With less than a week to go before the World Campus – Japan Summer 2009 tour begins, the diverse group of staff members (from Mexico, USA, Italy, and Japan) is working hard to prepare for the program! After a morning of self-introductions and getting to know each other, staff training commenced in Hiro’s home in Arao. First, he explained the mission and vision of WCI, followed by the program components and policies and guidelines. The intense preparation will continue until participants arrive!

Hello!

My name is Takashi, and I am participating in the WCI summer tour 2009 as an external relations assistant and as a translator. I participated in spring tour 2009 as a volunteer only in Kumamoto city and I had a lot of fun and valuable experiences. Because I participated in about only one week or so last time, I’m expecting more in-depth interaction with people from different countries in the summer tour.

I was born in Kumamoto, Japan and currently I’m a student at North Dakota State University in the U.S, studying natural resource management from sociological perspectives. Other than my major, I love to study agriculture, politics and history and international relationships. Currently I’m taking a year off from the university for doing my own study back in Kumamoto, Japan.

I’m very glad and excited that I can be a part of the World Campus – Japan tour! Though it is first time to be the staff of World Campus – Japan, I will do my best helping you guys whatever you want to learn about Japan. I’m looking forward to seeing you guys and hoping that all participants will have amazing experiences in Japan!!

(Takashi Tsuda – External Relations Assistant/Interpreter in the July/Aug. ‘09 Road Team)

Ciao!

My name is Adriana and I am the Education Assistant of World Campus International this summer. It is the first time I cooperate with this organization, but since the first time I saw it’s website I understood WCI is the perfect place for me. I am really honoured and grateful to have this chance and I am look forward to meeting all of you.

I live in Naples, a big city in the south of Italy, and last March I graduated in Relations and Institutions of Asia at the Faculty of Political Science. I chose to study Japanese at the university all of a sudden, but as gradually I went on with my studies I appreciated more and more Japanese culture, customs, history, traditions and first of all the pacific vision of international affairs.

As a new member in WCI I am anxious to come to Japan and do my best to contribute making this experience unique and unforgettable for all the participants. I don’t think there could be a better way to really know and understand Japan then live with a Japanese family and share with them everyday life.

I cannot wait to meet all the participants of the wonderful program World Campus – Japan offers!!

(Adriana Sanzone – Education Assistant in the July/Aug. ‘09 Road Team)

HELLO!
My name is Gabriela Castañeda-Jiménez, I know it is a long name, but you can just call me Gaby. I was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico. I currently live in Athens, a small college town in Southeast Ohio, USA.

I am the Production Manager Assistant this summer. I am really excited to meet all the participants of World Campus International! This is a great opportunity for sharing our cultures and learning from the beautiful Japanese culture!

I love to help people so if you need anything just let me know!

As you can see I am a person of only few words so, ENJOY YOUR TIME IN JAPAN!

(Gabriela Castañeda-Jiménez – Production Assistant in the July/Aug. ‘09 Road Team)

Hello!
My name is Janice and I am the external relations assistant this summer. As an alumna of last year’s summer program, I know that World Campus International and its community partners have exciting opportunities and schedules in store for all the participants.

I am from Boston, Massachusetts and study business administration at Boston University. Upon graduation, I hope to teach English in Japan with the JET Program or pursue a degree in non-profit management.

My infatuation with Japan started in high school when I studied Japanese and participated in a cultural exchange in Kyoto. I simply fell in love with the country’s unique culture and friendly people. The only treatment for the travel bug I caught in Kyoto seemed to be more travel — and that’s exactly what I have been doing! First, I went to Japan with World Campus International last summer and more recently, I have been interning and studying abroad in New Zealand since January. Though it’s been an awesome adventure, I am ready to come back to Japan — my home away from home!

I am so happy to have this chance to travel around Japan with WCI again and I cannot wait to meet new faces and to reunite with old ones! A great learning experience awaits us, whether starring the other World Campus – Japan members, their individual cultures or even yourself! Be prepared for a thrilling summer filled with delicious food, hospitable host families, friends from all around the world, and memories that will last for a lifetime 🙂

(Janice Tsang – External Relations Assistant in the July/Aug. ‘09 Road Team)