Visiting students from Japan get an immersive UNI experience
Visiting students from Japan get an immersive UNI experience
International students enrich the University of Northern Iowa campus. Some are here for years, while others study at UNI for just a short time, such as a group of 10 students from the University of Yamanashi, Japan, who are on campus for four weeks. The students have enrolled in an English immersion program with a focus on professional communication and American culture as part of the Culture and Intensive English Program (CIEP).
The partnership with the University of Yamanashi, Japan, is one of several partnerships UNI has with universities in Iowa Sister States. Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, is Iowa’s oldest Sister State, with the formal agreement being signed in 1960.
“The main goal for them is to be exposed to see what we offer at UNI, so when they go back to Japan and talk to their faculty, they will be able to explain and tell them why it will be beneficial for both institutions to have a longer relationship,” said Carolina Coronado-Park, director of international engagement and the CIEP.
Director of International Admission and Recruitment Kristi Marchesani has started discussions with the biology, chemistry and Applied Engineering & Technical Management departments at UNI to develop dual degree programs with University of Yamanashi. Takeshi Nakamura, professor of Japanese literature and an associate at the Office of International Programs or the University of Yamanashi, visited UNI earlier this month and was able to meet with department heads and tour the facilities and laboratories.
This will be the third group of students from the University of Yamanashi, Japan, CIEP has hosted since 2019. Even during the pandemic, CIEP enrolled two groups from the university in online courses.
While in Des Moines for a week leading up to their visit, the undergraduate and master's students toured organizations related to their majors, which run the gamut from biochemistry to finance. The students also absorbed as much Iowa culture as they could, visiting the Iowa State Fair and touring the Capitol.
“The students are so excited,” said Coronado-Park. “They loved everything in Des Moines. They are so eager to learn and connect to UNI and just to be part of the whole campus.”
Now in Cedar Falls through September 16, experiencing Iowa life will continue as students tour local farms and visit John Deere and cultural sites and events in the city.
“Most of them want to improve their English skills because they may come back to the U.S. for other reasons, but also because they want to learn to have global skills,” said Coronado-Park. “They know that even if they don't come back, they may end up working with people from different cultures. So they want to have the language and the intercultural competence to be able to navigate that.”
A key component of improving the students’ English proficiency is their conversation partners. These UNI students, faculty, and staff meet with the CIEP students at least once weekly to connect and enhance their English speaking and listening skills. It’s common for CIEP students to become friends with their conversation partners that go well beyond the Culture and Intensive English Program.
“As faculty and staff, we want international students to be able to engage as much as possible with our campus community so that students who may not have a chance to study abroad still have the opportunity to interact with international students for global skills exposure,” said Coronado-Park.
Another way that the UNI community is encouraged to connect with international students is through International Coffee Hour, which takes place throughout the academic year. These events occur every Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. and are a chance to enjoy coffee, snacks and good conversation with international students.
CIEP students are also welcomed into the community by host families — who don’t house the students but still make the Cedar Valley feel a little more like home.
After the students return home, Coronado-Park will visit Japan in October to follow up on the possibility of dual degree partnerships between the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Yamanashi. She will also visit high schools while they are there.
“The Japanese minister of education is actually pushing for more exposure of the students, faculty and staff to internationalize campuses,” said Coronado-Park. “They are eager for these types of experiences.”
