Tokai University in Japan to Open an All-English Internal Cafe
A swell idea, some say; " a "nuisance", say others. What about? It's about an "international cafe" about to open in the university campus and whether it is welcome or just a nuisance. The argument is ongoing in the Shonan Campus of Tokai University in Hiratsuka, Kanazawa.
The fact is the university authorities have already decided to open one, and there are not buts about it. It's only that the students react to this decision clearly in one way or the other.
According the "decision", the entire staff must be English-speaking, and the menu, bulletin boards and even BGM, TV programs and copies in the magazine rack will have to be all in English. In a nutshell, it will be a cafe staffed with English-speaking natives busying around while CNN on air.
Now, this Tokai University is a huge institution comprising altogether nine departments: information, sociology, humanities and social sciences, etc. As you pass the main gate, you will see on your right the Research Bldg. E and just next to the athletic field will stand this International Cafe.
Tokai U. authorities say Gourmet Coffee Doutor provides self-serving facilities and its franchise currently running the campus cafeteria will also run the cafe. It is scheduled to open on September 16 after the summer recess as the students return for the coming term. English-studying students will join the English-speaking natives to provide English-spoken services given only in English. Help-wanted flyers are circulating to invite "students wishing to brush up English". Pay is more than moderate: 1,200 yen per hour (900 yen in trial period).
Tokai University is highly cosmopolitan, having signed academic exchange agreements with 115 universities and research institutes from 38 countries around the world. The main purpose of installing such a "cafe" is, according to the university authorities, to offer its students a forum for deepening international understanding beyond their classroom studies through live communication with other cultures.