January 25: Online Open Campus

On the 25th of January, we had the very first Open Campus of this year, 2025!!

On January 25, we held the very first Open Campus of this year, 2025!!

This time, TCU organized an Online Open Campus, as a part of a new project! This allowed people from all over the world to explore TCU and learn more about the campus, without having to travel to Japan. This Online Open Campus was especially beneficial for those interested in joining TCU’s English Track program but wanting to know more about life at TCU before coming to Chiba, Japan. 

With 30 people registered, participants ranged in age from high school students to working adults. Even though the event was conducted via Zoom, we were able to introduce various aspects of life at TCU, including classes, student circles, summer mission trips and the spring retreat.

Life at TCU

In the first part of the program, I had the opportunity to explain what it’s like to live at TCU–from first arriving in the fall to details about specific classes and majors within the English Track program.

I also shared my personal experiences at TCU, reflecting on my own journey since I first arrived. I talked about the blessings I’ve received through the various events and activities throughout the year, as well as the wonderful people that I have met.

Testimonies from Students and Alumni

Moving, to the second part of the program, two speakers shared their experiences at TCU. They spoke about how they first learned about TCU and their personal stories of living on campus through different circumstances. One of the two speakers is a current graduate student at TCU, while the other is an alumnus who now works full-time teaching at a school in Tokyo.

The first speaker, a current graduate student named Fumika, shared her experiences of returning to Japan,to study theology at TCU. She also shared her personal testimony, describing how she chose to follow Christ in both her school and workplace, and later decided to deepen her faith through the graduate program.

The second speaker, Tsuguru Kagiwada, is a TCU alumnus. He is now married with a child, and works in Tokyo, teaching English and Theology at a middle/high school. He shared how his time at TCU shaped his perspective on working in Japan and later helped him understand why God brought him to Japan. He could clearly see God’s work in his life, and how God was leading him forward!

Majors

Though this Open Campus, participants also had the chance to meet some of professors, who introduced the majors available in the English track program. This was an excellent opportunity for participants to ask questions and understand more both the academic side of TCU and the daily life on Campus.

We are grateful that this Online Open Campus allowed us to connect with so many people who are interested in TCU! We look forward to welcoming them in person at the TCU campus in the future.

Written by Joanne