What's GLFPメッセージ

Message from Director

早稲田大学の教旨である「模範国民の造就」、創設者・大隈重信の創立30周年記念式典における「一国の為のみならず。進んで世界に貢献する抱負がなければならぬ。」。本学では、その意を連綿と受け継ぎ、創立150周年に向けた中長期計画"Waseda Vision 150"においても世界の何処にあっても、どのような困難に直面しようとも自らの意思で周囲と連帯して状況を切り拓くことのできる知識と道徳的人格と勇気、さらには頑健な身体としなやかな感性を持った地球市民を育成することを本学の教育と研究の体制整備の原点としています。

本プログラムは、日本と米国、より広く言えば東洋と西洋の両方の歴史・文化・社会を熟知したうえで、国際社会において強いリーダーシップを発揮する人物を育成するプログラムです。そうした人物へと成長していく道のりは、決して安易なものではありません。自律的に試練や困難に挑戦し、ひとつひとつ着実に乗り越えていくこと、そしてその歩みを継続することが絶対的に必要となります。また、高いレベルに到達すればするほど、それに見合う他者への優しさ、弱者に寄り添う気持ちや社会への貢献も求められるものでしょう。

Compassion（他者を思いやり）、Cooperation（他者と協働し）Contribution （他者へ貢献すること）、GLFP は、この "3 C"　の精神をもって、主体的に自らを高めたいと願う学生達が挑戦するに相応しいプログラムです。

Waseda University's mission statement which is “fostering of good citizens” and Waseda's founder Shigenobu Okuma's remark at the celebration commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the university was “one must have the ambition to willingly contribute to the world, rather than only to one's country.” At Waseda University, this mind has been passed on from generation to generation uninterrupted, and "Waseda Vision 150," the mid-to-long-term plan for the 150th anniversary, states that the system development standing point of the University's education and research is to nurture global citizens with knowledge, moral personality, courage, a healthy body, and a flexible sensibility that can break through whatever difficulty one faces, at their own will, cooperating with others, wherever they are in the world.

This program, based on full knowledge of Japan and the U.S., or more broadly speaking, full knowledge of history, culture, and society of both Asia and the West, nurtures individuals who demonstrate strong leadership in the international community. Growing to be such a person is by no means easy. To challenge hardships and difficulties autonomously, to steadily overcome each of them, and to continue to grow is absolutely necessary. The higher level in life one reaches, the more they are required to have kindness to others, to be able to think about the weak, and to contribute to society.

GLFP is a program suitable for students who wish to excel on their own initiative with spirit of the “Three C's” which are “Compassion (have compassion for others),” “Cooperation (cooperate with others),” and “Contribution (contribute to others).”

Message from Students

梅原　美晴/Miharu Umehara

• ●GLFPでの学びが社会人生活でどのようにいきたか
  How my studies in GLFP have been useful in my life as a member of society.

GLFPからは非常に多くの学びを得ましたが、社会人になってから今までで最も役に立っているスキルは、英語でのコミュニケーション能力だと思います。メールで英語を読む・書くことだけでなくチャットや電話会議など様々なツールを通じて素早く、かつ的確にコミュニケーションを取る必要のある機会が多く、GLFPで浴びるほど行ったディスカッションやプレゼンの経験が生きているなと感じています。また、価値観や仕事の進め方の違う様々な国籍のメンバーと共同作業をする時も、それぞれの違いを楽しみながら課題に取り組む姿勢を身につけることができました。実際に社会に出て組織の中で働いてみると、複雑な状況や困難にぶつかることが多くありますが、そんな状況を新たな学びとして捉えられるポジティブさもGLFPから学びました。

One of the most useful skills I acquired from being a part of GLFP is English communication. At work, fast paced English reading and writing, oral presentations and active participation in meetings are often required.
Whenever I face these kinds of situations, I am confident because of the experiences I gained from GLFP. Sometimes I am assigned to projects where I work with team members from very diverse backgrounds, and I enjoy this because GLFP offered a similar environment. During my time in GLFP, I had to develop creative solutions to overcome many challenges. GLFP not only taught me academic knowledge, but it also gave me a positive mentality to tackle new problems and enabled me to see everything as a learning opportunity.

• ●振り返ってみてGLFPの経験をどのように感じるか
  How I feel when I look back at my experiences in GLFP.

私にとってGLFPは単なる留学プログラムではなく、人生を変える大きな機会であったと感じます。少人数で長い月日と共にするからこそ生まれる摩擦や衝突もありましたが、今となってはそれらの経験一つ一つが自分の成長の糧になっていたなと思います。プログラムの締めくくりでもある共同研究では特に、メンバーが就職や進学準備など各々多忙を極める中共同で論文を書き上げなければならず、かなり緊張感がありました。しかし、そんな局面をともに乗り越えたからこそ、今でも様々な節目でお互いを助け合える関係を築くことができました。一年間の海外留学だけでなく、事前学習や留学後も卒業まで継続し、ここまで内容の練られたプログラムは稀なのではないかと思います。学部も国籍も出身校も混ざり合ったメンバーで学び会えた経験は生涯私の宝物であり、今日も世界中で活躍するGLFPファミリーをとても誇りに思います。今後より多くの学生がこのプログラムに参加してほしいと願っています。

GLFP was not just a study abroad program for me; it was a life-changing experience and one of the best opportunities of my life. As I look back on my involvement with this program, I can see that all the struggles and conflicts I faced were necessary for me to grow as a person. As members of GLFP, we bonded both inside and outside the program, building a strong community and lifelong friendships. It feels like I have a family that lives across the world and I am truly proud of each person's accomplishments after the program. The curriculum is well structured and provides support before, during, and after the study abroad experience. I hope more and more students will join this program and become a part of our family. The experience of being part of a group with so much character, talent, and diversity is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

大橋　俊則/Ohashi Toshinori

• ●GLFPで学んだこと
  What I learned through GLFP

GLFPは、自分の大学生活を振り返る上で欠かせないものです。このプログラムを通して、異なる国や環境で育った友人達と出会い、彼らと切磋琢磨する中で、4年前と比べ自分の人間性を磨くことができたと思います。特に、異文化に対する理解力、そして自分自身を客観的に捉える力がついたと思います。また、プログラムを通して「グローバルリーダーシップ」の定義について、深く考えることができました。その意味は各々にとって違った意味を持つと思いますが、私は、その根底にあるものは、どのようなコミュニティの中でもコミュニケーションを取ろうとする姿勢、と考えるようになりました。世界には様々な環境で育った人々がいます。価値観が異なっていても、1番大切なことはお互いを知ろうとするコミュニケーションの力だと思います。この3年半のプログラムは、挑戦の多い舞台です。多くの人々と出会う中で得た対話力を活かし、今後も「グローバルリーダー」を目標に邁進していきたいと思います。

When I look back at my university life, it is impossible to forget about the GLFP experience. I have met so many talented people through this program who have deeply inspired me. I think these encounters and experiences enabled me to become more open to diversity and be able to look at myself objectively. Additionally, GLFP gave me opportunities to think deeply about the definition of “global leadership”. Although this can have various meanings in different contexts, I think the skill to communicate with people from different backgrounds is the foundation of “global leadership". The 3 and a half years with GLFP have been challenging at times but I was able to nurture my attitude to try to understand others. I would like to utilize the skills that I have gained through GLFP to become a global leader in the future.

• ●GLFPのコミュニティ/ GLFP community

GLFPは「多様な刺激が集まる場所」です。自己成長意欲の高い仲間が集まり、それぞれの異なる興味に基づいて、夢を追いかけています。たとえフィールドが違えど、お互いに刺激を与え合える環境が整っていると思います。また、異なる興味関心を持つ友人と話すことで、自身の視野が広がっていきます。大学生活を通して、これほど素敵な友人達に巡り合えたのは、GLFPのお陰です。同期だけではなく、先輩や後輩とも刺激を与えられる大きなコミュニティだと思います。今後、私自身も他のメンバーや後輩に刺激を与えられるよう、成長していきたいと思います。

GLFP is a place where inspirations gather at. Students who constitute GLFP are highly motivated to achieve their own goals. Although each member has different interests, GLFP provides the best environment where students can inspire each other. At the same time, because of those differences, members are able to expand their views of societies. I am grateful that I could develop friendships with such talented students through this program. GLFP is becoming a big community where current cohorts and former cohorts are inspiring each other. I would like to keep trying to achieve my goals so that I can be an inspiration to the others.

髙谷　佳央/Takaya Kao

• ●GLFPで学んだこと
  What I learned through GLFP

行動を起こすことと「私は出来る！」と信じることの大切さ
－これがワシントン大学での留学生活から学んだ一番大きなことです。様々な分野で活躍している人達に囲まれていたことで、私自身も自らに挑戦し、起業したり、学生ライターやホームレスシェルターのボランティアを務めたりするなどの、貴重な経験を積むことができました。
シアトルで充実した一年を過ごした今、その学びを生かして世の中に良い影響を与えられるようになりたいです。人々がお互いを尊重し合い、次の世代の為にこの美しい世界を維持できるような社会を作ることに、ビジネスとジャーナリズムを通して貢献していきたいです。

The importance of making action and having the strong belief that “I can do it!” - this was the biggest lesson from the year at University of Washington. I was very fortunate to be surrounded by so many successful and inspiring people, which became a great motivation to challenge myself and gain valuable experiences; such as creating a company, working as a student writer, and volunteering at homeless shelters.
After having the fruitful year in Seattle, I now would like to use the learning to make positive impacts in the world. In the field of Business and Journalism, I want to contribute in creating the society where people fully respect each other and save this beautiful planet for future generations.

• ●GLFPのコミュニティ/ GLFP community

何が「グローバルリーダー」かと言うことはとても難しいです。人それぞれが自身の解釈を持っているからです。ただ、一つのことは共通していると思います。私たちは皆、「社会の為に何か良いことをしたい」と思っていることです。GLFPは、この行動を率先して起こすことへのやる気と東西両方の文化を深く理解しようとする気持ちを持つ、早稲田とアメリカの学生の為にあります。そして、このコミュニティの一番の財産はその「仲間」です。もしあなたの改革者精神を育てる場所を探しているのなら、GLFPがその答えです。

It is very difficult to say what exactly a “global leader” is because each person has own definition; however, I believe there is one thing in common. It is that we all want to “do something good for the society”. GLFP is for those students in Waseda and the US universities who are highly-motivated to take initiatives in this action and trying to have deep understanding in both Eastern and Western cultures; and the best asset of the community is the “people”. If you are looking for an opportunity to cultivate your game-changer side, this is the place.

Kevin Yuan

• ●What I learned in GLFP

Beyond pure academics, GLFP taught me important skills that I believe are important for becoming a future global leader. Working with people from diverse backgrounds exposed me to a wide range of personalities and viewpoints, and having many opportunities for discussion helped me figure out how to better express myself when communicating with others. The encouraging and supportive environment of GLFP was conducive for exploring my own interests, and it inspired me to challenge myself in many different areas. These lessons and perspectives stayed with me even after the year was over, and I find myself looking back and feeling proud of my personal growth through the program.

• ●GLFP Community

The community was by far one of the best aspects of GLFP. There are many opportunities to get to know everyone in your cohort, exchange ideas and opinions, and inspire each other, all in the pursuit of discovering what it means to be a “global leader” while striving to attain your individual goals. Being able to study and work alongside highly motivated individuals brought forth the best in me, and I am grateful to have made lifelong friends through the program. With multiple successful generations of GLFP fellows, there is no shortage of a support network.

• ●Message to Prospective Fellows

My year studying abroad on GLFP was the most memorable, and perhaps, the most transformative year of my life. For me, study abroad opened up so many new doors and helped me discover and refine my own personal goals, and GLFP supported that process through its tight-knit community, available opportunities, and a high degree of freedom to explore your interests. Regardless of your background, I highly recommend GLFP as a program to enhance your study abroad experience, as it will provide unforgettable lessons and memories you will carry with you back home and into your future endeavors.

Mitchell Otis Estberg

• ●What I learned in GLFP

I originally sought out study abroad for the opportunity to live in Japan and improve my language skills, but GLFP opened the door to so much more. During study abroad I had the chance to join clubs at Waseda, study alongside students from Japan and around the world, and push myself to try something new every day. GLFP let me learn from not only insightful classmates but also speakers from the UN and local nonprofits. I was able to see how people from around the world work in Tokyo during an internship at The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Our cohort had the opportunity to travel to Hiroshima and study global peace and to the Fuji Five Lakes region to contribute to conservation efforts. Ultimately, while I learned about myself in ways that I never had before, most of all during study abroad I gained a better picture of the world from the viewpoint of Tokyo.

• ●GLFP Community

GLFP not only presented me with a wide array of opportunities but also introduced me to some of the greatest people I met during my time abroad. While, the memories I built through classes and experiences will stay with me forever, most of all what I got from GLFP, is an inspiring community of friends that I see working to better the world and brighten the lives of the people around them every day. One lesson I got from our experiences is the way leadership can take many shapes and forms. While a “global leader” can be someone who takes on the international stage, it can also be anyone working to address issues that affect some corner of the world. Fostering a great community with those around you–one that focuses on bringing about good–can have a ripple effect to make the world a better place.