The M1 Seminar happened on April 2 at the SMBC Academia Hall (4th floor of the International Academic Research Building). Since April 2022, the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) has been running this event to bring together students who joined in spring and those who started the previous September. The idea? Get everyone working together on fun and meaningful group projects.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, many students still find it tough to slip back into a “normal” university life. There just aren’t enough chances to meet and connect. That’s where the M1 Seminar comes in. It’s designed to help students build connections, make friends, and get comfortable in an English-speaking academic environment—all while working on cool group projects.
This year’s challenge was to come up with a one-day trip from Tokyo to a destination that would be interesting and relevant for public policy students. The catch? It had to be educational and enjoyable. The groups—carefully arranged by the staff to ensure a good mix of programs and nationalities—had an afternoon after orientation and the next morning to prepare, with presentations kicking off the following day’s afternoon.
Each team had six minutes to present their trip idea, and the range of topics and destinations was impressive. It was a great way for new students to break the ice, dive into some real-world policy thinking, and get energized for the semester ahead. After all the presentations, everyone stuck around for a relaxed reception—students and faculty alike—making it the perfect way to wrap up the day.
Written by Prof. Hitoshi Shigeoka
Comments from the students
“We got to know each other very well and also had an opportunity to interact with some international students.”
“The main takeaway from this seminar is that we can create opportunities for individuals who struggle with speaking English to practice and improve their skills.”
“All of the presentations were interesting, and it was actually the first time for me to be in a space where the conversation was conducted in English the whole time, so it was very stimulating.”
“As a new student, I have barely no chance to make Japanese friends, so the group work helps me a lot.”
“I was able to meet and work together with students whom I would have never interacted with otherwise.”
