CamTESOL Creates a Platform for a Volunteerism and Language Exchange

By Paul Horness

Paul Horness is an Associate Professor at the World Language Center at Soka University in Tokyo, Japan and has been a CamTESOL delegate and presenter since 2013. Below he shares with I’mACE the story as to how he initiated a volunteerism exchange program between Japanese university students and CamTESOL.

For me, CamTESOL is more than a conference. Four years ago I broached an idea with the committee members of the conference.

Is it possible for my students to volunteer at the conference?

This might sound like a simple idea until you realize my students are from Japan. When I attended conferences in Japan, I noticed the student volunteers were not using much English. I asked students if they expected to use more English at the conference and their response was overwhelmingly, “Yes.”

As I am interested in study abroad programs and was presenting at a conference in Cambodia, I simply asked CamTESOL for permission. Then I asked the students if they were interested in volunteering in Cambodia. Sometimes, projects do come together easily and go smoothly. The project began fours years ago and it has been quite enjoyable to see the idea develop. I believe not only my students benefit, but CamTESOL does as well.

To start the project, my intent was rather simple and straightforward.  I wanted my students to use more English and give them a real, practical way of using it. The project has expanded as everyone involved is realizing that this is a valuable experience. In the first year, two students joined and had limited roles of time-keepers. Even though the task was simple, the students found the task nerve-wracking. Nonetheless, they were able to overcome their nervousness and do a good job. When the students were asked, “In what ways do you think the volunteer experience helped you?” One student responded, “In the short-term, I was able to make many Cambodian friends and it helped me learn about the lifestyles in Cambodia and also how the schools are there. It also helped me learn how to cooperate with people who I met for the first time.” (sic)

Since beginning the program four years ago, students now are involved with all aspects of the conference, but the basics of getting involved, having fun, and helping out remain the same. When asked about the conference after the first day of volunteering, another student replied, “Today, I worked as a volunteer in TESOL conference and I met several people. What I realized was that you must be extrovert because it is practically important and it is practicable.... if you are gathering in a conference with the purpose, there is no reason to be shy.” (sic)

Even though I began the project focusing on English skills, the students expanded the experience to include cultural understanding. Now we visit Angkor Wat, visit museums, and tour the Killing Fields, but most importantly, students make friendships with other student volunteers and gain a cultural understanding of another country outside Japan.

Over the years Cambodian students have commented to me with the following sentiment: It's so exciting your students are here. It makes the conference more enjoyable. I love talking about Japan with them. For me, it is a rewarding feeling to hear these comments from Cambodian volunteers.

As the project moves forward, the next step is to make it more permanent. As I recently began at Soka University, there has been incredible support to make this project a part of the university program by offering credits for those involved. CamTESOL has been great and each year I meet more members that support the project. I look forward to the next five years and imagine the possibilities. Perhaps there will be CamTESOL volunteers visiting Japan to work with Japanese students.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone involved in making the project worthwhile. I believe everyone involved has enjoyed taking part in it.