Extra-curricular (Jee In Chung)

       Ever since coming to Japan, I tried to think of many ways in which I could make interactions with the Japanese students outside of classes. Then I found out that Waseda University provides hundreds of “circles”  -- club activities -- in which any one can join out of his or her own interest. However, some circles may be more difficult to join due to the language barrier. Here I will list a few where international students will be more than welcomed to join. The main two clubs are Waseda International Club and Niji No Kai (Rainbow Club). Both groups strive toward the mutual exchange of experiences through holding exchange events with international students from around the world. Both clubs organize four to five events per month which involve sport events, Christmas parties, Cherry Blossom viewing parties, and ski trips.
       I was amazed to see how the members of the clubs had very tight bonding with each other. Each group has a group lounge where any member is welcome to go and spend time chatting, doing homework or eating throughout the day. Most members come to the lounge on daily basis to have lunch with their circle friends. Also, the members spend an enormous time organizing parties for their circles which is a big difference from the US extra-curriculars groups. The Executive board of the student groups in the States is usually composed of very small numbers where each student holds a position. The group meets on a weekly basis to discuss and arrange any up-coming events and the general body meets once a month on the event day. But in Japan, each member has a larger participation  in idea-making for the events.

      In November, Waseda holds Waseda-sai, which is the once-a-year, largest festival of school. Students from all over the country come over and enjoy the festival. There are dancing, singing, food-selling, and guest speakers who are invited during the event and this is all organized by the hundreds of student clubs. Students spend more than 8 months preparing and practicing for this event at the gakuseikaikan (Student Center) and because Waseda University understands the intensity of the event, students are given 2 days off prior to the event. When I was helping WIC with making beautiful, large posters for food-selling, I saw other students in the building playing their instruments, practicing B-boy steps and accapella singing until midnight.  This event is truly full of laughs, joys and cries. I envious of all Waseda students who are in such high school-spirited because I don’t think this is common to see in such a large university. I was proud to be a student here, even if it was such for a year.