NIA Letter Vol.6

ＣＯＮＴＥＮＴＳ

NIA Episode: International Students Helping Out ■Feature:International Students Results of The 10th International Understanding and International Exchange Presentation Contest NIA Activity Report② ○Exchange Between IUJ's International NIA sometimes asks international students to help out with some of the international exchange programs. Recently,“Course The International Understanding Presentation Contest 2015 was held Students and the Local Community Guidance for Children and Guardians Who are Connected to Foreign Countries” was held in Shibata City. Mr. Lin Jie and Ms. on December 12, 2015. The contest has been held since 2006 to foster VOL.6 Tokuji Sakurai, Vice Chairman of Wu Xiang helped out as Chinese interpreters. global awareness and good communication skills in youths and to promote global understanding in Niigata residents in order to create a more 2016.1 UONUMA Association for Multicultural international community, with this year marking its 10th anniversary. This year, the contest was held at Toki Messe's International Conference Exchange In projects like this which require interpretation and in international exchange events, international students who study the Hall（Marine Hall）, where international conferences with VIPs from various countries are held. 9 teams from the junior high school category and ○International students involved in Japanese language can be a huge help. 10 teams from the high school category made presentations about the results of their studies as well as their experiences overseas. local exchange Hayadori Junior High School's team won the highest excellence award in the junior high school category and commented that it is necessary ○International exchange between Seiro for junior high school students like them to become citizens of the world who are able to think, learn, and take action for the future of Japan. NIA Town and international students Team“Don't Be Sheep”（Niigata Prefectual Naoetsu Secondary School） won the highest excellence award in the high school category and said that, in order to be active in a global society, it is important for them not to fear failure, and instead they should be confident in themselves and ■NIA Activity Report to continue moving forward, taking on challenges as they come. Meanwhile, participants commented,“We were forced to think about how we ■"Pick up your ears!" Interview would communicate our message so that everyone would understand, which turned into an opportunity to take a good look at ourselves,” and, Letter “Hearing the other teams' presentations was very encouraging.” Published by the Niigata International Association The two teams which won the highest excellence award will visit Seoul, Korea in late March for a study tour, where they will participate in exchange activities and homestays.

Junior high school category High school category Highest Excellence Award: Hayadori Junior high school（Niigata City Highest Excellence Award: Don't Be Sheep（Niigata Prefectural Feature Feature: Foreign Students and International Exchange Hayadori Junior high school） Naoetsu Secondary school） “War, and Peace, and I ”（Senso to heiwa to watashi） “Positive Thinking” Award of Excellence: Mumbles（mogu-mogus）（Niigata Prefectural Award of Excellence: Sambal and Wasabi（Nagaoka National College The number of international students attending universities and technical schools within the prefecture who Naoetsu Secondary School） of Technology） “Dashi is Awesome”（Dashi tte sugoindashi） “What We Should Do for Peace” （Heiwa no tame ni actively participate in local exchange events and volunteer activities has increased. As universities and technical The Infection Prevention Squad（Niigata Prefectual Naoetsu watashitachi ga subeki ikutsuka no koto） schools that work to further globalization actively accept more students from abroad, we can expect to see an Secondary School） Adolescence（individual entry） “Our Future with Infectious Disease” （Kansensho to “From My Hometown to the World”（Jimoto kara Sekai e） increase in the number of international students in the prefecture and more multi-nationalization. In this issue, watashitachi no mirai） Special Recognition Award: Travelers（individual entry） Special Recognition Award: AOI（Kamo City Aoi Junior High School） “Meeting People, Connecting, and Living”（Hito tono deai, we'll be taking a closer look at these international students as they engage with their local community. NIA Activity Report① “What is friendship?”（Yuujoutte?） tsunagari soshite ikiru） ” Japanese drama contest held in Heilongjiang, China! “Prick up your ears! 1. Please introduce yourself. 2. What are the most attractive things about your country? Exchange Between IUJ's International Students and the Local Community Niigata Prefecture and Heilongjiang Province, China have ★ 3. Have you been surprised by any differences in life, culture, and/or customs while in Tokuji Sakurai, worked together to further their exchange in terms of economy, Interview Japan? As well, please tell us what you like most about Niigata. Vice Chairman of UONUMA Association for Multicultural Exchange culture, and education for more than 30 years, following the Questions 4. Can you give us any advice on learning a foreign language and cross-cultural signing of a protocol for friendship between the two in 1983. communication, based on your own experiences? Our community was established in 2002 for the purpose of supporting the international students of IUJ（International NIA organized a Japanese drama contest for students studying University of Japan）and their families as well as for promoting exchange between the local residents and these students. Currently, The International Affairs Division of the Niigata Prefectural Office has Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) from the U.S., Russia, Japanese in Heilongjiang Province together with Heilongjiang Korea, China, Vietnam, and Mongolia. Their responsibilities include many things, such as interpretation and translation for the International Exchange Currently, we have approximately 70 active members. Our activities include organizing a welcome party for the freshmen, Provincial Overseas Friendship Association, Heilongjiang Province Translators'Association, and Harbin Normal projects that Niigata Prefecture carries out and giving presentations about their own countries. In this issue, we feature two newly appointed CIRs, Mr. Japanese culture experience, and support for learning Japanese. The international students provide English conversation University. Brandon Howard from the U.S., and Ms. Indra Khurelbaatar from Mongolia. class, they introduce their countries, and they even act as lecturers, teaching local residents and members about other countries. ■Contest outline: Brandon Howard (The United States of America) At these lectures for multicultural understanding, foreign students cook their countries'cuisine with the participants, and then Date: October 11, 2015（Sun.）, 11:00am-4:30pm 1.I started this job in July of last year. Ever since I was little, I have loved art. I would take a sketchbook with me wherever I they eat together at lunch. After that, the students introduce their culture, daily life, and tourist spots with a projector, followed Venue: Harbin Normal University（Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province） went. I was raised in Kentucky, where people generally aren't very familiar with Japan. From the time I saw my first anime by a performance of song or dance. The dance and cuisine of a country become a starting point to understand international Participants: 12 teams movie, I fell in love with Japan, and from there, I learned about this country little by little. exchange, and they even have the participants join in the dance. For countries that don't have as many international students, Program: Part 1 Drama performance in Japanese 2.The United States has people of all types and races, and their varied ways of thinking coexist. I believe that the U.S. is a …Each team performs an original skit or one based on folklore country that recognizes the importance of each of these ways of thinking. usually there are presentations on two to three countries per year. Part 2 Speech in Japanese by the representatives of each team 3.No matter what I'm doing, I notice differences between Japan and my own country, but what I have found very surprising So far, we've had more than 10 countries and regions represented, including Nepal, Laos, the Philippines, Myanmar, and …3-minute speech on a subject given to them just before starting, is how consistently Japanese people wait when the crosswalk sign tells them to wait. It's very common in the U.S. to see Central Asia. Local residents and many others look forward to participating in these lectures. The students are also very “If you were a tour guide, what aspects and areas of Niigata would you introduce to people?” someone crossing during a red light. I really enjoy eating lunch while looking out at the Shinano River. When I do, I can't help but relax a little. thankful to have the opportunity to introduce their own countries. ■Winning performances 4.Behind every language lie both a country's culture and its customs. When you study a foreign language, I believe As members of the association, we promote exchange between international students and local residents by assisting the that curiosity is your greatest ally. Ask“Why?”and research what you're curious about. This is a very effective study students and their families so that they can participate in local summer festivals and folk dances and so that they can see ○Jiamusi University,“When Red Demon Cried” method. It's important not just to study the language itself but also to learn about the country's culture, which has This story comes from Japanese folklore. Red Demon has wanted to become friends with human beings for given these words their usages. Do not fear mistakes, for they are yet another ally, and give it your all. fireworks. a long time and accomplishes this with help from Blue Demon. Blue Demon is afraid that his presence might Minamiuonuma City organizes Japanese classes for foreign residents and international students, as well as their children. negatively affect their relationship and so he disappears. Red Demon cries because he loses his best friend. These children go to local nursery schools and primary schools, and as a result, the local children get used to interacting with ○Harbin Normal University,“Slowly, Slowly; Wriggle, Wriggle” Indra Khurelbaatar (Mongolia) people from other countries and form a sense of community with each other, further encouraging exchange. Sometimes, you'll even see a child who has studied Japanese interpret for his/her parents. Children play a major role in bridging the gap This story is based on an episode of Doraemon, in which Doraemon tries to make Nobita do his homework by 1.When I was a child, I was better at learning languages than playing sports. I enjoy reading books, watching TV, using one of his secret tools, but it doesn't go as planned. Nobita learns the martial art tai chi in Niigata and and I'm also interested in things related to people, like world history. While I'm not particularly good at it, I recently between cultures. becomes interested in China. He goes to China to study and to become a bridge between China and Japan. started learning traditional Mongolian embroidery. These programs are perfect for international exchange and are absolutely worth the effort, as they are great opportunities 2.The great plain in Mongolia is a wonderful place. The night sky is full of stars, and their light illuminates the plain for local residents to learn more about other countries and participate in intercultural exchange. ○Heilongjiang University,“Operation: Love Confession” beneath them. The nomads who live there are very calm and warm-hearted. They cherish the relationship between This story is about high school teenagers'friendships and love affairs and is based on Japanese dramas. The humankind and nature, and I like that. In Minamiuonuma, there are a large number of international students from different countries, which creates an intercultural main character, who is unable to express his feelings, receives help from his friends and starts to change. 3.When I arrived in Niigata, I was so happy that the ocean is so close. Niigata has mountains, rivers, and fields, and environment, allowing exchange with international students as well as their families. Taking advantage of this, we would like to the combined scenery is absolutely beautiful! The rice is delicious and the fish are fresh, and I get to enjoy many continue our programs with the cooperation of our members, international students, universities, local governments, and local It was obvious from their humorous, powerful performances in part 1 that they went to great lengths to different kinds of food. When Mongolian people come to Japan for the first time, they are surprised by the bowing of the Japanese people. I've even been asked“How many times do they bow in a single day?”They also say that the communities. prepare. They were unable to prepare ahead of time for part 2, and there were more than a few students who shops and service in Japan are the best in the world. seemed ill-at-ease during their speeches. The three students selected for the best individual performer prize, 4.I think that to learn a foreign language is to know that country's people and culture. Actually going to that country named Wang Chunyu（Jiamusi Univ）,Sun Changxin（Harbin Normal Univ）and Li Shenhuan（Heilongjian Univ）, were is ideal, but if that's not possible, you can still learn about it through other things, like music, movies, and sports. If also awarded with a trip to Niigata. They will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the climate and you interact with the people of that country and try to understand them, you will be able to figure out the meanings culture of Niigata, and we look forward to seeing how they will make use of this experience to create their own of the words, which makes communication a great opportunity. Don't worry about making mistakes. I think that just speaking to people bridge between Niigata Prefecture and Heilongjiang. is what's important.

Exchange between foreign students and local communities gives us a great opportunity for cross-cultural understanding as well as a good start for foreign students to come to like Japan and Niigata more. If we can continue Note from to develop the kind of warm exchange introduced here, more foreign students will feel that Niigata is a second home for them even after they have returned to their home countries, which will eventually lead to greater globalization in the Editor Niigata. To conclude, we would like to express our appreciation to everyone who helped make this issue possible.

■ Published by the Niigata International Association Bandaijima Bldg.（Toki Messe） 2nd floor Jiamusi University“When Red Demon Cried” Harbin Normal University “Slowly, Slowly; Wriggle, Wriggle” Heilongjiang University“Operation: Love Confession” 5-1 Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Niigata City 950-0078 TEL：025-290-5650 FAX：025-249-8122 E-mail：[email protected] Website：http://www.niigata-ia.or.jp/ Lecture for multicultural understanding （Left to right: about Myanmar; Myanmar dancing）

5 6 1 International Students Involved in Local Exchange Supervisors of international students in universities and technical schools in the prefecture discuss the state of exchange between international students and the community. Graduate Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies: “Let us give you a taste of our home country.” Joetsu University of Education: “Learning while taking part in international exchange.” ≪Participating universities and technical schools≫ Niigata University, International University of Japan, Nagaoka University of Technology, Graduate Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, Niigata The Graduate Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is the only professional postgraduate At the Joetsu University of Education, we provide opportunities in education and in research Sangyo University, Nagaoka University, Keiwa College, Joetsu University of Education, International College of Music & Entertainment school that offers an MBA in Japanese in the Sea of Japan region, so many highly capable for international students and the local community to think about the varied nature of lifestyles international students from various countries come here to study. After they graduate, some go and cultures. back home and start up their own business, some start working in and out of Japan, and some This year, we're working on the Nutritional Information Based on Fermented Foods Program start working at local governments. for Hakko no Machi Joetsu. With the help of the professor of Food Science Shinichiro Mitsunaga, Vietnamese students, in particular, are actively involved in BETOAJI, a volunteer group. international students visited facilities related to fermentation, including a brewery, a winery, and Niigata University: “Rediscovering the charms of Niigata through international students!” BETOAJI organizes programs that introduce Vietnamese culture to raise funds for children in the Sakaguchi Kinenkan（Sakaguchi Museum）. They also got to try making miso. Interacting Vietnam. In Niigata City, our school's international students organize a Vietnamese cooking class with the people who work in the local facilities and the region, exchange happens naturally. Niigata University has held several activities which connect international to share its food culture, and they donate the money they raise to underprivileged children. At the symposium“Japanese Cuisine and Your Nation's Cuisine: Introducing the Japanese students and the local community. Here, we would like to talk about one of We also cooperate with other international exchange groups, like how when students from Meal,”international students from China, Slovakia, Taiwan, and Cuba gave reports, and with the our more unique projects, where the international students appeared on a Slovakia participated in a welcome party hosted by the Niigata Slovakia Association, for example. participants from the local community, we were able to have a very lively exchange experience. local TV program to introduce the culture and specialties of Niigata. We felt that these daily practices are strongly connected to international exchange. We hope In fall last year, in addition to the current international students from China, Korea, Nepal, This project was created by the Niigata Business Trial Laboratory and to take advantage of such specializations in the future to promote exchange through education. is composed of commercial television channels, the local government, and Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, etc., students from Russia, Slovakia and India came. Student volunteers from civilian organizations. This laboratory considers relevant nationality is growing more diverse. We hope that our international students will see for policies to promote Niigata domestically and to the world. In order to receive themselves what makes Niigata so special by interacting with the local community. feedback, both good and bad, from an outside point of view, they asked the students to cooperate and made this TV program to be broadcast on BSN, entitled“Wednesday Night Viewing: Welcome to Niigata, International Students'Impressions.”The program mainly talks about rediscovering Niigata International College of Music & Entertainment “Connect with the local in a charity concert” from the perspective of international students. Since November 2014, on 6 Ever since the massive earthquake in Nepal last year on April 25, the International College of different occasions, a total of 20 students from 12 countries have appeared Niigata Sangyo University: “Expressing one’s thoughts to the local community.” Music & Entertainment has held various events to help the victims. We have stood on the side on the program and tried various foods, such as Koshihikari rice, ramen, and Currently we have 98 international students at Niigata Sangyo University. We have accepted of the street and asked for donations, and we have held live charity events. Both international sushi. They have also experienced traditional elements, such as geiko culture, international students since the university was established in 1988 and continue to do so to students and many regular students learned about international cooperation, which created an to acquire a more well-rounded understanding of the charms of Niigata. "Wednesday Night Viewing：Welcome to Niigata,International this day. At its peak, the number of international students stretched past 200. Responsibility Student's Impressions" opportunity to strengthen ties with local residents. Viewers rediscover Niigata, and at the same time, they notice that there are for exchange activities between the local community and the international students is passed Broadcasting System of Niigata Inc. On June 6（Sat.）, Raj Tuladhar, an international student from Nepal（music department, many international students around them when they see them appearing on down to less senior international students. There are far too many activities to cover here, but the program. we would like to discuss“My Opinion in Kashiwazaki 2015.” first-year）, organized a live charity event himself and got many people from the community to This event, along with the university festival, is organized by Niigata Sangyo University participate. We'd like to share a comment from him: Exchange Community for International Students. Audience members were recruited using “It was my first live event, so I was worried that it wouldn't go well, but my teachers and friends Kashiwazaki City PR brochures and our university's website, and the international students kindly offered a helping hand, and because of that, it slowly started to take shape. There were presented on a pre-determined theme. There were 6 presenters this time and approximately some problems during practice when I couldn't quite convey what I wanted to in words, but we 70 audience members. Every year, most presentations are on“My impression after I came to practiced over and over again, and the actual performance turned out to be incredible. On the International University of Japan: “Let’s show the world why Uonuma’s so great!” Japan,”so they talk about Japan's good points and the warmth of the Japanese people, as day of the event, so many people from the area came to see us. We raised far more money than experienced in daily life. One of the Japanese judges this time made a powerful comment, I expected, and I was just so happy. Later on, we delivered the funds to the Japanese Red Cross. The International University of Japan（IUJ）conducts several exchange activities “We have heard purely good things about Japan, but surely it must also have bad points. Hearing each other out and working to understand our bad points is an important aspect of It was obvious just how much people actually cared, and when I think about how much help it with the local community, such as community volunteering and student council. international exchange.”We feel that even a tiny project such as this one can plant the seeds will be in the restoration work, I'm overwhelmed with appreciation. To everyone in Japan who Here, we would like to talk about one of the activities with the International necessary for improving international understanding. supported me and cheered Nepal on, thank you so much.” Collaboration for Local Organizations in Venture and Entrepreneurship（ICLOVE）. ICLOVE's mission is“the globalization of local communities,”and it offers an opportunity for local residents and students of IUJ to find a better way to convey the attraction of the Uonuma region to the world. This effort started in June 2013, and in the first year, we held an event with rice, mochi（rice cake）,and yairo mushrooms for people to try. We also had a meeting for halal*food with local Nagaoka University: “International students volunteer to help kids.” Some local governments actively promote exchange in the region with international students. ryokan（a Japanese-style inn）employees and Muslim students. Though there was PICK UP! Today, we're going to look at Seiro Town and its efforts. some difficulty communicating, both local participants and the students enjoyed In April last year, 7 Vietnamese students started attending Nagaoka University. Our local foods, culture, and a hot spring. After that, we received many requests from university regularly encourages students to participate in volunteer activities, so the 7 Exchange Between Seiro Town, Chinese International Students, and Med Students the local participants, saying that they would like to know more about foreign international students also take part in volunteer activities, 2 of them became members cultures and the religion itself in order to be halal-friendly at local restaurants of newly formed volunteer group Popura. Popura mainly collaborates with the NPO Seiro Town, Town Hall, General Affairs Division and shops, and the students were impressed by their behavior towards a more group Auru no mori（Owl's Forest）in Nagaoka, providing support related to children, Seiro Town holds exchange activities with Chinese international students and med students. In 1988, a visiting party of international perspective. Is this not what Japanese hospitality is all about? Moving such as watching over them after school and offering study help. The group also assembly members visited Harbin, Heilongjiang Province in China, and it all started from there. Exchange with international forward, we will continue to do our utmost to further promote international plans projects and carries out exchange activities designed to teach children and local students and med students started the following year. understanding. residents about Vietnam. This exchange has gone on for over 25 years, and relations between these students and assembly members and haral*…Items that are allowed in the teachings of Islam, such as mainly food. They actively participate in community development events. In Mitsuke City, 3 residents are currently maintained and improved through welcome parties, various exchange parties, and farewell parties. international students helped with preparation and reception at the Halloween event of At the exchange parties with the residents, they pick cherries and grapes, and they make gyoza and other types of the local street market and dressed up and watched over the children there. Chinese food together to improve relations. By participating in activities like this, the international students get involved in the In these exchange activities, the students often say,“The food in Niigata is so good, and everybody is kind.” The community, which contributes to international exchange. residents who participate say,“It feels like we’re practically in China.” We can feel the relationships and the friendship between China and Japan growing at events like this. Nagaoka University of Technology: “Enjoying exchange through rice harvesting and mochi making.” We have so much respect for the international students and the med students who work hard every day not only for their own benefit but to become a bridge that will connect China and Japan. Seiro Town fully intends to continue this type Our university has participated in exchange with the Ojigawa community since 2008, and every year, international students have been invited to sports festivals and rice harvesting events. of exchange to create an even stronger relationship with Heilongjiang. In September last year, international students and their families participated in“The Rice Keiwa College: “International exchange in primary schools and junior high schools.” Harvest and Play Exchange Party,”they experienced traditional rice harvesting. They cut the rice crops with sickles, tried binding straw into a sheaf, and then dried them on trees, as instructed Currently, Keiwa College has 51 international students. Most of them are from China, and we also have students from Italy, Korea, and by the older women. Then they experienced making mochi, which was served at lunch for Vietnam, all studying together. everyone to share. As part of our international exchange, we help with international understanding education in primary During play time, they enjoyed folk dancing in a circle with members of the local community. schools and junior high schools in the vicinity. International students are sent to designated schools as one- They danced, attempting to imitate their lecturer, this way and that with the unfamiliar steps and day teachers, introducing their home countries and their culture, cuisine, fashion, and language. In their rhythm, and they all laughed out loud with each other when they messed up. Every time a song lectures, they teach the children numbers, animal sounds, and simple greetings in Chinese, Italian, Korean, finished, they applauded for having made it through it. Everyone had a great time. or, as of this year, Vietnamese. To wrap things up, they play games from their respective home country. Though there were some international students who could not speak Japanese, they also had In November last year, following a lecture from the Niigata Prefecture Coordinator for International a great time by watching others and doing as they did. These exchanges are valued opportunities for everyone, from elementary school children Relations（CIR）from the U.S., the students split into four classes, each with an international student from to the elderly, as they transcend age. People in the Ojigawa region experienced firsthand that either the U.S., China, Korea, or Vietnam. The students asked questions one after another, like,“What has it's possible to have a good time by making use of non-verbal communication when they don't surprised you about Japan?”“Why did you decide to study abroad in Japan?”and“Are there any customs speak the same language. We believe that events like this will make the hurdles of international here that are different from your own?”It was a mere 2 hours, but both the international students and the exchange less of an impediment. junior high students had a good time learning and sharing.

2 3 4 International Students Involved in Local Exchange Supervisors of international students in universities and technical schools in the prefecture discuss the state of exchange between international students and the community. Graduate Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies: “Let us give you a taste of our home country.” Joetsu University of Education: “Learning while taking part in international exchange.” ≪Participating universities and technical schools≫ Niigata University, International University of Japan, Nagaoka University of Technology, Graduate Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, Niigata The Graduate Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies is the only professional postgraduate At the Joetsu University of Education, we provide opportunities in education and in research Sangyo University, Nagaoka University, Keiwa College, Joetsu University of Education, International College of Music & Entertainment school that offers an MBA in Japanese in the Sea of Japan region, so many highly capable for international students and the local community to think about the varied nature of lifestyles international students from various countries come here to study. After they graduate, some go and cultures. back home and start up their own business, some start working in and out of Japan, and some This year, we're working on the Nutritional Information Based on Fermented Foods Program start working at local governments. for Hakko no Machi Joetsu. With the help of the professor of Food Science Shinichiro Mitsunaga, Vietnamese students, in particular, are actively involved in BETOAJI, a volunteer group. international students visited facilities related to fermentation, including a brewery, a winery, and Niigata University: “Rediscovering the charms of Niigata through international students!” BETOAJI organizes programs that introduce Vietnamese culture to raise funds for children in the Sakaguchi Kinenkan（Sakaguchi Museum）. They also got to try making miso. Interacting Vietnam. In Niigata City, our school's international students organize a Vietnamese cooking class with the people who work in the local facilities and the region, exchange happens naturally. Niigata University has held several activities which connect international to share its food culture, and they donate the money they raise to underprivileged children. At the symposium“Japanese Cuisine and Your Nation's Cuisine: Introducing the Japanese students and the local community. Here, we would like to talk about one of We also cooperate with other international exchange groups, like how when students from Meal,”international students from China, Slovakia, Taiwan, and Cuba gave reports, and with the our more unique projects, where the international students appeared on a Slovakia participated in a welcome party hosted by the Niigata Slovakia Association, for example. participants from the local community, we were able to have a very lively exchange experience. local TV program to introduce the culture and specialties of Niigata. We felt that these daily practices are strongly connected to international exchange. We hope In fall last year, in addition to the current international students from China, Korea, Nepal, This project was created by the Niigata Business Trial Laboratory and to take advantage of such specializations in the future to promote exchange through education. is composed of commercial television channels, the local government, and Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, etc., students from Russia, Slovakia and India came. Student volunteers from civilian organizations. This laboratory considers relevant nationality is growing more diverse. We hope that our international students will see for policies to promote Niigata domestically and to the world. In order to receive themselves what makes Niigata so special by interacting with the local community. feedback, both good and bad, from an outside point of view, they asked the students to cooperate and made this TV program to be broadcast on BSN, entitled“Wednesday Night Viewing: Welcome to Niigata, International Students'Impressions.”The program mainly talks about rediscovering Niigata International College of Music & Entertainment “Connect with the local in a charity concert” from the perspective of international students. Since November 2014, on 6 Ever since the massive earthquake in Nepal last year on April 25, the International College of different occasions, a total of 20 students from 12 countries have appeared Niigata Sangyo University: “Expressing one’s thoughts to the local community.” Music & Entertainment has held various events to help the victims. We have stood on the side on the program and tried various foods, such as Koshihikari rice, ramen, and Currently we have 98 international students at Niigata Sangyo University. We have accepted of the street and asked for donations, and we have held live charity events. Both international sushi. They have also experienced traditional elements, such as geiko culture, international students since the university was established in 1988 and continue to do so to students and many regular students learned about international cooperation, which created an to acquire a more well-rounded understanding of the charms of Niigata. "Wednesday Night Viewing：Welcome to Niigata,International this day. At its peak, the number of international students stretched past 200. Responsibility Student's Impressions" opportunity to strengthen ties with local residents. Viewers rediscover Niigata, and at the same time, they notice that there are for exchange activities between the local community and the international students is passed Broadcasting System of Niigata Inc. On June 6（Sat.）, Raj Tuladhar, an international student from Nepal（music department, many international students around them when they see them appearing on down to less senior international students. There are far too many activities to cover here, but the program. we would like to discuss“My Opinion in Kashiwazaki 2015.” first-year）, organized a live charity event himself and got many people from the community to This event, along with the university festival, is organized by Niigata Sangyo University participate. We'd like to share a comment from him: Exchange Community for International Students. Audience members were recruited using “It was my first live event, so I was worried that it wouldn't go well, but my teachers and friends Kashiwazaki City PR brochures and our university's website, and the international students kindly offered a helping hand, and because of that, it slowly started to take shape. There were presented on a pre-determined theme. There were 6 presenters this time and approximately some problems during practice when I couldn't quite convey what I wanted to in words, but we 70 audience members. Every year, most presentations are on“My impression after I came to practiced over and over again, and the actual performance turned out to be incredible. On the International University of Japan: “Let’s show the world why Uonuma’s so great!” Japan,”so they talk about Japan's good points and the warmth of the Japanese people, as day of the event, so many people from the area came to see us. We raised far more money than experienced in daily life. One of the Japanese judges this time made a powerful comment, I expected, and I was just so happy. Later on, we delivered the funds to the Japanese Red Cross. The International University of Japan（IUJ）conducts several exchange activities “We have heard purely good things about Japan, but surely it must also have bad points. Hearing each other out and working to understand our bad points is an important aspect of It was obvious just how much people actually cared, and when I think about how much help it with the local community, such as community volunteering and student council. international exchange.”We feel that even a tiny project such as this one can plant the seeds will be in the restoration work, I'm overwhelmed with appreciation. To everyone in Japan who Here, we would like to talk about one of the activities with the International necessary for improving international understanding. supported me and cheered Nepal on, thank you so much.” Collaboration for Local Organizations in Venture and Entrepreneurship（ICLOVE）. ICLOVE's mission is“the globalization of local communities,”and it offers an opportunity for local residents and students of IUJ to find a better way to convey the attraction of the Uonuma region to the world. This effort started in June 2013, and in the first year, we held an event with rice, mochi（rice cake）,and yairo mushrooms for people to try. We also had a meeting for halal*food with local Nagaoka University: “International students volunteer to help kids.” Some local governments actively promote exchange in the region with international students. ryokan（a Japanese-style inn）employees and Muslim students. Though there was PICK UP! Today, we're going to look at Seiro Town and its efforts. some difficulty communicating, both local participants and the students enjoyed In April last year, 7 Vietnamese students started attending Nagaoka University. Our local foods, culture, and a hot spring. After that, we received many requests from university regularly encourages students to participate in volunteer activities, so the 7 Exchange Between Seiro Town, Chinese International Students, and Med Students the local participants, saying that they would like to know more about foreign international students also take part in volunteer activities, 2 of them became members cultures and the religion itself in order to be halal-friendly at local restaurants of newly formed volunteer group Popura. Popura mainly collaborates with the NPO Seiro Town, Town Hall, General Affairs Division and shops, and the students were impressed by their behavior towards a more group Auru no mori（Owl's Forest）in Nagaoka, providing support related to children, Seiro Town holds exchange activities with Chinese international students and med students. In 1988, a visiting party of international perspective. Is this not what Japanese hospitality is all about? Moving such as watching over them after school and offering study help. The group also assembly members visited Harbin, Heilongjiang Province in China, and it all started from there. Exchange with international forward, we will continue to do our utmost to further promote international plans projects and carries out exchange activities designed to teach children and local students and med students started the following year. understanding. residents about Vietnam. This exchange has gone on for over 25 years, and relations between these students and assembly members and haral*…Items that are allowed in the teachings of Islam, such as mainly food. They actively participate in community development events. In Mitsuke City, 3 residents are currently maintained and improved through welcome parties, various exchange parties, and farewell parties. international students helped with preparation and reception at the Halloween event of At the exchange parties with the residents, they pick cherries and grapes, and they make gyoza and other types of the local street market and dressed up and watched over the children there. Chinese food together to improve relations. By participating in activities like this, the international students get involved in the In these exchange activities, the students often say,“The food in Niigata is so good, and everybody is kind.” The community, which contributes to international exchange. residents who participate say,“It feels like we’re practically in China.” We can feel the relationships and the friendship between China and Japan growing at events like this. Nagaoka University of Technology: “Enjoying exchange through rice harvesting and mochi making.” We have so much respect for the international students and the med students who work hard every day not only for their own benefit but to become a bridge that will connect China and Japan. Seiro Town fully intends to continue this type Our university has participated in exchange with the Ojigawa community since 2008, and every year, international students have been invited to sports festivals and rice harvesting events. of exchange to create an even stronger relationship with Heilongjiang. In September last year, international students and their families participated in“The Rice Keiwa College: “International exchange in primary schools and junior high schools.” Harvest and Play Exchange Party,”they experienced traditional rice harvesting. They cut the rice crops with sickles, tried binding straw into a sheaf, and then dried them on trees, as instructed Currently, Keiwa College has 51 international students. Most of them are from China, and we also have students from Italy, Korea, and by the older women. Then they experienced making mochi, which was served at lunch for Vietnam, all studying together. everyone to share. As part of our international exchange, we help with international understanding education in primary During play time, they enjoyed folk dancing in a circle with members of the local community. schools and junior high schools in the vicinity. International students are sent to designated schools as one- They danced, attempting to imitate their lecturer, this way and that with the unfamiliar steps and day teachers, introducing their home countries and their culture, cuisine, fashion, and language. In their rhythm, and they all laughed out loud with each other when they messed up. Every time a song lectures, they teach the children numbers, animal sounds, and simple greetings in Chinese, Italian, Korean, finished, they applauded for having made it through it. Everyone had a great time. or, as of this year, Vietnamese. To wrap things up, they play games from their respective home country. Though there were some international students who could not speak Japanese, they also had In November last year, following a lecture from the Niigata Prefecture Coordinator for International a great time by watching others and doing as they did. These exchanges are valued opportunities for everyone, from elementary school children Relations（CIR）from the U.S., the students split into four classes, each with an international student from to the elderly, as they transcend age. People in the Ojigawa region experienced firsthand that either the U.S., China, Korea, or Vietnam. The students asked questions one after another, like,“What has it's possible to have a good time by making use of non-verbal communication when they don't surprised you about Japan?”“Why did you decide to study abroad in Japan?”and“Are there any customs speak the same language. We believe that events like this will make the hurdles of international here that are different from your own?”It was a mere 2 hours, but both the international students and the exchange less of an impediment. junior high students had a good time learning and sharing.

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