When asked what makes GIS so special, our students inevitably mention two things: our small class sizes and being part of the warm GIS community. Oh, and that EVERYTHING IS IN ENGLISH!

The transition to an all-English learning environment can be tricky for our new first year students, and can initially seem daunting. Yet learning in small classes helps GIS students adapt, where they can benefit from learning support in and out of the classroom from our dedicated and knowledgeable professors.

They will also be welcomed into our small, close-knit community. Informally, students quickly make friends with other GIS students, often in the GIS Common Room or in the lounge on the 6^th floor of the Sotobori building.

Yet due to the coronavirus, we have all had to adapt to new ways of living, working and studying. With so much being online it has been harder for students to enjoy the campus and make new friends. GIS was keen to ensure it was doing all it could to help its students feel that special sense of belonging, which comes with being a GIS student. This was how the new Relay Program was born!

So, starting from 2021, our new Relay Program was launched, with the aim of helping students from different years get to know each other and for the younger students to benefit from the older students’ support and advice.

The inaugural event took place in April – and all GIS students were invited! Meeting online, mixed groups of students were able to meet and create valuable friendships. Over 260 of our students attended, and the screenshots and comments they shared with us can testify to a wonderful experience!

One of our freshers told us: “It was a great chance to meet senior students and talk about things such as the job hunting and I think it was useful for the freshers as well by having a chance to ask questions about professors, classes and so on!” Another fresher in his group added “The Zoom session was really fun to talk with other GIS members we do not know! Thank you so much for giving us such an opportunity to make new friends.”

One of our 3^rd years observed that older students had also had a great time meeting some of the new students. Due to online learning it had been difficult to meet the new students, yet she had really appreciated the opportunities provided by the Relay Program: “It was really fun talking to GIS members. Especially, I felt glad when I helped 1st and 2nd year students by answering their questions and concerns regarding campus life. I hope that they will enjoy spending their time on campus.”

The Relay Program was set up to help make friendships that can last during and beyond students’ times here at GIS. During the April session, many students set up LINE groups and emailing lists, with the aim of keeping in touch during the semester. We’re pleased to announce that the next official Relay Program session will be in September, when we welcome our new Fall Entry students. In later sessions, once the campus is accessible for large gatherings again, the groups will be able to meet in person.

In addition to the Relay Program we also have a team of Student Supporters who regularly organize events to help students benefit from their time here at GIS. Similarly, our Open Campus team members are also very approachable and happy to share their valuable advice. Being part of the diverse GIS community really helps our students make the most of their university life. GIS – we’re here for you!