Yoshi, centre holding the certificate and folder, stands with instructors and classmates during the GEAR end-of-term celebration.
Written by Oindrilla Ghosh, Library and Communications Assistant
While working for the international institute at Tohoku University in Japan, Yoshi developed an interest in studying abroad. After researching about international academic programs, Yoshi was drawn to study in Canada because of the country’s emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity. In the fall of 2022, Yoshi embarked on his international academic journey at Renison and enrolled in the General English at Renison program (GEAR) to improve his English and presentation skills and learn about the academic environment in Canada. Having loved his experience so much in GEAR, Yoshi decided to return a year later to take part in a one-year Arts exchange at the University of Waterloo, working towards a Sociology degree. When asked why he chose Renison, Yoshi said it was because Renison offers much more than just an English program, there are also unique experiences and events offered, which adds more to the study experience.
While enrolled in the GEAR program, Yoshi found himself becoming increasingly more confident in his English-speaking skills. He explored the exchange program at the University of Waterloo and decided to complete a full academic term to continue his education in Canada. A pivotal part of Yoshi’s decision to continue his education here was because of his experiences in the GEAR program; the positive feedback from his mentors motivated him to continue to do better.
During his time in GEAR, Yoshi became deeply involved with the Renison community and has participated in, and hosted, many events at the college. During that time, Yoshi booked a one-on-one meeting with Ryan Connell (Assistant Director, Student Experience and Housing) and started discussing his previous experiences hosting events and cultural workshops for international students at the Tohoku University in Sendai. Ryan suggested that Yoshi host a similar event at Renison, highlighting Japanese culture, as there are many who are interested in learning about Japan and who want to connect with Japanese students. Yoshi found the idea to be extremely exciting and got to work! Yoshi hosted an extremely successful and popular event called “Let’s go to Japan.” Yoshi expressed how fulfilling it was to share his culture and language with those interested in learning about them. The “Let’s go to Japan” event continues to a popular offering of the ELI, and has prompted similar events, conducted both in-person and online.
Yoshi is quick to express his enthusiasm about the multicultural community at Renison: “we can talk and share about our own cultures with each other!” Living at Renison has offered Yoshi opportunities to speak with and meet people who all come from different and culturally diverse backgrounds. Yoshi has been able to connect with international students from other countries and finds comfort in a group of friends who have all had similar experiences whilst living abroad. Yoshi says, “Since we are away from our families back home, we are like family to each other in Canada.”
When asked to describe Renison in one word, Yoshi chose ‘family,’ “Renison is kind of like a big family”. He went on to say that everyone at Renison genuinely cares for one another and that interconnectedness is an integral part of what makes Renison so special.
In the future, Yoshi is interested in working at the international institute in a University in Japan, to help international students in Japan. He wants to create a supportive environment for those students similar to the supportive community he has had at Renison. “I want to help international students feel like home in Japan” says Yoshi.
This is part of the 2024 Renison Reports publication. Return to the Renison Reports page for other articles.