We welcomed 10 students from Northeastern University (hereafter referred to as NEU), Boston, U.S.A., and they studied about Japanese language and culture throughout the program. In the culture seminar classes, special visiting lecturers were invited and students tried Flower Arrangement and Tea Ceremony on campus. They also experienced pottery lesson, Aikido Lesson, and Zen meditation off-campus. Although most of them experienced those activities for the first time, they listened to lecturer’s explanation attentively showing their positive attitudes to learn about Japanese tradition and culture.

　In addition to the cultural seminars, students worked on diligently improving their Japanese abilities which they have been studying at least one year at NEU. Through Japanese language classes and conversation sessions with Doshisha students who joined the program as “supporters”, all of them showed remarkable growth. We were surprised to see them making full use of their Japanese language skills in various situations.

　Students and supporters not only interacted with each other in the classes, but also shared a lot of time in Kyoto such as strolling Gion area. It seemed they fully enjoyed their stay in Kyoto in many aspects.

　Although it was only two weeks and a half that they stayed at Doshisha, we hope they will spend rest of their program in Japan energetically and continue to study Japanese language and culture even after going back to their country.

Korea University “Global Leadership Program 2023”

The Global Leadership Program, a short-term study abroad program of Korea University, one of the most prestigious private universities in South Korea, was held at Doshisha University Imadegawa Campus for about three weeks from January 29 to February 16, 2024, and 17 international students studied at our university.

In this program, Japanese language classes are thoroughly taught by faculty members of the Center for Japanese Language and Culture. There are many daily assignments, and every year many Korea University students have mastered the Japanese language and deepened their understanding of Japanese culture. And it's not just about the language. The program also includes various hands-on learning experiences that are only possible in Japan, such as a Zen meditation experience, and an aikido experience. One of the most attractive aspects of studying abroad is the chance to meet and interact with people. Many Doshisha students again participated in the program as supporters and study volunteers, assisting in classes, holding welcome and farewell parties, and making efforts to interact with the students on a daily basis. They helped the students with conversation practice and presentation preparation, and deepened their friendship with the international students by interacting with them as young people outside of the study program.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has announced a little change regarding the necessary document for applying to “Designated Activities” for graduate students. If you are a graduate student and considering to apply for the status of residence “Designated Activities” after graduation, please see the following information about the necessary document for the application.

Regarding the necessary document to apply for the status of residence “Designated Activities”

As written in the document below (Announcement of Application for the status of residence “Designated activities”), the “documents to prove that you have been continuously doing job-hunting” is one of the necessary documents you need to submit to the Immigration bureau.

However, if you are a graduate student and are unable to fully engage in job hunting while attending school because you need to concentrate on research activities, you can submit the “Statement of reasons” written by your mentoring professor. In that case, you do not need to submit the “documents to prove that you have been continuously doing job-hunting”.

Please read the web page from the Immigration Services Agency below for more details.

Reposted due to website renewal
First published on December 26, 2023

Hello, we are SIED!

On December 20th(Wed.), SIED event "Intercultural exchange through tea ceremony!” was held at Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe campus. A total of 8 people, including 7 international students and 1 local student, participated in this event.
With the cooperation of Omote-senke tea ceremony club “Seihokai” of Doshisha Women'sCollege of Liberal Arts, we enjoyed international exchange while experiencing the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
After observing a tea ceremony performance by Seihokai members, participants enjoyed tea sweets and tea, and finally had a chance to try their hand at making tea. For most participants, it was the first time to try tea ceremony.
Many of the participants showed great interest in the tea ceremony, taking videos of the tea ceremony and actively asking questions. During the tea ceremony experience, participants helped each other by teaching how to make tea after Seihokai members taught it. Toward the end of the event, participants and Seihokai members naturally began to talk and interact with each other through this tea ceremony.

We thank everyone who participated and Omote-senke tea ceremony club Seihokai of Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts for their cooperation!

SIED will continue to plan various international exchange events. We are looking forward to your participation.

Reposted due to website renewal
First published on December 18, 2023

Hello, we are SIED.

We held an event "Let's make a 'Christmas tree' with 'Temari'!" at International Community Lounge on December 13th(Wed.).
2 local students and 1 international student participated int this event.

At first, we had an icebreaker: introducing ourselves using the first letter of our names. After that, we started to make Temari Christmas tree.
During this event, we had a lot of fun talking about culture and language.
Participants chose yarn of their favorite color and made colorful temari (balls) in red, green, and other colors to complete their Christmas tree. Some of them were decorated with ribbons and beads.
The result is a wonderful work of art that will add a festive touch to Christmas.

SIED will continue to organize exciting events. Hope to see you soon in different events!

Reposted due to website renewal
First published on December 20, 2023

Hello, we are SIED!
On December 14th(Thu.), SIED event "Let's play "Nandemo basket"!” was held at the International Community Lounge! A total of 8 people, including 4 international students and 1 local student, participated in this event. We played Nandemo Basket which is a recreational game that is often played in Japan, mainly at schools, to deepen friendships in this event. This game is similar to the musical chairs game, so some participants were already familiar with the rules.
All participants formed a circle, and one person announced a topic. Those who fit the topic had to change seats, and the person left standing without a seat would then announce the next topic. This process was repeated. As the participants engaged in the game, they gradually became more comfortable with each other. Conversations flourished based on the given topics, allowing them to better understand each other. Additionally, the 30-minute lunch break served as a perfect time for the event, and it seemed like everyone enjoyed a pleasant time.

SIED will continue to plan various international exchange events. We are looking forward to your participation.

Reposted due to website renewal
First published on January 18, 2024

Hello! We are SIED.

On January, 10th (Wed.), SIED hosted an event, ”Let’s do mochi pounding!” at International Community Lounge on Imadegawa campus. Five international students and six local students, 11 students in total participated in this event!
During the event, participants enjoyed international exchange by pounding mochi together. Using a wooden pestle, we pounded mochi rice to create mochi, and participants collaborated to make delicious mochi. Additionally, participants kneaded mochi by hand and topped it with soybean flour, sweet red bean paste, and chunky sweet bean paste, creating their preferred flavors.
During the event, many participants communicated with each other talking about their countries of origin and hobbies, and the atmosphere was nice and relaxed throughout the event.

After the event, we received many positive comments from participants saying that they would like to participate in ourevent again.

We hope all participants had a wonderful experience through our event. We will host many other intercultural events throughout the year, so don’t miss it! 

Reposted due to website renewal
First published on January 23, 2024

Hello! We are SIED.
On Friday, December 12th, we held SIED event "Let's make Japanese sweets!" at Tawaraya Yoshitomi, and a total of 18 students participated, including 12 international students and 6 local students.
At this event, everyone first introduced themselves and then moved to Tawaraya Yoshitomi to try their hand at making Japanese sweets. We made three types of traditional Kyoto sweets while learning how to make them and tips from a craftsman. After finishing making Japanese sweets, we learned about the history of Kyoto sweets and enjoyed matcha tea and sweets.
All the staff members were very happy to see that the participants were able to deepen their understanding of Japanese sweets, enjoy international exchange, and deepen their friendships through the event.

SIED will continue to hold international exchange events that everyone can enjoy! We look forward to your participation!