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Waseda University Campus Tour: A Journey to Excellence

Waseda University (Tokyo, Shinjuku, led by Chairman Aiji Tanaka) has celebrated a remarkable milestone with its campus tours, now exceeding a total of 400,000 participants since their launch. This initiative, aimed at making Waseda University more accessible and familiar to the public, began on July 7, 1989, and has become one of the most extensive university tours in Japan. In the 2024 fiscal year alone, around 19,000 individuals participated, greatly contributing to this impressive total.

Origins of the Campus Tour

The Waseda University Campus Tour was the first of its kind in Japan back in 1989. At that time, the university introduced the novel concept of having current students serve as tour guides, sharing insights and highlights of the university's rich history directly with visitors. While the tours faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, innovative ideas from the student guides ensured their continued success. Today, international participants are also a common sight on these tours.

Diverse Tour Offerings Across Campuses

The tours are conducted across several campuses, including Waseda, Toyama, Nishiwaseda, and Tokorozawa, allowing visitors to explore the unique atmosphere and environment of each location. Notably, English-language tours are regularly scheduled, with participation reaching approximately 1,100 attendees in the 2024 fiscal year, emphasizing the global appeal of Waseda University.

Professional Training for Student Guides

Unlike typical student volunteers, the tour guides of Waseda University undergo extensive training for about six months. They are compensated through a ‘student job’ framework, allowing them to develop professionally while conveying the charm of their university to diverse stakeholders, including high school students, alumni, and foreign tourists. This careful selection and training process ensure that the guides are well-equipped to convey the essence of Waseda University.

Voices from the Guides

R.K., a second-year literature student, shared her experience: "I was drawn to becoming a tour guide because I wanted to introduce my university to others. Initially, it was challenging to tailor my discussions to the audience, but now I enjoy interacting with participants and adapting my presentation style to engage them effectively. Hearing participants express interest in applying to Waseda after my tours brings me immense joy." This feedback highlights how the guides play a crucial role in inspiring prospective students.

Tour Highlights and Itinerary

Each campus tour is designed to showcase the university's remarkable facilities and history.

• - Waseda Campus (approx. 60 minutes): Visitors explore notable sites including the main gate, various academic buildings, the theater museum, and the Waseda University History Museum.
• - Toyama Campus (approx. 45 minutes): Covers the sports arena, library facilities, and student common areas, providing insight into campus life.
• - Nishiwaseda Campus: Features labs and engineering facilities critical to the university's technical programs.
• - Tokorozawa Campus: Incorporates demonstrations of advanced research facilities and student amenities.

Signing Up for the Tours

Waseda University invites interested participants to register for these enriching tours via their official website: Waseda University Campus Tours. Group tours can accommodate 10 to 80 individuals and require booking between one to two months in advance. Regular individual tours are available for reservation up to 60 days prior on Saturdays during the academic term.

The Broader Vision for Student Participation

As part of its commitment to educational excellence, Waseda University is implementing the 'Waseda Vision 150', a long-term plan to enhance student involvement in education and research, leading up to its 150th anniversary in 2032. The establishment of the Student Participation & Job Center in October 2014 exemplifies the university's dedication to engaging students as active contributors to its educational mission, thereby providing growth opportunities that empower them as global citizens.

In conclusion, the Waseda University Campus Tour not only showcases the beauty and intellectual heritage of one of Japan’s leading educational institutions but also nurtures the future of its students as they grow both personally and professionally through meaningful engagements with visitors from all walks of life.