Yuhei Tagouchi: Man of the World

Posted by admin on Apr 14, 2010 in Featured Articles | 0 comments

After growing up in Indonesia with his Japanese missionary parents, living in the international dorm, being an international RA, and living in the Globe, TWU senior Yuhei Taguchi is somewhat of posterchild for international students. The Art major, who’s lived in MacMillan for his last year in Langley, never had to go through an ESL program since he attended international English schools growing up, but nevertheless got his fair share of experience as an International Student at TWU.

“After moving here I spent a year at Columbia Bible College, which was difficult because no one could really relate to me on the level of being from a different part of the world,” says Taguchi. “I then decided on Trinity and just fell in love with the International Student Program and the TWU community in general…it was really welcoming.”

Taguchi lived with a Korean roommate his first year, and then became an International RA. “One of the huge blessings of being in that environment is to hear stories from all over the world. It can get difficult because everyone’s coming from different backgrounds, but that’s the best part at the same time.”

Taguchi believes the school does an excellent job at making an effort for international students to feel connected, but wishes the international dorms could be expanded so more students could have that experience. “When you’re in that environment there’s a lot that can be learned, and compared with other universities, TWU does a great job at trying to connect with international students and trying to connect international students with North American students.”

After graduating this semester, Taguchi will be heading back to Indonesia to teach English and Art at his former high school. His presence as a bridge between the international and North American students will surely leave a vacuum, but is something Taguchi hopes can be filled by future TWU undergrads. – J.H.