Visiting Professor Henrietta Nyamnjoh, who will join TUFS as a Visiting Professor in the Fall 2025 semester, will teach an undergraduate course. Based on her research on Childhood Mobilities: Migrations and Mobilities of Unaccompanied Minors in Africa, she will give lectures on "Cultures of Mobilities, Migration and Transnationalism". She will also give talks at public events such as ASC seminars. Graduate students are welcome to attend, so please consider enrolling in the course. ◆ Course: International Cooperation II◆ Lecture Title: "Cultures of Mobilities, Migration and Transnationalism"◆ Keywords: Cultures of migration, mobilities, transnationalism, food and migration and Hometown Association◆ Instructor: Visiting Professor Henrietta Nyamnjoh, Special Researcher Kana Miyamoto, ASC◆ Day & Period: Tuesday, 2nd Period (10:10-11:40) ◆ Classroom: Room 312◆ Timetable Code: 19423050◆ Language of Instruction: English◆ Format: In-person◆ For details, please refer to the syllabus.QR Code:

Espoir Bohohya MAJALIWA, our former exchange student from Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR), who studied in Japan from September 2024 to July 2025 wrote an essay of his stay in Japan.Please check it out!! ---- 1.Introduction My name is Majaliwa Bohohya Espoir, I am from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, student at the Protestant University of Rwanda majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies. From October 2024 to July 2025, I had the opportunity to pursue academic studies at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) as an exchange student. This report outlines my academic achievements during my stay in Japan and reflects on the experiences that contributed to my personal, academic, and professional growth. 2. Academic Activities and Achievements Studying at TUFS has significantly enriched my academic journey through various academic activities both inside and outside the classroom. Most of the courses required research and presentations, which provided hands-on learning opportunities that complemented theoretical lessons. As one of the few African students in culturally-focused classes, I often felt responsible for representing the entire African continent, which pushed me to conduct thorough and culturally sensitive research. In the subject of Communication Studies 1 by Annette Karseras, we wrote weekly academic reflections based on The Culture Map by Erin Meyer, where I frequently compared the insights with Congolese cultural perspectives, thereby enhancing both my analytical skills and my ability to share Congolese culture with peers. In the subject of Aspects of Contemporary Japan 2 led by Prof. O'Brian, I carried out fieldwork on social behavior in Japanese trains, focusing on the stretch between Tama and Akishima stations. This project, grounded in observation and literature review, strengthened my research methodology and deepened my understanding of Japanese public norms. In Peace and Conflict Studies 4 with Prof. Katoh Tamahi, I presented academic work on the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising awareness among an international student body and emphasizing the global significance of local conflicts. Additionally, in the Japanese Cinema course, I collaborated with a team to create a short film, which was honored with the "Best Supportive Actors" award on July 13, a rewarding recognition of our creativity and teamwork. 3. Extracurricular Academic Engagements Beyond on-campus academics, I actively engaged in external academic events that enriched my learning experience and broadened my professional network. On October 26, 2024, I attended a symposium at Rikkyo University, marking my first participation in such an event in Japan. Furthermore, I submitted an abstract to the SIETAR Japan Conference in Kyoto, titled "Intercultural Competencies in Peacebuilding: A Comparative Analysis of Japan and the DRC." Although I was unable to attend the conference due to financial limitations, the acceptance of my abstract represented a meaningful academic achievement. From May 3 to 5, I also participated in a three-day workshop on Trauma and Stress Management, organized by the Mbuyava Raphy Foundation. This workshop, facilitated by members of the African academic diaspora in Japan, brought together scholars from the UK, Japan, and Australia, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose in advancing Africa's development. Additionally, I enrolled in several interdisciplinary courses such as Business Communication (taught by Prof. Robert Dunsmore Rab), Sustainability Studies, and the Peace Education COIL program, all of which broadened my academic perspective and deepened my understanding of global challenges and innovative solutions. 4. Skills and Knowledge Gained Throughout this program, I developed a range of valuable academic and professional skills. My intercultural competence was significantly enhanced through both classroom instruction and daily interactions within a diverse, multicultural environment. I strengthened my research abilities through ethnographic fieldwork, academic writing, and oral presentations, which also contributed to the development of my analytical thinking by encouraging me to engage with complex global perspectives and socio-political issues. Regular assignments, critical reflections, and structured research tasks helped me refine my academic writing skills. Additionally, I improved my language proficiency by learning basic Japanese, which enabled me to introduce myself, ask essential questions, and communicate in everyday situations. My English skills also advanced through frequent academic use and interactions in an international context. 5. Impact on Personal and Professional Goals Studying in Japan has boosted my self-confidence and broadened my worldview. Being in such a multicultural environment has strengthened my belief in my ability to succeed in international settings. The experience helped me build a strong academic and professional network, which I believe will guide me in future endeavors. I now feel more prepared to work in international organizations, especially those focused on peacebuilding and intercultural dialogue. 6. Gratitude and Acknowledgment I express my heartfelt thanks to Protestant University of Rwanda for selecting me for this Program , to Tokyo University of Foreign Studies for hosting and guiding me during this program, and to YAZAKI Corporation which offered me the round trip air ticket from Rwanda to Japan, to JASSO for financially supporting my participation. I also extend my gratitude to professors and fellow students who supported me throughout the program. Your guidance, collaboration, and encouragement made this journey impactful. 7.Conclusion My exchange year at TUFS has been a transformative academic and personal journey. The diverse courses, academic challenges, cultural immersion, and international engagements have significantly contributed to my development. I leave Japan with new knowledge, strengthened skills, valuable networks, and deep appreciation for Japanese education and culture. I look forward to applying these values to my future academic and professional work, particularly in peace and conflict resolution.

Irene Iradukunda, our former exchange student from Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR), who studied in Japan from September 2024 to July 2025 wrote an essay of his stay in Japan.Please check it out!! ----Report on My Experience as an International Exchange Student in Japan (October 2024-July 2025) INTRODUCTION 皆さんこんにちは (minasan konnichiwa), My name is IRADUKUNDA IRENE, I am a student from Protestant University of Rwanda and my major is Peace and conflict studies. My journey to Japan as an international exchange student has been a transformative experience, both academic and personal growth. My interest in coming to Japan was fuelled by a desire to understand cultural perspectives on peace building and conflict resolution and post conflict development strategies. This opportunity to study at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies(TUFS) has not only enriched my academic knowledge but also allowed me to immerse myself in a vibrant culture, fostering personal growth and international friendships. Every moment was enriching. Gratitude and acknowledgements Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Japan Student Services Organisation(JASSO) for their scholarship, which supported me through financial facilities and allowed me to focus on my studies. Additionally, the Yazaki Cooperation's support through the interuniversity exchange project, which provided all support for this program. Also, I am so grateful to the professors, students and departments at TUFS for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my academic journey. Their encouragement played a crucial role in helping me achieve my academic goals. I would also like to thank my home University, the Protestant University of Rwanda, particularly Prof. Kazuyuki with his family and former Japanese exchange students: Ayumi San and Kana San for their assistance in the document process and follow-up after I arrived in Japan. Lastly, I appreciate all my friends from all over the world, Japanese families who made my time in Japan memorable. Their kindness and hospitality have left a lasting impact on my life. Academic achievement During my time at TUFS, I engaged in diverse coursework related to peace studies, international relations, languages and Japanese history. The seminars and workshops I participated in enhanced my understanding of conflict resolution strategies in global context. I also participated in extracurricular activities such as cultural exchange programs at Japanese high school, volunteer internships. In the details, I have had the privilege of participating in an exchange program with Japanese high schools on three different occasions so far. This experience has allowed me to engage with Japanese high school students in various schools in Tokyo and Saitama prefecture, where mostly I provided teaching that reflected the history of Rwanda. On the other hand, I also got the opportunity to use my Japanese language skills. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am engaged in a volunteer internship at International Student Support Association (TUFS-ISSA). I was excited to gain field experience in this humanitarian sector because this host organisation support students from different countries to make a comfortable life in Japan either giving them direct support in terms of direct support and also giving them opportunity to explore Japanese culture in various forms like participating events and organising hangouts. This role has not only enhanced my organisational skills but also deepened my understanding of humanitarian efforts in a global context. Furthermore, our course at TUFS was not only theoretical but also practical, that is why during my course related to Japanese film analysis, we created a fiction short film and our lecturer sang for us after watching our films. Most importantly, I have developed my academic advancement as learning outcomes that I truly agree that it established a strong foundation in research domain, comparative analysis and gives my language aspect in Japanese language. Social life achievements Socially, my time in Japan was equally rewarding. I actively participated in cultural events and festivals, which deepened my appreciation for Japanese tradition and customs. Not only that, I participated in a musashino family program where I met a Japanese family and additionally I worked with my colleague to organise film screening where I shared documentary film with the TUFS community particularly and also there were other Japanese communities who joined us. In March 2025, I had the honour of performing Japanese songs at the Sakura Festival folk dance parade in Fuchu. This folk dance performance allowed me to know Japanese songs, how to dance and enjoy native Japanese culture. I appreciate ISSA for their assistance in this journey. Additionally , through my participation in the musashino family program, I was matched with a Japanese family which provided me with additional opportunities to practice language and make strong friendships with Japanese people and also visit different places with them. Truly, I appreciate my Japanese family and till now we are still connected. Lastly, I had the honour of screening my documentary film during an event known as African week here at TUFS, together with students majoring in African Area Studies, we organized a showcase that reflected Rwanda culture. I really appreciate Prof. Takeuchi, head of Africa Study area who welcomed our guest speaker from Rwanda embassy in Japan and I really appreciate everyone who participated and contributed his energy in this event. Not only that, I got the opportunity to participate in a radio program show on Fuchu Fm, where our commercial advert passed through every Tuesday. As someone who has a basic knowledge about journalism, I was very much excited because to participate in this program and I also speak only Japanese was a dream come true. Additionally, I got an opportunity to visit Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) at their branch in Chofu. This study trip empowered me with a lot of knowledge and skills about aerospace field work and more experience in these sectors. Lastly, I participated in local and international events, I invited my friends and visited many historical and beautiful places here in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures. My experience as an international exchange student in Japan has been remarkable, and skills I have gained will undoubtedly contribute to my future endeavours in peace and conflict studies. I am glad to everyone and the African study Area for the great souvenir they gave me during my period in Japan.

On August 25, 2025, we saw off Ms. Irene and Mr. Majaliwa, marking the farewell to all exchange students of the 2024 Fall and 2025 Spring semesters from TUFS. This spring semester, five exchange students returned home: Ms. Linda and Mr. Daniel from the University of Zambia (who stayed for four months), Ms. Irene and Mr. Majaliwa from PUR (who stayed for about ten months), and Ms. Gabriella from the University of Ghana (who also stayed for about ten months). Each of these students was able to realize their study abroad in Japan thanks to the generous support of companies and crowdfunding. Although they have returned home, there are also Japanese students from TUFS currently beginning their exchange programs in Africa, so perhaps they will have the chance to meet again there after returning. We sincerely wish them continued success as bridges between Japan and Africa after their return home. And we look forward to meeting again in Japan. Taken by ASC Staff -25' Aug 25 (the fourth and fifth persons from the right are Mr.Majaliwa and Mr.Irene.) Taken by ASC Staff -25' Jul 28 (second from the left: Mr.Daniel; third from the left: Ms.Lindah)