Japanese exchange students explore WU

18 students from Fukuoka University and Chiba University of Commerce were invited to Washburn University Feb. 15 for a three-week exchange program where they engaged in immersive English language learning and cultural exchange.

“We have 17 students from Fukuoka University in southern Japan and one student from Chiba University of Commerce  in the Tokyo area. These are two of our sister universities in Japan that we invite to campus for three weeks every spring,” said Heidi Staerkel, associate director international programs for student services.

Students arrived at Washburn after an eight hour flight. Yuki Nishimura, a physical health and sports major at Fukuoka University, is the student leader for the program. Nishimura believes he can lead and manage people. 

“Yuki helps coordinate the students and when we go to different activities, making sure everybody’s there and just providing leadership for the group,” Staerkel said. 

The students, despite the language barrier, have found English as a beautiful language to communicate and express. Tisha Sinclair and Kelsey Huff are intensive English instructors engaging in teaching the Japanese group.

“The best thing that I have experienced in Washburn is talking and communicating with American people in English,” Nishimura said. 

Washburn students have been really involved and interested in making its guests feel at home, giving them the American experience. 

“I think it was three students, Joe, Daiki and Hibiki we hosted, and we went to a barbecue to experience an American staple food,” said Jacob Hall, freshman marketing major.

The language barrier has been an obstacle whereas cultural difference has been a new, fresh and good experience for the visiting students. 

“Language has been a problem, but the close relationship between teacher and student is nice and even the people are very friendly,” Nishimura said.

Communication is the biggest obstacle for Nishimura to achieve his graduation goal of being a physical-health teacher, but he’s been working on it and sees himself easily communicating with people in English in the next five years. 

“I’m so impressed with Yuki and the other students. They are willing to try, and not giving up. I feel like this group has done so well of getting outside of their comfort zone and giving it their best try,” Staerkel said.

Nishimura feels three weeks is a short amount of time to experience Washburn and wishes to come back and have a longer stay. They also believe the whole group is pleased with their experience and does not want to leave so early.

Edited by Jeremy Ford and Jayme Thompson.