Willamette welcomes the new ASP class

by Tina Owen,

  • ASP Welcome
    Willamette students greet new American Studies Program students as they arrive on campus.
  • ASP Welcome
    American Studies Program students arrived on campus via three buses from the Portland Airport.
  • ASP Welcome
    American Studies Program students arrive on campus.
  • ASP Welcome
    American Studies Program students arrive on campus.
  • ASP Welcome
    Suitcases of students in the American Studies Program are offloaded from the bus.
  • ASP Welcome
    Blitz welcomes students in the American Studies Program to campus.
  • ASP Welcome
    American Studies Program students arrive on campus.
  • ASP Welcome
    Willamette students greet new American Studies Program students as they arrive on campus.
  • ASP Welcome
    American Studies Program students arrive on campus.
  • ASP Welcome
    Willamette students greet new American Studies Program students as they arrive on campus.

As the buses pulled up alongside the Hatfield Fountain at lunchtime today, students, faculty members and staff cheered, clapped and waved signs bearing friendly greetings in English and Japanese. The tired but excited Tokyo International University (TIU) students emerged, blinking at the bright sunshine and the warm welcome.

This year, 117 TIU students from Japan, China, Thailand, Peru, South Korea and Taiwan are enrolled in the American Studies Program (ASP) run by Willamette and TIUA.

During their year as international students at Willamette, the ASP students will take courses to improve their language skills and to learn about American history, politics, society and culture. They’ll also take regular CLA courses. They’ll live, study, dine and socialize alongside other Willamette students, as well as volunteer in the Salem community and explore Oregon and other parts of the U.S.

Today’s welcome, along with this evening’s opening program and dinner at Goudy, are just the first opportunities for the campus community to help the ASP students feel at home and make the most of their time in the U.S.

TIUA also organizes the Tomodachi (Friendship) Program, in which Willamette community members get together informally with ASP students about once a month -- for either a semester or the entire year -- for everyday activities, holidays or special events. Typically, community members report they enjoy and gain as much as ASP students do from these opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding. To learn more about the Tomodachi Program, contact Barby Dressler.

Willamette University

University Communications

Address
Waller Hall, Fourth Floor
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.

Back to Top