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14th Japanese Speech Contest for International Students President's prize awarded to Sou Koukun, a fourth year student at the School of Political Science and Economics from China

Feb. 01, 2010

"I will forever treasure the things I have learned during my time as an international student."
The 14th Meiji University President’s Cup Japanese Speech Contest for International Students was held on the 21st of November 2009 at Liberty Tower on the Surugadai Campus by the International Student Exchange Center and the Parents' Association. It was won by Sou Koukun a fourth year student at the School of Political Science and Economics from China who shone in the competition. The theme of this year’s contest was Discovery - One Step into the World and featured fourteen students from South Korea, China, Taiwan, Russia and Uzbekistan. Each speech was limited to four and a half minutes, and featured topics such as Japan from an international student’s perspective, one’s home country from a Japanese perspective, the customs of Japan and one’s home country, and cultural differences. The audience was fascinated to hear the clear perspectives and passionate opinions of the international students who were living in such a different culture to their own. In the lead up to the speech contest a 45 student planning committee assisted the international students with writing and practicing their speeches. The committee also assisted with public relations, setting up the venue and making sure the contest was a success.

Comments from Sou Koukun, the winner of the President’s Prize

I want to convey the feeling that I will forever treasure the things I have learned during my time as an international student. I am extremely grateful to the Japanese students who offered their advice on my speech. This isn’t a victory for me alone, but a victory for my team.