All posts by Thomas Greve

Our participants

Meet Berthalina Hernandez from Mexico in Summer 2010!

Berthalina Hernandez

Hola!

My name is Berthalina and I am the Education Manager for the World Campus International Summer ’10 program. I am originally from Mexico, but for the last decade I’ve made Colorado my home.

This is my third year involved with World Campus – Japan and I can honestly say that it is a priviledge and honor to be a part of this amazing program once again. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to travel with a wonderful group of people from all over the world and experience Japan’s amazing culture once more.

I am thrilled to be able to combine two of my greatest passions: travel and education. Being a member of organizations such as Up with People, Sister Cities International and World Campus International, has opened many doors which have allowed me to travel the globe and experience a variety of cultures in unique and meaningful ways.

In Colorado, I teach English as a second language (ESL) to high school students from a variety of countries all over the world. I LOVE my job! As an ESL teacher, not only do I get to go to “work” by making a difference in children’s lives, but also learn and discover new things every single day… Plus, I also get an entire summer off to take advantage of opportunities like this one!

I cannot wait to have the chance to get to know each and every one of the participants and community members involved with our tour this summer. Believe me, this will be a life-changing experience for everyone involved in this great program and I am ecstatic to share this adventure with all of you!

(Berthalina Hernandez – Education Manager in the Summer ‘10 Road Team)

Our participants

Meet Jay Kinsel from USA in Summer 2010!

Jay Kinsel

Hello,

My name is Jay Kinsel, but most people call me Jake. I will be returning to World Campus International this summer for my third time as your Production Manager. I am from the great state of Texas but I have been living in Colorado for the better part of 16 years.

I can’t begin to express how excited I am to return to a country as unique and inspiring as Japan and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with World Campus International again. I look forward to the countless stories that we will write together.

Along with assisting everyday needs during the tour, I am responsible for producing and teaching our Arigato Event at the end of each city. I have a BFA in Theatre from Stephen F Austin University in Texas, USA. I am excited about the opportunities that our event gives us to really connect and communicate with the communities we encounter.

Currently I am a teacher in Colorado while I work to open a soccer facility in the area. After theatre, soccer is my second great love and if you have a hard time finding me at home, you can surely find me on the field doing my best not to grow up too quickly. When I’m not

I love to travel to, learn about, and experience as many places as I possibly can and World Campus International has given me the chance to do those things and more. More importantly, I have developed friendships and memories that will shape my life forever.

The journey we are about to begin will be added to the experiences that define us. I can’t wait to get to know each and every one of you as we take each step through the summer.

(Jay Kinsel – Production Manager in the Summer ‘10 Road Team)

Arao City, City Life, WCTI

Welcome to World Campus Teachers Initiative

The first WCTI


The first WCTI


Our trip to Japan was truly a once in a life time experience. Not only did I get to observe and experience the culture, I also had the great fortune of attaining fist hand experience of their educational system through World Campus International Teacher Initiative. The entire trip was enlightening to me as an individual as well as a professional. Staying with host families really immerses you in their culture and daily routines. Having the opportunity to meet with principals and teachers, ask questions, share ideas and comments was very beneficial. Visiting castles and museums was fun and educational. I give my highest recommendation to any teacher who wants to broaden their cultural experiences and professional development. My trip with World Campus Teachers Initiative has had a profound and enriching effect on my life and career.

(Paulina Hanson – Elementary School Teacher)

World Campus Teachers Initiative is a new WCI program that brings international teachers to Japan for a week long professional development program. Our pilot program included 4 teachers from two North American Countries. Our fist city was Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Stay tuned for more stories and info from World Campus Teachers Initiative!!!

City Life, Suita City

WCI in Suita!!! 40 Years in the making.

WCI in Suita!!! 40 Years in the making.


WCI in Suita!!! 40 Years in the making.



Standing in the shadow of the Tower of the Sun at the site of the 1970 World Peace Expo is humbling. In March, World Campus International was invited to join the 40th anniversary celebration. Our job was simple but our responsibility was much more complicated. We were asked to represent the world community. In a sea of thousands, how could 12 international participants and another 10 Japanese volunteers represent an entire planet?

During our one week WCI experience, we made many connections and friends as we are often so fortunate to do, but this week, we really brought them into our family. A local cheerleading team and a club for collage kids to practice English shared every minute with us. They joined us in rehearsal, in after program activities, and they even had a hand in teaching us part of our arigato event. It was a true honor to have so many people who did not know the organization invest so much of their time with us.

On the day of the World Exposition, we dressed up in our cultural best and stepped into the festival not knowing how we would be received. Our fears ended as soon as our first performance began. Thousands of people had a chance to see a little bit of World Campus and the community we represent. 270 people throughout the day lined up to write their hopes for a future world on paper leaves that we stuck on our “Tree of Nations.” We helped our local sponsors sell sweets as we interacted with the people who came to the festival for the day. It truly seemed that our modest group of global citizens made an impact on the festival and I know without a doubt, the 2010 World Exposition Celebration fulfilled its duty to everyone by reminding us all why we gathered there in the first place. If the enormous Tower of the sun could, I imagine it would have nodded with approval.