Omura. Five of us went to visit the Mayor of Omura, he spoke to us about the issues he deals with in his city and also about the things he feels very proud of, like the Boat Race that happens every year right there in Omura.

He also talked to us about an unique opportunity we were about to experience during our stay in Omura, the “Fureai-no Event”, an event where more than 400 handicap people come together to play, celebrate diversity and have fun for a few hours. We were specially invited (which makes us VIP in Omura) to participate.

Check the blog in the near future to read about that amazing event!

Hippo life style

Thomas Greve — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 05:00:49 +0000

Hippo Club is a language club. Not one of those clubs where you go and try to learn a new language with no results… Hippo Club works!. Upon arrival in the city of Hiroshima, we were greeted by a woman that speaks about 7 or 8 languages. Again, she speaks the languages, not just hello, thank you and goodbye, she can speak the languages thanks to the Hippo Club, and there we were, feeling a little undereducated because we spoke only four, three, two or even just one language!

The World Campus – Japan participants had the chance to interact with the Hippo Family Club next morning; we played games, sang songs and had a great time speaking different languages, even the babies are learning a new language already. One of the babies couldn’t speak Japanese but greeted me in Spanish when I got there; I have to say, “It was pretty cool”. Hippo Club is not just an extra activity for a day or two a week, is definitely a lifestyle.

‘Local Campus’ getting ready for the WCI 2010 Summer Programs!

Thomas Greve — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:28:04 +0000

On November 29^th, the representatives from 8 WCI partner communities (“Local Campus”: voluntary local organizing group in the WCI partner community) and Tokyo based volunteer supporters (Social Venture Partners Tokyo, college students interns etc.) gathered in Tokyo, and shared visions and discussed the plan for the upcoming programs.

It was very exciting to see all the faces of important team members from all over Japan in one place! – with local special sweets they brought!!

Now, the local preparation for the World Campus – Japan 2010 Summer Program officially began!!!

Supporting Arao LOC at Charity Bazaar

Thomas Greve — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:41:55 +0000

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.

World Campus International Reception Party

Thomas Greve — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:49:39 +0000

After an annual board meeting in Tokyo, a reception party was held for board members, representatives of Local Organizing Committees, road staff, and supporters of World Campus International. Philip from Germany was also invited to share his experience as a participant in the program thus far. There was a brief presentation of the current state of the program and the short term and long term outlook was also outlined. The night was a huge success as the fifty or so guests had a chance to mingle and chat about World Campus International.

Nicolina even regaled us with a wonderful rendition of “kizuna”, an original World Campus International song. A wonderful time was had by all including those suffering from enormous jetlag.

Getting to know the Suita Local Organizing Committee

Thomas Greve — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:50:17 +0000

“Watashi wa Nicolina desu. Cyprus kara kimashita. (My name is Nicolina and I come from Cyrus.)” – Nicolina

Introductions are made between the staff and the Suita Local Organizing Committee (LOC). It is important to recognize and acknowledge the efforts of the LOC members!

Suita City is Getting Ready to Meet the New WCJ Class

Thomas Greve — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:54:27 +0000

At a recent meeting in Suita, Osaka, college students came together to discuss the contents of upcoming World Campus — Japan activities.

They are planning to give a casual Japanese language session, a Japanese traditional sports experience as well as an interactive tour at the World EXPO park.

They are excited to make new friends from around the world!