The International Club of Washburn University hosted a pizza party to welcome Japanese students here for a three-week exchange program studying English.

“Pizza party is to welcome our new Japanese exchange students. They are here for [three weeks] so we wanted to meet them, get introduced to them and make them feel like home,” said Mohammad Asfaque, junior mathematics major and president of the International Club.

It was meant to be a fun event to have a good time to network.

“Networking, socializing, bringing students together, and chat and relax, it’s very important. It is very important. I feel like students need to reach out and get connected with others,” said Baili Zhang, director of international programs. 

Momoko Nagata, a Japanese exchange student from Fukuoka University, feels very happy to be a part of the party. She likes the concept of free pizza. 

All 18 Japanese students attended the party and enjoyed the pizza. Three large round tables of the International Club were filled with students. Not only exchange program students but also other Washburn students joined in. 

“We have two more events that we have planned on March 14. We have [a] Holi [festival of colors] event. I think [the] other event is in April, which is a dumpling festival,” Asfaque said.

The president mentioned that they have put on the pizza party before for the welcome of the international students and exchange students. 

Edited by Jayme Thompson and Jeremy Ford.