American Language Program Invites Japanese University for First Ever Virtual Study Abroad Program

Students reflected on their three-week learning experience with Cal State East Bay on their last day of the program.

• March 18, 2021

On February 21st, Cal State East Bay’s American Language Program began hosting 25 freshman students from Japan’s Chuo University. They shared classes with current Intensive English Program students for a total of three weeks, ending on March 12. 

CSUEB’s new partnership with Chuo University has provided more opportunities for exchanging new ideas, said CSUEB’s Executive Director of International Programs Thomas Tyner. 

“What makes this new partnership exceptional is that it has forced our team to think creatively to start collaboration during the middle of the pandemic,” Tyner said.

The 25 international students were originally scheduled to visit CSUEB in fall of 2020, but switched to this spring’s online platform due to COVID-19, making this ALP’s first fully-online study abroad program. 

Class topics included reading and communication skills, and social hours where students had a chance to interact with each other. Chuo students also took part in the Speaking Partners Program, where they were paired with 19 CSUEB student volunteers who are taking Japanese language classes. One class also welcomed a guest speaker from Google to discuss the business culture of Silicon Valley. 

On the last day of the program, every student got together and reflected on what they learned, and shared their overall experience. One of the students, June Phil Park, said he was glad to be a part of the program and he learned a lot.

“This was the first time I attended a class in the U.S., and all the things I learned in this program were new, so it was interesting for me,” Park said. “The program was a great opportunity to get some knowledge about Silicon Valley.” 

Tyner said his team worked closely with Chuo University to plan educational and also fun activities for all students involved.

“Chuo University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Japan, and we are very excited to begin this partnership,” Tyner said. “We are already in discussions with Chuo on how to expand our collaborations for the upcoming year.”