On December 15th, the Division for Global Education and the newly established Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS) co-hosted the 14th “NAIST Tea Time” as part of NAIST’s mission to promote a global campus community. This event was attended by approximately 40 students, faculty and staff members, and members of the community.

In the first half of this event, Mr. Ferdinand Sauer (Special Research Student, GSIS) from Germany introduced German holiday traditions which follow the advent calendar. Then, the audience enjoyed Stollen, a traditional German fruit bread made in the Christmas season, and various Christmas cookies, freshly baked by Mr. Holger Thomsen, a German pâtissier (or konditorei-meister) living in nearby Hirakata City. These German treats were served along with non-alcoholic hot wine, made with grape and apple juice, slices of oranges and lemons, and different spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

After everyone enjoyed the refreshments, Mr. Michiharu Yamamoto, a University Research Administrator of the NAIST’s Division for Industry-Government Academia Collaboration, gave a presentation on his life and experiences living in the USA and his perspective on what brought him back to Japan. All the people attending listened to the interesting and insightful presentation.

The event was once again an excellent opportunity for NAIST students, faculty and staff, and community members to interact together while enjoying learning about new cultures, trying new foods and building new friendships.

Mr. Yamamoto introducing his life in the United States	Christmas confectionaries by a German pâtissier
Non-alcoholic hot wine	Participants enjoying the event
Mr. Sauer introducing Christmas tradition in Germany