The ASP class of 2018 will be arriving on Monday, Feb. 5, at the Hatfield Fountain around 12:30 p.m. We would love to gather as many students, staff and faculty as possible at that time. Please join us in giving our newest Bearcats a warm Willamette welcome!
In addition, we will be having a welcome and opening program at Goudy starting around 4:50 p.m., which will include a few guest speakers and some short performances.
If you would like to join the ASP students for this meal, and you do not have a meal plan, please email Sarah Shinn. She will have a limited number of guest meal cards available. We welcome any students, staff and faculty to join, and it entails engaging the students in conversation over dinner and helping them navigate Goudy for their first night.
About the 2018 ASP class
117 students representing Japan, China, Thailand, Peru, South Korea and Taiwan join the 2018 American Studies Program. Four students have dual US/Japanese citizenship. With 53 females and 64 males, the students are representing five schools at Tokyo International University: Language Communication (67), International Relations (37), Human Social Sciences (4), Economics (4) and Business and Commerce (5).
Faculty and staff opportunity: Tomodachi Program
ASP students have an opportunity to meet community members by joining the Tomodachi (friendship) Program. This program helps the students become members of the local community and learn more deeply about U.S. society and culture. This is not a “host family” program but an opportunity for cultural exchange throughout the year (every day activities, holidays, special events, etc.) by getting together once a month or more.
With 117 students, the need this year is great. You can participate for a semester or all year. If you are interested, please contact Barby Dressler, TIUA director of university relations and special programs.
Professional development opportunities for Willamette students
TIUA is always looking to hire Willamette students who are interested in cross-cultural engagement, leadership development, and academic and administrative support. We have several opportunities throughout the year:
- International peer coaches are similar to Opening Days leaders and work with the students during spring semester to orient them to Willamette University.
- Academic peer tutors support the students in their academic work during spring, summer and fall semesters. (ASP has a summer semester in May–June.)
- Summer programming coordinators support and implement cocurricular programming for the ASP students during the summer as well as support special summer programs and projects (May–August). Note: Housing will be hiring summer RAs to work with the ASP summer residential community.
- International program assistants staff the TIUA front desk and support academic and administrative projects (spring, summer and fall).
If you have any questions about these positions, please email asp-info@willamette.edu. Most of the positions are advertised through Handshake (through WU Career Development) or on the TIUA website. If you have any questions about ASP arrival or how to get involved, please contact Sarah Shinn, TIUA associate director of student life.