From Friday, January 20 to Sunday, January 22, JICUF hosted the first ever “ICU Student Weekend” in NYC for ICU students currently studying in the US through ICU’s exchange program. 22 out of 46 students studying in US institutions participated. Students came from near and far, from California to New Jersey. JICUF provided accommodation, tickets to several attractions, and two free meals, while students paid for their own transportation.

On Friday evening, we hosted a “shinnenkai” at a restaurant in the Kips Bay area of Manhattan and invited alumni and friends. More than 30 alumni joined and mingled with current students. The alumni’s graduation years ranged from 1961 to 2021. 

On Saturday morning, JICUF staff and Izumi Osawa-Minevich (class of 2004), ICU Alumni Association’s NY Chapter representative, took the students to Top of the Rock, the 70th floor observation deck in 30 Rockefeller Plaza. 

We then visited the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), where students were free to roam. 

The program ended with lunch at a French bistro in Midtown. Students were free to enjoy the city on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. 

One of the participating students, Rika Asakura, who is currently studying at Middlebury College shared the following comment:
“The highlight of the meeting for me was the dinner, where all the students and alumni gathered. Recently, I have been thinking about my career path, and every time I think about it, I wonder what way I should take it. However, after listening to the stories of ICU alumni, I realized that the choices I have made now are only part of my life and that my interests can change from time to time, and I can build my career accordingly.  It was a precious opportunity to think more freely about the future.”

It was wonderful to meet so many students and alumni. Thank you to all, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.