Support the Center
Spotlight
Michiko Owaki
Volunteer
As a volunteer in the EASC outreach program, Michiko Owaki has performed a Japanese tea ceremony, taught calligraphy to middle and high school students, and talked about Japanese culture to middle school students through a video conferencing link. She came to Bloomington from Japan to join her husband, a New Zealander who is an IU professor. Although she enjoys many hobbies, such as playing the piano and gardening, her volunteer work has been particularly enriching. “I love having the opportunity to share the rich traditions of Japanese culture with people here,” she says. “It helps promote mutual understanding between the two cultures.”
Volunteer
The center has an active volunteer program, with opportunities for East Asian nationals and others with an interest in East Asia to help with outreach programs to K-12 students.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Visits to local elementary schools to help with our Exploring East Asia through Stories program by:
- telling part of the story in the language of your country,
- helping with a craft or other hands-on activity, or
- answering questions about your country.
- Visits to area retirement centers to provide programs on daily life and culture, current events, and food.
- Interacting with students and teachers in other cities via Video Distance Learning (VDL) on topics such as language, New Year’s celebrations, and music.
