Waseda Daigaku
Introduction
Founded in 1882 in Tokyo, Waseda Daigaku is
renowned as one of the premier universities in Japan. It's academic reputation
in this country is rivaled only by that of Tokyo University, across town. As of
April 1998, 47,308 students including 941 foreign students from all over the
world were enrolled in this private university. The International Division of
Waseda University coordinates a one year study program that gives foreign
students the opportunity to study many aspects of Japan, such as language,
business, and society. I tried to get as much of a cross-section as possible,
and had some very interesting classes. Overall, the professors at Waseda were
extremely knowledgeable, but their teaching style took some getting used to.
Rather than have an open discussion during class, Japanese professors lecture
during the entire period, seldom taking questions until the end. This style has
come under much criticism lately in Japan for producing students that lack
critical thinking skills, and I think it is slowly losing favor. Still, I was
very impressed with the professors and everyone else at Waseda. I think they
lived up to the reputation of Waseda University.
What a great Feeling! The start of a
new adventure. The beginning is always the most exciting time. I did not know
exactly what my experiences in Japan would be, but I felt that they would be
unforgettable. I was right.
This country is not so strange
after all. Its amazing how much a different perspective can change ones
attitude. I can even have a nice little conversation in Japanese with that clerk
at Family Mart. Waseda? No big deal anymore, I know the campus like the back of
my hand, and have lots of drinking buddies there from Japan and around the
world. Some of them are my teachers!
Oh my god, is it really almost
over? I havent even climbed Fuji-san yet! It is already time to say goodbye to
Japan and all the friends I have made.
