Support the Center
Spotlight
Ryosuke Koyama
East Asian studies/Education major and Volunteer
IU senior Ryosuke Koyama plans to become a high school Japanese teacher in the U.S. after he graduates. His work as an EASC volunteer has been excellent preparation for his future career—he’s taught Japanese at local elementary and middle schools; introduced calligraphy to families at Lotus Blossoms, an annual art education outreach event; and lectured on Japanese culture to elementary students in Canada and southern Indiana through interactive video conferencing. He loves sharing his culture with children and families. “I’m glad to see the enthusiasm of people toward a new culture,” he says. “It inspires me every time I teach Japanese.”
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering
Current Volunteer Opportunities
1. Stone Belt – a community that provides support, employments and empowerment to individuals with developmental disabilities. Hands on activities are needed for a group of around 15 individuals (with staff present to support). Music tends to be successful. Perhapse a presentation and craft for the Chinese New Year would be good. Presenters are encouraged to work together in groups of 2 or 3. Activities should be at about a 3rd grade level.
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Date: Monday, Feb. 11
Location: Stone Belt, 2815 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN
2. Bell Trace – a retirement community. Residents would enjoy travelogues, lectures based on research, or presentations of music/dance. Again, presentations or activities about New Year celebration in East Asian countries are recommended.
Time: 2:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, Feb. 21
Location: Bell Trace, 800 Bell Trace Circle, Bloomington, IN
3. Culture and Community Scout Day – Requesting 2-4 volunteers who were raised in countries other than the United States who would be interested in talking about the holidays, foods, traditions, or education of their country to groups of boys and girls who belong to the local scout organizations. Presentation are to be extremely short and informal about 15 minutes. If you can teach a simple song in your language that would be a bonus. Children may ask questions.
Time: 2:00 p.m.-3:30p.m.
Date: Sunday, April 7
Location: Mathers Museum classroom, 416 North Indiana Avenue, Bloomington, IN
If you are interested in these events, please contact EASC Outreach Assistant, Kellie Mendenhall, at eascout@indiana.edu
