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English Seminar (Zemi) at the Faculty of Business Administration, Hokkai-Gakuen University
At Hokkai-Gakuen University’s Faculty of Business Administration, seminars (zemi) begin in the second year. One of these seminars, called the English Seminar, is taught by faculty in charge of the Sogo Jissen Eigo and Business English programs. In the 2025 academic year, I am in charge of both the second-year English Seminar and a fourth-year Advanced Seminar.
Seminar Activities
The activities in Urano Zemi are developed together with students. They include the following:
1. Individual Activities
While the seminar is a group-based class, independent thinking and self-directed action are also emphasized. Each student sets personal goals, works toward them, and shares their progress with others—contributing to the growth of the entire seminar.
The Faculty of Business Administration offers a variety of opportunities to improve English skills. Seminar members are encouraged to actively choose and participate in programs that suit them.
Examples include:
- Sogo Jissen Eigo and Business English Courses
All seminar students are required to take at least one of these courses each year. The specific courses are selected through individual counseling. - Kaigai Sogo Jisshu
A three-week program at the University of Hawaiʻi held in summer. While not mandatory, it’s a great first overseas experience.
In addition to university programs, students are encouraged to pursue their own English-learning plans. Urano Zemi also supports individual initiatives like taking a leave of absence for a working holiday or long-term stay abroad.
2. Group Projects
Students form small groups to design and carry out mid- to long-term projects. These are primarily student-led, including negotiations with outside organizations. Projects are flexible in terms of duration and participants, and students may be involved in more than one project.
3. Whole-Seminar Activities
Weekly seminar sessions are a time for everyone to share their individual and group progress. If there’s student interest, the entire seminar may take on a group project. In the first semester, common foundational knowledge is built through shared readings and other preparatory activities.
Beyond weekly meetings, students are welcome to propose events such as group dinners or seminar retreats. Active student participation is strongly encouraged.
Examples of Past Activities (Selected)
1. Individual Activities
- Participation in overseas practicums (University of Hawaiʻi, Brock University in Canada)
- University exchange programs (University of Lethbridge, Canada)
- Short-term language programs (Canada, Australia, the Philippines)
- Long-term stays abroad via working holidays (Canada, Australia, New Zealand)
2. Group Projects
- Organizing intercultural events at guesthouses (2017, 2018, 2024, 2025)
- Exchange events with international students at the Sapporo International Student Center (2023–2025)
- English events for elementary school children (2019, 2023, 2024)
- Conducting interview research with foreign travelers at New Chitose Airport (2024)
- Overseas study trip (2017)
3. Whole-Seminar Activities
- English-language social media content creation (Instagram, etc., 2023–2025)
- Online international exchange using Discord (2021–2022)
- Japanese-English blog introducing Hokkaido: Discovering Hidden Gems of Hokkaido (2020–2021)
- In-class activities: English conversation, debates, presentations, games, quizzes
- Seminar dinners and social gatherings
Photo Gallery
What We Look For
Urano Zemi welcomes students who meet the following profiles:
1. Those Willing to Work Hard to Improve Their English
English ability is largely proportional to the amount of exposure. People who speak English well have usually spent a lot of time with the language. While having strong English skills is an advantage, what matters more is your willingness to grow. We focus on your potential and your determination.
2. Those Who Want to Connect English with Their Future Career
As this is a seminar for business majors, we emphasize how English can support career development. This doesn’t necessarily mean working abroad or in high-profile international roles—many domestic careers also involve English. Each student is free to explore their own path.
3. Those Who Can Act Independently
We value students who think and act on their own initiative—for their own growth and for the benefit of others in the seminar.