Technos International Week

Technos International Week is an annual two-week program hosted by Technos College in Tokyo, Japan, that aims to promote international exchange and understanding.

Sponsored by Tanaka Ikueikai Educational Foundation, the program introduces students, faculty and staff members of Hope College and other sister institutions affiliated with Technos College to Japan and Japanese culture. Technos International Week usually takes place in June each year.

Group photo of 2018 Technos International Week Participants A group of three delegates (two students and one faculty or staff member) is selected each year to represent Hope College at Technos International Week. Hope College faculty and staff will be invited to nominate students in the spring semester when the nomination application cycle is open.

During Technos International Week, participants

Observe and/or participate in classes, cultural activities and events.
Meet and interact with students, faculty and staff from Technos College and other Technos affiliated sister-schools
Experience contemporary and traditional Japanese culture and cuisine

Hope College has sent representatives since 1992.

List of Previous Technos International Week Delegates from Hope College

1992

Dr. Joe MacDoniels (Communication)
Heather Mumby (Communication)
Tamara Luehrs (Japanese)
David Parker (Engineering)
Dave Oadie (Communication)

1993

Dr. Harvey Blankespoor (Biology)
Carlos Gomez (Communication)
John Housenga (Computer Science)
Britt Tran (Japanese)
Amy Rossio (Engineering)

1994

Dr. James van Putten (Engineering)
Holly Netzloff (Japanese)
Ryan Pazdur (Computer Science)
Darryl Wegner (Engineering)
Kathleen Vos (Communication)

1995

Dr. Ted Nielsen (Communication)
Julie Blair (Communication)
Karen Dunkelberger (Computer Science)
Michael Thelen (Japanese)
Joel Nemes (Engineering)

1996

Dr. Janet Andersen (Mathematics)
Leslie Kay (Japanese)
Michelle Piel (Communication)
Jeff Penney (Computer Science)
Joe Zupanicic (Engineering)

1997

Dr. James Herrick (Communication)
Lucas Smith (Communication)
Jesse Coeling (Computer Science)
Karin Stevens (Engineering)
Keely Reynolds (Japanese)

1998

Dr. Herb Dershem (Computer Science)
Collen Doyle (Computer Science)
Michelle Kramer (Engineering)
Brian Dryfhout (Communication)
Trieu Do (Japanese)

1999

Dr. Jon Peterson (Environmental Science)
Meredith (Katie) Gipson (Communication)
Laurel Monette (Business)
Andrew French (Communication)
Steve Molesa (Engineering)

2000

Dr. Paul DeYoung (Physics)
Emily Thornton (Communication)
Ann Bradley (Athletic Training)
Matt Kalajainen (Engineering)
Joshua Bochniak (Computer Science)

2001

Dr. Maureen Dunn (Kinesiology)
Rebecca Wieferich (Athletic Training)
Jordana Blondin (Communication)
Anthony Gawron (Computer Science)
Brian Worrel (Engineering)

2002

Dr. John Krupzcak (Engineering)
Mary “Katie” Stark (Athletic Training)
Lacey Gaubatz (Communication)
Randall Owen (Computer Science)
Robert Ondra (Computer Science)

2003

Dr. Mike Pikaart (Chemistry)
Erin Wickens (Communication)
Valerie Falstad (Computer Science & Japanese)
Nathan Sprik (Engineering & Economics)
Terry Brietzke (Engineering)

2004

Dr. Rich Ray (Athletic Training)
Erin Wickens (Communication)
Ruth Ippoliti (Athletic Training)
Jeffrey Mulder (Engineering)
Alexander Wood (Engineering)

2005

Dr. Cathy Mader (Physics)
Ruth Ippoliti (Athletic Training)
Alexander Wood (Engineering)

2006

Dr. Kirk Brumels (Athletic Training)
Rachelle Kreuze (Mathematics)
John Bruggers (Computer Science & Japanese)
John Karl Dusenbery (Engineering & Japanese)

2007

Dr. Teresa Housel (Communication)
Molly Smith (Athletic Training)
James Ralston (Communication)

2008

Dr. Tony Donk (Education)
Seth Carlson (Political Science & Accounting)
Emily Seib (Accounting)

2009

Dr. Timothy Pennings (Mathematics)
Blair Williams (Engineering)
Sarah Fraser (Computer Science)

2010

Dr. Steve Nelson (Art)
Lucas Johnson (Engineering)
Amanda Vander Byl (Theatre)

2011 – Program cancelled due to earthquake and tsunami disaster

2012

Dr. Daina Robins (Theatre)
Jacqueline Kirsch (Engineering)
Peter Aune (Athletic Training)
Philip Hallam (Engineering)
Jessica Garza (undeclared)

2013

Dr. Kristen Gray (Counseling & Psychological Services)
Matthew Hughes (Chemistry)
Miriam Hernandez (Education)

2014

Dr. John Yelding (Education)
Carl Deeg (Computer Science)
Elliott Johnson (Engineering)

2015

Delfino Hernandez (Chemical Engineering)
Collin Wassilak (Biochemistry)

2016

Mr. Habeeb Awad (Center for Global Engagement)
Noah Groth (Management & Psychology)
David Brandon Wolliston (Social Work & Sociology)

2017

Dr. Brian Coyle (Music)
Leslie Cavada (Sociology & Criminal Justice)
Brandon Bonilla (undeclared)

2018

Dr. Matt DeJong (Computer Science)
Matthew Dickerson (Biomedical Electrical Engineering)
Erick Nunez (Political Science & Spanish)

2019

Mr. Carl Heideman (Computing and Information Technology)
Adolfo Magarin (Secondary Education w/English & Psychology)
Hibist Demilie (Nursing)

2020 – Program cancelled due to COVID

2021 – TIW online (due to COVID) w/various Hope students

2022 – TIW online (due to COVID) w/various Hope students

2023

Mr. Eric Van Tassell (Dance & Theatre)
Trenten Feyen (Social Work)
Ryan Erdmann (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology)

2024

Ms. Jessica Hronchek (Library)
Kali Coppess (Communication)
Marci Santos (Business & Political Science)

Please contact the Center for Global Engagement with any questions regarding Technos International Week.

“Participating in Technos International Week was one of the most transformative experiences of my time at Hope College. Not only did I gain valuable insight into Japanese culture and cross-cultural exchange, but I also discovered a great deal about myself.”
—Trenten Feyen, student delegate

“Visiting Japan through the lens of Technos International Week was unlike any other experience I have had with international travel. I got to watch students from around the world connect with each other and understand each other’s cultures and perspectives, even as I myself formed friendships with faculty and staff from Japan and beyond. I think I was most struck by Japanese culture’s focus on the collective wellbeing of society rather than the individualist approach that we aggrandize in the United States. I hope that I continue to maintain the care and interest in my community that my time at Technos fostered in me.”
—Eric Van Tassell, faculty delegate

“Technos International Week was one of the best experiences I’ve had. Being able to travel abroad and make so many new friends really opened my eyes to other ways of life. I’m so proud to say that I keep in contact with my friends I made in Japan; I miss them and I would love to see them again. Because of this experience I’m currently planning on studying abroad in Asia.”
—Marci Santos, student delegate

“Technos International Week was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I built lasting friendships and gained invaluable cultural insights from Japan and beyond. The trip pushed me to grow in ways I never expected, and I will always be so grateful for my time in Japan!”
—Kali Coppess, student delegate

“Technos International Week was a wonderful opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world, learn about different approaches to higher education, and engage with students in the wonders and complexities of cross-cultural engagement.”
—Jessica Hronchek, staff delegate