KANSAI GAIDAI UNIVERSITY

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Message from an RAKaho TsujibayashiStudent MessageBeing an RA is just so much “fun,” because I feel any problem resolving process can be “fun” if you think about how much you learn from this process. What my experi-ence has taught me is that we must deal with values and opinions of an individual person without having bias because of difference in language and cultures. This is the kind of experience that awaits you here at YUI. Resident AssistantResident Assistants are integral part of operation of the GLOBAL COMMONS 結 –YUI–. RAs are selected local stu-dents who are willing to extend their assistance in making life at YUI comfortable and beneficial for everyone. RAs organize various programs and events to promote active interactions between international and local students and facilitate the development of cross-cultural teamwork.Balint HegyesQueensland University of Technology, AustraliaI really love how helpful the Resident Assistants are at YUI. I have made friends with many of them, and I get to practise my Japanese, while they get to practise their English when we converse. They are always there if you need any help or have any questions, or if you simply need someone to talk to or want some recommendations of Japanese music, they can always help.One of the best things I gained through my time here is a greater sense of independence and understanding of myself. Through meeting others, I learnt more about my character, my strengths and weakness, and discovered more hopes and dreams that I have for the future.Emilia KingUniversity of Leeds, United KingdomWe are in contact with Japanese students every day in this facility and this push of putting local and study abroad students together brings us out of our shell and encourage us to practice. I have also been interacting with more study abroad students. This has encouraged me to step even further outside of my comfort zone which is a key to developing my social skills.Don’t be afraid to talk to other international students; try to get through the barriers and difficulties together. Being in Japan for the first time by yourself is a very daunt-ing experience, but be open to all the support and help that is offered to you! 49