ABOUT US

The Cross-Cultural Exchange Association “CCEA” was formed in 1982 as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural exchange, international understanding and friendships amongst women of all nationalities living in the Nagoya area. Social activities, general meetings and special interest groups are some ways in which members develop friendships, discover the local community and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Japan and other countries. Make the most of your time in Nagoya – come to our next General Meeting, experience something new and make some life-long friends! We look forward to welcoming you into our multicultural organization.

Message from the President

Hello Everyone!
I am humbled to be serving as CCEA’s President again this year.
Being President in 2019 was rewarding for me because I was given the opportunity to be surrounded by a wonderful board
and members who believed and supported my vision of making CCEA “The association” to belong to.
Our year was filled with great events and activities that promoted true cultural exchange and
strong friendships among women from all around the world.
This year, I look forward to working with a great team of women to offer all CCEA members a warm and friendly environment
while enjoying many cultural and family oriented activities and events.
I am an E.S.L. teacher and book author. My family and I are from Montréal, Qc., Canada. We moved to Japan in 2017 and
have enjoyed our time here by exploring the Japanese culture and by traveling all around Asia and Oceana.
I joined CCEA shortly after arriving, and it has been my second home, my second family.
The 2020 board and I will strive to make sure CCEA feels like YOUR second home.
I look forward to meeting all of you soon!
Sincerely,
Sandra Skaf

Why Join?

A few reasons why we think you'll love CCEA.

CROSS-CULTURAL CROSS-CULTURAL

Membership is evenly split between Japanese nationals and expat residents to encourage cross cultural collaboration.

NEW EXPERIENCE NEW EXPERIENCE

What better way to learn about your new home in Nagoya? Experience more with people that know Japan!

DEVELOP FRIENDSHIPS DEVELOP FRIENDSHIPS

Meet other like minded women from all around the globe, to develop friendships and create memories that will enrich your life.

Members Speak

Here's what our members say about CCEA.

  • Amanda J.

    When my husband and I decided to move to Nagoya for his job, I didn’t know what to expect. I had always wanted to live abroad, but I knew that some things would be hard. I was very fortunate to be introduced to CCEA almost immediately and have been a member ever since. Through CCEA I have learned so much about Japanese culture and made so many friends from all over the world. The transition to life in Japan was so much easier because of the many kind and wonderful members of CCEA. I know I will cherish these memories and friendships forever.

    - Amanda J.
  • Yoko K.

    I spent 5 years in the U.S. as a wife, a mother, and a student. I had a hard time getting used to a new life, especially in New York City, because it was a notorious unsafe city at that time. However, I got a lot of warm hospitality from American friends and now I just remember only good memories. After I came back to Nagoya, I decided to help people who started a new life here. Since I joined CCEA, I have been enjoying being a part of the wonderful organization. Especially it has been rewarding organizing yamato-e group. It gave me the precious opportunity to share our interests and meet many interesting friends. My dream is to go to every interest group meeting, but I don’t have time for that right now. I hope my dream comes true someday!

    - Yoko K.
  • Mari B.

    I came back from Belgium 4 years ago after living there for 3 years for my husband’s job. When he told me that we are moving, I was very worried about our life over there with my little daughter who just turned 2. But thanks to all the kind people I met over there, I could enjoy my life so much!!! Now, I visit every summer to see those wonderful friends I met there. After my wonderful experience in Belgium, I joined CCEA because I felt I wanted to help the people who come here feeling the same way as I felt when we moved abroad. CCEA is a place you can meet with people all over the world in different ages. I am enjoying very much here learning new things and good old traditional things from all the members here!

    - Mari B.