Join us at Hatfield Fountain
The ASP class of 2020 will arrive Monday, Feb. 3 at Hatfield Fountain around noon*. 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.
*Time may change depending on the flight status.
Join us for dinner at Goudy
In addition, we will be having a welcome and opening program at Goudy at 4:45 p.m. which will include a few guest speakers and performances by Willamette’s a capella groups.
**If you would like to join the ASP students for this meal, to engage the students in conversation and to help them navigate Goudy on their first night, but you do not have a meal plan, please email Colin Matthews
Join us for weekly dinners
In addition, you can sign up for weekly dinners happening Feb. 18–March 11 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This involves eating dinner with ASP students to engage in cross-cultural conversations and build relationships across cultures. Contact Colin Matthews for more info. Meal cards provided for students who do not have a meal plan.
About the ASP Class of 2020
This year, 93 students representing Japan and China will be joining the 2020 American Studies Program. The students represent five different schools at Tokyo International University — Language Communication (58), International Relations (24), Human Social Sciences (6), Economics (3), and Business and Communication (2).
Faculty and staff opportunity: Tomodachi Program
ASP students have an opportunity to be matched with Tomodachi (friendship) Hosts. The Tomodachi Program helps the students become members of our local community and learn even more about U.S. society and culture. This is not a homestay program but an opportunity for cultural exchanges throughout the year (everyday activities, holidays, attending special events, etc.).
At least half of the students will want to join this program. You have the option of participating for the year or by semester only (spring or fall). If you have an interest or need more information about the Tomodachi Program, please contact Barby Dressler, TIUA Director of University Relations & Special Programs at bdressle@willamette.edu or x3330.
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. (January–March)
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 create programming during the ASP summer semester and break (May–August)
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 info@tiua.edu. Most of the positions are advertised through Willamette’s career development platform, Handshake.
More information
If you have any questions about ASP arrival or how to get involved, please contact one of the following staff members.
- Sarah Shinn
, TIUA associate director of student life - Barby Dressler
, TIUA director, university relations/special programs - Colin Matthews
, TIUA International Peer Coach Leadership Team