Language Exchange to Facilitate Daily Interaction with International Students; 1,530 participants from 77 countries to date, fostering genuine English communication skills outside the classroom

The Faculty of International Studies at Nagoya University of Commerce and Business (Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture) runs a Language Exchange Program that fosters daily interaction between international students from 77 countries and Japanese students.

Since the program’s inception in 2014, the cumulative number of participants has exceeded 1,530 as of 2026. This initiative goes beyond the classroom, providing abundant opportunities for communication in English to promote the improvement of language skills and a deeper understanding of different cultures—goals unique to the Faculty of International Studies.

What is a Language Exchange Program?

The Language Exchange Program promoted by the Faculty of International Studies at Nagoya University of Commerce and Business is an exchange program in which international students and Japanese students learn about each other’s languages and cultures. Participants are paired with international students from around the world and engage in conversation using not only English and Japanese but also the international students’ native languages, such as French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Korean, to deepen their communication skills and cross-cultural understanding.

In terms of annual participation, 60 to 70 pairs participate each semester, with approximately 120 to 140 pairs engaging in language exchange throughout the year. The university oversees the pairing process. Based on factors such as TOEIC scores, we prioritize assigning international students who are proficient in Japanese to students who feel insecure about their English skills, and we accommodate requests for same-sex pairs whenever possible, thereby creating an environment that encourages participation. By providing opportunities for everyday English practice—which are difficult to obtain through classroom instruction alone—from the time of enrollment, students strengthen their language skills through natural conversation with one another.

The Benefits of Everyday International Exchange

This program enables students to develop practical English language skills, cross-cultural understanding, flexible thinking, and communication skills through everyday experiences such as conversations in campus cafes and dining halls. Our university actively welcomes international students, making the entire campus a learning environment that fosters multicultural coexistence. While opportunities for interaction outside of class are often limited at other universities, we provide an environment where students can build networks with friends from around the world by ensuring ample opportunities for daily communication.

Comments from Participating Students

“Through language exchange, I made friends with international students, which led to more fun plans like trips to Ise and exploring Nagoya’s famous local specialties. This has made my college life more fulfilling and boosted my motivation to learn English.”
— Mizui, a first-year student in the Faculty of International Studies, paired with an international student from France

“In contrast to the grammar and presentations we learn in class, Language Exchange provides a practical setting to apply what we’ve learned through everyday conversation. You can experience everything from native speakers’ fluent English to the diverse accents of non-native speakers. Being paired with international students from your study abroad destination allows you to gain local insights and alleviate any anxieties, making it ideal for preparing for your study abroad experience.”
— Ando, a second-year student in the Faculty of International Studies who has been paired with international students from four different countries

“Building friendships with international students fosters cross-cultural understanding, and explaining my own culture while mixing in Japanese is a great source of inspiration. It allows both English and Japanese learners to grow, broadens our global perspectives, and leads to a rediscovery of our own culture.”
— Iwaki, a third-year student in the Faculty of International Studies who has been paired with international students from five different countries

Relationship to Career Choices

Even for students who have not studied abroad during high school or who are concerned about their English proficiency, the Faculty of International Studies at Nagoya University of Commerce and Business provides a practical English-language environment within Japan immediately upon enrollment, enabling students to improve their English skills regardless of whether they have prior study abroad experience. Since opportunities for interaction with international students of diverse nationalities who arrive each semester are guaranteed, this offers prospective applicants and high school students a clear advantage in alleviating concerns about English and developing practical language skills.