Delegation from Japan's National Tsukuba University of Technology visits Gallaudet

5 Deaf Students Visit Gallaudet

A partnership agreement between Gallaudet and Japan’s National Tsukuba University of Technology brought five deaf students from Tsukuba University, led by associate professor Yutaka Osugi, to Gallaudet from September 8 to 12.

While on campus, the group met with Director of Campus Design and Planning Hansel Bauman to learn about the Deaf Space project, observed and participated in classes, and visited the Clerc Center.

The students and Dr. Osugi attended classes in the disciplines of American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf studies, Spanish, English, and theatre arts, including “ASL Literature” with professor and deaf studies scholar Benjamin Bahan; “Non-Manual Grammatical Signals in ASL” with instructor Julie Hochgesang; basic Spanish with assistant professor Roberto Herrera; intensive English language study with associate professor Carrie Palmer; and “Visual Gestural Communication” with instructor Mario “Manny” Hernandez.

The students enjoyed everything they saw, reported Larry Musa, international student and global education specialist in the Center for International Programs and Services. But, he said, “The highlight of their visit was meeting President Hurwitz.” The group saw Dr. Hurwitz in his office on September 10 and delivered a message from Tsukuba University President Murakami Yoshinoro. Gallaudet’s president had his own delivery–a gift of a Bison stuffed animal for each student.