Chiba University of Commerce's CUC International Square-University Journal Online, where you can experience foreign languages and cultures while at university

Chiba University of Commerce

Chiba University of Commerce opened CUC International Square (commonly known as iSquare) on its campus in March 2016.What kind of form is iSquare planned and operated as a place where you can experience foreign languages and foreign cultures on a daily basis other than classes at the university?We interviewed Hiroko Kobayashi of the International Center Office of the same university.

Ingenuity to get used to communication with foreigners

　iSquare is open from 10 am to 17:30 pm on weekdays. The interior, which was created in the image of a "cafe in Brooklyn, New York," has a relaxing atmosphere with bookshelves, chalk boards, and spacious tables and chairs arranged on the wall.Staff from England, Australia and Canada are stationed in the hall (as of December 2017).When entering the hall, it is a rule to speak in English, and Japanese is prohibited.

"About 1 to 30 students use iSquare a day. The main thing is chatting with the staff. Enjoying conversations in English in a casual way while playing board games together. I sometimes do interesting projects such as "Tongue twister in English today". First of all, get accustomed to meeting and talking with foreigners, and get to know various cultures abroad. I'm thinking about it, "says Kobayashi.

　In addition to watching DVDs and TV programs of overseas movies with headphones, you can freely browse foreign books, magazines, and English newspapers.In the online chat room set up in the building, you can take online English conversation lessons provided by an outside company free of charge.In addition, the cafe corner with a kitchen counter is used for activities such as staff teaching students how to cook overseas dishes.

　In addition to the cooking mentioned above, iSquare's activities that are held almost every day include a variety of programs that are familiar to foreign cultures, such as handicrafts, games, and music-related projects.In addition, seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas that match overseas customs and concerts that invite guests from outside are planned at any time, so even students who do not usually come to iSquare are interested. It has been devised so that you can receive it.In addition, projects such as Chinese Hour and Korean Hour are being held within iSquare to create opportunities to interact with students whose native language is Chinese or Korean at the university.

Supporting motivated students to further develop their abilities

　Students who use iSquare first create a name card at the reception desk, but the name card is also a stamp card, and if you collect 32 stamps, you will be charged the TOEIC IP test fee that you can take on campus. It will be a discount.In addition, for students who want to prepare for the TOEIC test or study abroad, you can also take a private session where you can train English conversation one-on-one with the staff in the hall.

"While maintaining the current concept of a place where students can relax and enjoy foreign cultures, for repeaters who are willing to learn a foreign language or a different culture, we will continue to utilize private sessions before taking the TOEIC test or studying abroad. We hope that you will improve your abilities even further. We also have abundant international exchange programs such as exchange study abroad, overseas language training, and cross-cultural experience tours, so students can fully utilize the resources of the university. I want you to use it to improve your ability to play an active role overseas, "says Kobayashi.

　Communication skills with foreign people and knowledge and understanding of different cultures will be indispensable in the coming globalization era.Chiba University of Commerce's iSquare plays a unique role within the university as a facility to develop such abilities from the basics.