University-wide Student Exchange Program (USTEP) orientation and welcome event 2026 Autumn

A new semester, new friendships, and new adventures await! On September 29, GlobE welcomed 163 outstanding undergraduate students from partner universities around the world at a lively orientation and welcome event held in the iconic Yasuda Auditorium.

Joining UTokyo through the University-wide Student Exchange Program (USTEP Type U), these students are now embarking on a new chapter of academic and cultural discovery, taking classes at both the Hongo and Komaba campuses. The orientation program featured an introduction to faculty members affiliated with GlobE (the Center for Global Education), offering students a valuable opportunity to connect with those who will support them throughout their academic journey in Japan.

UTokyo students from USTEP Partners also joined the event, bringing a warm and welcoming spirit to the occasion. Launched in 2023, this student-led initiative connects exchange and local students through intercultural activities and shared experiences.

Now in its seventh term, the program creates opportunities for students to build friendships, share experiences, and explore different cultures through activities throughout the semester.

The excitement continued in the second half of the event, led by the USTEP Partners Organizing Team. Through lively presentations, they introduced campus life, shared tips for making the most of life in Tokyo, and highlighted some of the many experiences awaiting students in Japan.

One particularly special moment came when a former USTEP participant, now pursuing graduate studies at UTokyo, returned to share personal reflections and practical advice. The student’s journey offered an inspiring glimpse into how an exchange experience can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

Although the skies were rainy, the atmosphere inside Yasuda Auditorium was anything but gloomy! The venue buzzed with conversations, laughter, and the excitement of new beginnings as students connected with their peers and began building friendships that may last well beyond their semester in Tokyo.

A warm welcome to all new USTEP students from our partner institutions!

We hope your time here is filled with new discoveries, meaningful connections, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s to a wonderful semester ahead!