How it works
Starting in September, 48 Tokyo Campus students will visit four nearby public middle schools each week to lead small-group English conversation sessions. Each university student works with the same group of six to eight middle schoolers for the whole semester, so they can build a real rapport.
Sessions last 45 minutes and focus on everyday conversation rather than grammar or test preparation. Topics are chosen by the middle school students themselves, and early requests include video games, school lunches and what university life is like.
Each session ends with a short game or activity planned by the university students, and teachers from the middle schools sit in to observe. Participating classes will also visit the Tokyo Campus once each semester for a tour and lunch in the campus cafeteria.
Why the schools asked
The ward's board of education approached the campus last year. Teachers said their students had studied English grammar for years but had few chances to speak it with someone close to their own age. Many of the Tokyo Campus volunteers are international students from English-speaking countries, and others are Japanese students who spent time studying abroad.
Volunteers receive 12 hours of training in teaching methods and child safety before the first session. They earn service-learning credit, and those who continue for a second semester receive a small stipend.
Growing the program
The campus hopes to add two more schools in spring 2027. Students interested in volunteering can apply through the Tokyo Campus community engagement office by August 15.
