The strong relationship between McKendree, the Tanaka Ikueikai Educational Trust, and the Technos International College has had a profound influence on the McKendree University community, and in particular the students and faculty members that have been directly impacted by their travels to Japan, and the exchange of prizes between institutions.
Technos International Week has been a life-changing event for the faculty, and most notably the students who have traveled to Japan. For many of our students, going to Japan represents their first experience with international travel. The students who participate in the International Week program develop a strong desire to travel internationally, and they actively look for opportunities to study and learn about other cultures through study abroad programs, international internships, humanitarian mission trips abroad, and other travel opportunities. They often add international course work to their primary areas of study and they develop a deep and abiding appreciation for Japanese culture and life. Students share the insights gained during the program both formally and informally. The "story" of each individual’s adventure is shared with family, friends, and colleagues on an individual basis, in formal presentations to the College community, in panel discussions on cultural issues, through articles in the student newspaper, and in papers and other projects.