Event Space

The Event Space is an ideal starting point for international exchange, hosting various events and workshops centered on global themes. Among these, the 'Meet Up Café,' held twice a month, is particularly popular, offering international and Japanese students a chance to casually participate. This event provides an excellent opportunity for students to introduce themselves in groups, engage in free conversation, and make new friends. Another well-received event is the 'Japanese Tea Workshop,' where students can experience Japanese culture through English. Future workshops will include activities like "Shogi," "Ikebana," and "Furoshiki." Additionally, 'Ping-Pong Monday' offers a fun way to overcome language barriers through table tennis, making it a great space for international exchange.

• ‘Meet Up Café Board-Game Evening’ Held
• ‘Meet Up Café Fan making’ Held
• “Japanese Tea Workshop” Held!

Additionally, special events are also held. Recently, there was The 'Maia & Alex Shibutani Special Talk Session,' co-organized by AGU and the U.S. Embassy , which featured the Japanese-American Shibutani siblings (brother Alex and sister Maia), who won the bronze medal in ice dance at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. They visited the campus for a talk session attended by 20 AGU students and exchange students.

Global Lounge

The Global Lounge serves as a place where international and Japanese students can relax and spend time together. The space offers games like chess and Jenga, as well as books on international topics, creating a perfect environment for relaxed communication. Facilities such as the "kotatsu space" and the "street piano" encourage spontaneous interaction through music and shared experiences. Students who visit the lounge often describe it as a “Safe Place” on campus, where they can unwind and connect with others daily.

Chat Room

In the Chat Room, international students take the lead in engaging Japanese students in conversations in various foreign languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish. Sessions are organized by the language proficiency levels of the Japanese students, ranging from beginner to advanced, allowing participants to join in comfortably according to their abilities. This setup helps break down language barriers and fosters deeper international exchanges. Additionally, while participation in the Chat Room is not mandatory, some classes include it as part of their coursework, so many Japanese students visit this space to fulfill these course requirements.

• Chat Room

Wellness Services

The Wellness Services provided by experienced bilingual Japanese counselors offer a safe space for international students to seek support. This service also includes the training of the Japanese student tutors who support international students, ensuring a broad range of support for students' mental well-being. Consultations are free, and online reservations are available.

Dylan Rasmussen

Exchange student from the Hamline University, United States.

School of Cultural and Creative Studies

For many international students, the International Commons has become an essential part of their life in Japan. For example, Dylan Rasmussen, an exchange student from Hamline University in the United States, visits the space almost daily, enjoying the 'Meet Up Café' and other events where he meets Japanese students. As he told us: "Both Japanese and international students relax and interact here. Some may feel hesitant about conversing in a non-native language, but there's no need to worry about not being fluent. I’ve been studying Japanese for two and a half years, and during a recent 'Meet Up Café,' I was able to communicate comfortably with Japanese students and other international students using Japanese as our common language,"

Mary Alice Rasmussen

Exchange student from the North Central College, United States.

School of Cultural and Creative Studies

Another exchange student, Mary Alice Rasmussen from North Central College in the United States, who is active as one of the English Chat Leaders, said, "I’ve been studying Japanese for seven years. My interest in Japanese culture began in high school in the U.S. during my Japanese language classes. Sachie Banks, the head of the Japanese program at North Central College and an alumna of AGU, recommended the university to me, which led me to come here as an exchange student. I find it very rewarding when Japanese participants tell me they’ve discovered the joy of speaking English through our sessions."

Here also is a comment from a Japanese student Third-year law student Rei Hikita developed an interest in the NBA because of his passion for basketball and began to think, "I want to make friends with people from other countries." Inspired by the opening of the International Commons, he started visiting it daily and discovered that even simple English conversations could lead to meaningful communication. He said "Taking that first step is the key to enjoying international exchange. Now, I’ve overcome my fear of speaking English and have made many friends among international students." He encourages all students, both Japanese and international, to make the most of this space.