3 December 2025

As we mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we’re delighted to share this reflective blog by Brooke Szucz, a PhD student from the University of Queensland whose work is helping reshape global mobility for neurodiverse students.

Brooke first connected with the U21 network as an undergraduate through the U21 Global Citizens online programme, an experience that sparked her passion for international education and set her on a path toward researching equitable global learning. Since then, she has become a co-author of the U21 Disability Inclusion Mapping Report and a powerful advocate, speaking movingly about disability, education, and global mobility at the 2025 U21 Senior Leaders’ Meeting at University of California, Davis. In this piece, Brooke shares insights from her recent research visit to Waseda University in Japan, reflecting on inclusion, connection, and the future of accessible global learning across our network.

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A Warm Welcome at Waseda University

This October, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Waseda University in Tokyo, one of Japan’s most prestigious universities and a proud U21 partner. I had heard so much about Waseda’s reputation for academic excellence and global engagement but experiencing it in person was something else entirely.

I was going to Waseda as a member of the U21 EDI Working Group and representative of my university, the University of Queensland, who orchestrated the U21 Disability Mapping project. This project brought together best practices and ways forward for disability inclusion across our global network. I wanted to further explore what our partners were doing in the space, make connections with their disability change makers, and share the findings of the report.

Before arriving, I was based in Tokushima, a smaller town known for its friendly atmosphere and natural beauty. Whenever I mentioned that I would be visiting Waseda, people’s eyes lit up as they congratulated me on being invited to such a prestigious university. Their excitement was contagious, and it reminded me just how highly regarded the university is across Japan.

Getting there was an adventure in itself. I took a scenic bus ride followed by the shinkansen, Japan’s famous bullet train, toward Tokyo. Watching the landscape shift from quiet countryside to the vibrant city skyline felt like moving from local to global perspectives.

Upon arriving, I was welcomed at Okuma Auditorium, one of Waseda’s most iconic landmarks. Its impressive architecture immediately stood out as a perfect blend of tradition and prestige.

There, I met Shimpei Kumagai, my contact at Waseda, who kindly gave me a campus tour. What struck me most was how green and open the campus felt, even in the heart of bustling Tokyo. We passed multiple Japanese gardens and open parks for campus visitors to enjoy. The mix of modern and historic buildings gave it a unique charm. I was also amazed by the number of cultural and academic spaces on campus, including the Haruki Murakami Library, which celebrates one of Japan’s most beloved authors.

A highlight for me was visiting the Student Diversity Center, where bright rainbow imagery and student resources filled the space. Coming from Australia, where these symbols of inclusion are more common, I really noticed the lack of rainbow pride in Japan by comparison. However, it was heartening to see such visible representation and commitment here on campus.

I then met with staff from Waseda’s International Office, who shared insights into their student mobility programs and the many opportunities available for global learning. It was inspiring to see how much emphasis they place on helping students connect across cultures, and their interest in how they can support more students with disabilities to get involved!

Next, I visited the Accessibility Resource Centre, where I was warmly welcomed for a thoughtful conversation about inclusion and accessibility on campus. I noticed that their name was written in English, ‘accessibility’, and it really caused me to reflect on the importance of international connection to disability inclusion.

To end the day, I chatted with a few exchange students outside the International Office. One student even approached me first to ask if I was a new student myself, which led to a great conversation about why I was visiting. It was a small moment that captured the friendliness and community spirit that defines Waseda.

I left deeply impressed by Waseda’s commitment to inclusion and global mobility, values that strongly align with my own passions and work. Their hospitality was outstanding, and the warmth of everyone I met truly stood out.”

– Brooke Szucz

I hope to one day welcome Waseda students and staff to the University of Queensland with the same enthusiasm and kindness I experienced there.

A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed me, especially Shimpei who made sure I had a wonderful time and organised everything, and Dylan for his translation help when my Japanese failed me!

Find out more

• Read more about the U21 Global Citizens Programme

• Read more about U21’s Framework for Equitable and Inclusive Global Engagement.