On June 4, 2023, three International Studies students – Zara Cubacub (2nd Year), Charlize Yap (2nd Year), and Ysabelle Mendoza (3rd Year) – flew to Tokyo, Japan to participate in the student exchange program with Seisen University. The program officially started on June 5, 2023 and lasted until June 10, 2023 wherein students had a great opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture through engaging in various cultural activities such as tea ceremony, kimono wearing, Japanese food (mochi and gyoza) making, and exploring Sensoji temple. Aside from these activities, Japanese language class also took place every day throughout the exchange.

The MC IS students were able to fully expand their knowledge on a different culture which also gave them a chance to widen their learnings in the International Relations field. The students were also able to converse with Japanese students taking the Global Citizenship studies. Their discussions circulated around substantial topics such as both countries’ differences in government and history, migration status, and social gaps and gender inequalities in society, among others.

The Japanese Language and Cultural Program has showcased the heart of the International Studies program – exchanging meaningful dialogues through an interchange of multifaceted topics like culture, politics, language, and society. In a way, the seemingly small exchange of dialogue can hopefully create a ripple effect of not just strengthening our networks, but also addressing global issues together.

This coming August, students under the Global Citizenship program from Seisen University will also participate in a cultural exchange with Miriam College. The Department of International Studies is looking forward to having valuable dialogues and blissful memories together!

By Ysabelle Milyn R. Mendoza