（※1）IURS（国際学部研究シンポジウム）は、学生が自分の研究を発表するためのやる気を引き出す機会を提供している。IURSは、IAFORの国際会議の一環として、学生が世界中の学生や学者とネットワークを築くことができる、支援的で協力的な環境で開催されている。

https://iurs.iafor.org

（※2）IAFORは、世界中の学者や専門家を対象に、グローバルおよびオンラインで開催される学際的な会議を歓迎するNPOである。2009年に設立され、日本、英国、フランス、スペイン、ポルトガル、米国、香港特別行政区、シンガポール、タイ、インドネシア、韓国、マレーシア、UAEで会議を開催してきた。

https://iafor.org/

（※3）オオタニ　アシュリー (GC4年)、弘中　丈 (GC4年)、タウル　ナラ　プトラ (GC4年)、小池　理貴 (4年 LA)、岡安　令華 (GC3年)、大森　ジエン (GC3年)、大北　聖人 (GC3年)、小野寺　夏知 (GC3年)、松木　翔音 (GC3年)、バンティナン　レイン (LA3年)、ヒョン　勝斌 (GC2年)、クック　ローレン (RJ 3年)

On Tuesday, November 26th, Aoi Hirano, a second-year student from the College of Global Communication, gave a poster presentation on the theme of linguistic repertoires at the International Undergraduate Research Symposium (※1) held at the Toshi Center Hotel, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. She gave her presentation alongside many other undergraduates from across the globe, including students from Sri Lanka, Ghana, Slovakia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan.

All presentations were delivered in English to an audience of academics attending the week-long IAFOR (International Academic Forum (※2)) conference, the Asian Conference on Education 2024. To prepare for the presentation, Hirano-san attended an online training session, which included discussions with other students about their future career ideas and presentation themes. The training also covered expectations at international academic conferences and effective communication in one-on-one and small group settings.

At the poster presentation and the week-long Asian Conference on Education 2024, 10 GC students 2 LA students, and an exchange student worked as conference staff (※3), utilizing their English language skills to assist delegates with questions, guide them around the venue, and chair presentation sessions.

Hirano-san and the other GC students were encouraged and supported by Professor Dexter Da Silva, who teaches Psycholinguistics and Multilingualism in the College of Global Communication, and is also a Vice President and member of the Board of Directors for IAFOR. Professor Da Silva believes that the experience of presenting and attending an academic gathering like that held last week, is a valuable opportunity for students from a global-facing college like GC to experience an international academic event, gain confidence in their communication skills, and open their eyes to future possibilities.

Aoi Hirano’s comments
In Professor Da Silva’s class, I became interested in "language and identity" and decided to apply for this opportunity with the teacher’s support and encouragement. On the day of the presentation, I was nervous, but I think I was able to effectively communicate my ideas and research in English, and I also learned a lot from the other participants. From this experience, I realized that it is always worthwhile to try new things, and I will continue to look for opportunities to challenge myself in the future.

(※1) The International Undergraduate Research Symposium (IURS) provides students with a motivating opportunity to present their research. IURS takes place in a supportive and collegial environment at one of IAFOR’s international conferences where students can network with other undergraduates and academics from around the world.

https://iurs.iafor.org

(※2) The International Undergraduate Research Symposium (IURS) provides students with a motivating opportunity to present their research. IURS takes place in a supportive and collegial environment at one of IAFOR’s international conferences where students can network with other undergraduates and academics from around the world.

https://iafor.org/

(※3) Joe Hironaka (GC 4th year), Masataka Koike (LA 4th year), Ashley Otani (GC 4th year), Nara Putra Taulu (GC 4th year), Reighn Bantinan (LA 3rd year), Lauren Cook (RJ 3rd year), Sean Matsuki (GC 3rd year), Haruka Okayasu (GC 3rd year), Masato Okita (GC 3rd year), Jien Omori (GC 3rd year), Nachi Onodera (GC 3rd year), Hyung Seungbin (GC 2nd year)