国際文化コース

【人文学科国際文化コース】アメリカの大学生たちとの交流

アメリカ、ミシガン州の大学Western Michigan University（WMU）の学生たちが、5月から6月にかけて日本研修を行い、そのなかで、大正大学でも交流や授業が行われました。その交流に参加した国際文化コースの学生、安藤さんが、自身の体験を振り返り、交流したWMUの学生の方たちからの感想をまとめてくれました。学生のあいだで絆が生まれたことが、何よりの成果です。

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今回のプログラムは私にとってかけがえのない思い出となったとともに自分の英語力の不足を痛感し、少しの後悔が残るものとなりました。そのため、これからはより英語学習に邁進していこうと考えました。また、私自身がＷＭＵの生徒たちから日本の文化を学ぶことも多くあり、アメリカにも多くの日本文化が浸透していることにも気が付くことが出来ました。

まだつたない私の英語での説明にしっかりと耳を傾け、私が言葉に詰まってしまった時には一緒に考えてくれたＷＭＵの方々には本当に感謝しています。いつかまたお会いできることを心から楽しみにしています。（安藤）

Through this program, I got not only a lot of grateful memories but also a slight regret of knowing I do not have enough English skills. That’s why I decided to learn English more than ever.

Also, I learned Japanese culture, which I did not know from WMU students, and I was surprised a lot of Japanese culture more than I thought was spread in the US.

I am very appreciative of WMU students thinking together when I haven’t come up with a word. I hope we will meet again someday!　

 

ＷＭＵの学生さんたちから、以下の感想をいただきました。

“I was extremely charmed by Japan and the people I met there. Aside from the amazing sightseeing and special experiences that Dr. Covell put together for us, my day trip to Hakone was a needed departure from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo; I found my time there relaxing and rewarding.” – Devan

 

“Taisho University has been incredibly accommodating and kind to us. Their students and staff provided a wonderful back door experience into Taisho and everything the university has to offer. Thanks to these wonderful people, we were able to be a part of a different culture of students and even make a couple of friends abroad that I hope to one day visit.” – Elsa

 

“Working with Taisho University and being in Japan has been a wonderful experience. Everyone has been very welcoming, and I am excited about the new friendships that have been made. Experiencing the various temples, shrines, and ceremonies throughout these past three weeks have been incredible and is  something that I will hold dear for the rest of my life.” -Alli

 

“Our partnership with Taisho expanded our study abroad by allowing us access to real-time higher education in Japan combined with experiential learning of the religion and culture. Working with the students allowed us to compare and contrast cultures, and it gave our tours an interesting and compelling perspective that I would not have gotten without our connection with Taisho. We thank you!” – Gwen

 

“I am truly honored to have participated in this program. I have gained an immeasurable appreciation of the Japanese culture, admiring all of the beautiful differences and also coming to understand a great deal of what what connects us as humans. I am so grateful to have met and made new friends and I thank WMU and Taisho. for providing me with this opportunity.” -Kyla

 

“I knew I would learn a lot while visiting in Japan, but I didn’t expect to make new friends that are from here, yet I did! Everyone has been so kind; this experience has been amazing and invaluable to me, not just academically but in my personal life as well. I am so grateful to the Taisho staff and students for welcoming us with open arms.” -Shawna

 

“Reflecting on my time with the Taisho University students, I feel incredibly grateful for the diverse and memorable activities we shared. My Japanese experience wouldn’t be complete without mentioning them. Each moment was enriching, from the welcome orientation, meeting the students, taking photos, participating in their school festival, and playing card and tower games to the unforgettable Enoshima trip. In just a short time, we connected as friends, and I hope to stay in touch through social media. Again, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet you all.” -Chiamaka

 

“This study abroad experience was a wonderful opportunity to see Japan and gain exposure to a culture very different from my own. It was deeply impactful as it allowed me to challenge aspects of my American worldview and grow as a person in the process. I am especially thankful for all the students at Taisho I had the privilege to talk with, whether they were German, Korean, Chinese, or Japanese, as they helped provide me with a more personal and nuanced perspective on Japanese culture and religion that I simply could not get on my own by just visiting temples and shrines.” -Ian

 

“The visit to Japan is already one of the best memories I’ve had in my life. I got to meet kind people and have great experiences. This trip has enriched my life, and I’m very grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.” -Adria

 

“I had previously been to Japan in 2018, but that trip paled in comparison to the last 21 days of learning, joy, and compassion shown to us in this country. I’m especially grateful to Taisho University for their hospitality, welcoming us with open arms, and incorporating us into their lives for a season. But even beyond that, I’ve made connections I will cherish for the rest of my life. As I’ve exercised my infrequently spoken Japanese, everyone was very kind and patient in my relearning and practice. As I’ve gleaned the multifaceted life and traditions of Japanese religion, the students of Taisho University earnestly heard our curiosity and informed us just as we gave them insights into our lives. Everyone has been incredibly kind and helpful on our journey and has touched my heart in ways that transcend language and cultural barriers. I look forward to the day that I return to Japan, and on that occasion, I will have friends I will be happy to see again.” -June

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たがいに学びあい、すばらしい交流が生まれたことをとても嬉しく思います。国際文化コースの安藤さんをはじめ、このプロジェクトに参加した大正大学とWMUのすべての学生さんたちが、この研修の経験を活かして、さらに大きな学びを実現してくださることを願っています。

WMUとの交流については、国際交流のページにも報告があります。https://www.tais.ac.jp/guide/latest_news/20160526/41991/


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