We're back from Bonding Event! (GLFP 10th Cohort)
Nov. 08, 2023
GLFP 10th Cohort Bonding Event took place for two days on September 21st (Thursday) and 25th (Monday) with the participation of incoming US students from GLFP partner universities who had just arrived in Japan, Waseda university students who had returned after studying in the US, faculty, and staff. This event was first meetup between US and Waseda students, aiming at team building among cohorts who will be studying together for the next one year.
The first day consisted of an orientation session by CIE, a campus tour by Waseda students, a welcome lunch, and a kick-off lecture by GLFP Forum faculty member, Prof. Juichiro Tanabe.
On the second day, we left Okuma Auditorium, heading for Asakusa and Odaiba areas by sightseeing bus. In Asakusa, we walked around Sensoji temple, where the atmosphere of Tokyo's traditional downtown (Shitamachi-district) still well preserved. It was impressive to see US students who were immensely curious about how to worship and omikuji, a Japanese fortune-telling slip, thanks to the pre-researched information on Sensoji temple and Japanese religion prepared by Waseda students. The lunch we had at a historic tempura restaurant was formidable, which provided an opportunity for international students to learn about Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese.
In the afternoon, taking a Sumida River cruise by water bus from Asakusa to Odaiba area, we enjoyed the spectacular cityscape of the modern Tokyo from the water under clear skies.
In the Odaiba/Shiodome areas, we visited Small Worlds, a miniature museum, and then strolled through Hamarikyu Gardens, a traditional Japanese garden, where the students experienced a matcha (powdered green powdered tea). The entire day was a great fun to be exposed to quintessential Japanese culture.
Through the various activities over the two days, the 10th Cohort were able to foster a closer relationship, and made a good start to their year together as GLFP students.