Tatsuya HIRAI

Abstract: In this presentation, we explore the role of student assistants/buddies as catalysts for enhancing students’ intercultural learning. Student assistants or buddies, in this context, refer to undergraduate or graduate students who support and facilitate the learning of their peers not only in the classroom but also through extracurricular activities. They may also serve as student leaders who initiate projects and foster dialogue among students or other stakeholders. All presenters in this session have observed in their teaching that student assistants/buddies play a significant role in facilitating intercultural understanding and often become role models for their peers. This raises a key question: how can we make better use of student assistants or buddies as active agents in learning, rather than seeing them merely as “assistants” to instructors? The session will present 3 case studies from universities in Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia, illustrating how student assistants or buddies help promote intercultural learning, with meaningful implications for students’ educational experiences and overall well-being. In an era shaped rapidly by AI, the need for constructive dialogue among diverse stakeholders has become increasingly urgent and critical. Training the next generation to take on the role of student assistants or buddies can be a vital step toward addressing both local and global community issues through intercultural engagement. Learning objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: - Understand the role of student assistants/buddies as facilitators in intercultural learning environments - Recognize how teachers can collaborate with student assistants/buddies to build inclusive learning communities - Identify the various stakeholders involved in promoting intercultural learning. -Gain insights into current trends in university internationalization strategies from three case studies. -Examine three case studies from Indonesian, Japanese, and Malaysian universities that highlight student assistant/buddies’ practices. -Explore approaches to training future student leaders in higher education. -Reflect on the importance of intercultural competence as a foundation for effective learning and student well-being. Target audience: educators, program coordinators, international office staff, and researchers involved in intercultural education, student engagement, and internationalization in higher education. Institutional leaders interested in inclusive teaching practices are also welcome to join.