Your Guide to Meiji

Event Reports

Event Reports

On July 2, a graduation ceremony for foreign exchange students for the first semester of 2011 was held at the Surugadai Campus. Of the 33 graduating students, 24 took part in the event.

The ceremony began with an opening address by Mr. James Bowers, assistant director of the International Student Exchange Center, followed by a congratulatory address by Ms. Etsuko Katsu, Vice President-International. In her speech she noted that: “These graduating foreign exchange students have encountered a major earthquake that is said to occur only once in a thousand years. They also had some unique and special experiences in a foreign country. Meiji University is vigorously promoting internationalization, and has concluded student exchange agreements with over 150 schools. What struck our hearts most profoundly in the wake of this disaster were the numerous thoughtful letters of sympathy sent to us from your home country universities. They lifted the spirits of everyone at Meiji University. The presence of foreign exchange students like you is a source of tremendous stimulation to our university’s teachers, staff members and other students as well. We hope to continue expanding the framework of international exchanges. A graduation ceremony marks an end of one stage, and a beginning of a new step toward the future. I wish you great success in everything you do.”

Next was the presentation of certificates to graduating students. Here are some of the comments made by the graduates.

“Times passes by quickly, especially when you are having a wonderful time and I have a strong desire to stay a little longer in Japan. I definitely wish to come back to Japan, either to work or to take part in an overseas study program.”
(Nanjing University, China)

“Before coming to Japan, I was worried about my Japanese language skills, and, since I had no friends at all, I felt a little scared. But, during my one-year stay, I experienced what it was like living in a foreign country and feel that I’ve grown stronger than before.”
(Cardiff University, UK)

“I found Japanese to be a very difficult language, and had a tough time keeping up with class. However, I took part in events planned by the International Student Exchange Center such as experiencing the tea ceremony and Zen meditation. These gave me an opportunity to experience Japanese culture, and were lots of fun.”
(ESC Rennes School of Business)

“I have seen, close at hand, the speed of Japan’s restoration from the earthquake disaster, and the hard work of the Japanese people. After I return to South Korea, I want to tell people in my country about these strengths of Japan.”
(Ewha Women’s University, South Korea)

“I have always dreamed of studying in Japan and attending Meiji University for a long time. This was a truly happy year for me since I was able to make that dream come true, and at Meiji University, I was able to make wonderful friends and have precious experiences that could never be bought with money.”
(University of Vienna, Austria)

“No words can describe the feelings I have now. But if I were to summarize them in a word, it’s a feeling of thankfulness. I wish to thank my friends, my teachers and members of my family who had supported me.”
(National Taiwan University, Taiwan)

“People from all over the world who became my friends at Meiji University are my friends for life. Even after we return to our respective countries, I hope to get together with them again somewhere.”
(Chinese Culture University, Taiwan)

For the second semester of the 2011 school year, fifty two new exchange students from overseas will begin their studies at Meiji University.

 

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