發表於

No War ━ Hope for a Peaceful Future ━

The Russian military invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022.

We at BORDERLESS HOUSE believe that fostering mutual understanding across national boundaries is the key to sowing the seeds of peace and deterring conflict in the world, and we have nurtured a business that provides a place for international exchange.
Since the start of our business in 2008, more than 10,000 young people from 111 countries have lived together at BORDERLESS HOUSE and fostered mutual understanding. Of course, there are many Russian and Ukrainian residents among them.

While there are various ideologies, value systems, and ways of defending one’s country, the fact is that these clashes are now taking place in the form of war. Many innocent people are suffering. We are speechless when we think of the peo[;e who must be suffering in this situation.

I am absolutely against the use of force and war for any reason. “No War”

Our hearts go out to all those who have suffered from this tragedy, and we only hope that peace will come as soon as possible.

What we can do.

Amidst the worsening situation and social unrest, the government’s border control measures against the COVID have been lifted and allowed foreign students, who had long been denied entry to Japan, to resume their studies in Japan, and many of them will return to live in Japan as foreign citizens. Although it has only been a few days since the ban was lifted, we are grateful to have received many requests from international students who want to live with various people in Japan.

We, BORDERLESS HOUSE, will continue to nurture our business more wholeheartedly for the realization of a society where foreign citizens can live in peace, and where people with different upbringings, backgrounds, and values can live together peacefully.

This may sound like mere idealism in the face of the tragedies happening in the world today. Some may think it is meaningless because of how little we can do.

Nevertheless, we at BORDERLESS HOUSE believe that we, the citizens of the world, rather than the leaders of governments and countries, should be the ones to continue to nurture the bonds of friendship that transcend national boundaries, and that this is a sure step toward world peace. We will continue to work on this.

We will continue to work for a peaceful future.
Above all, we express our condolences for all the lives lost in this conflict and sincerely hope that no more precious lives will be sacrificed.

Borderless House
Representative – Seiichi Lee
All staff members

 

Lastly, I would like to share with you our activities for “Ukrainian Refugee Admission” initiated by NPO WELgee, a partner of BORDERLESS GROUP.

Seven actions that Japan can take to help refugees from Ukraine
https://www.change.org/voice4ukrainian_refugees

發表於

活動回顧｜冬至一起搓湯圓

 

冷冷的冬天又來了！是不是又到了吃湯圓的季節了呢？

今天一起回顧一下我們的冬日活動，和BORDERLESS HOUSE一起搓湯圓，除了學習台灣傳統文化和互相交流之外，也能享受滿滿的冬至氛圍喔！

什麼是冬至?

冬至，是一年 24 個節氣中，最重要的一個節氣，也被稱為「日短」，太陽這天繞行到南迴歸線上，所以北半球白天最短，黑夜最長，過了這天後，也代表北半球的冬天真正來臨了。

冬至吃什麼?

冬至吃的湯圓被稱為「冬節圓」或「圓仔」。冬至前夕，一家人會齊聚一堂的來將糯米糰搓成大大小小的湯圓，大家一起同心協力完成。

這些湯圓有甜、鹹跟大、小的區別。現在市面上有各式各樣餡料的湯圓，但最傳統的湯圓，通常是紅、白兩色，而裡面有包餡料的話，大多是花生和芝麻。

在台灣，從小到大都知道冬至要吃湯圓，爸媽也會對我們說：「湯圓吃完後，就多長一歲囉！」。長大離開家後，冬至吃湯圓好像也變成一件必做事項，不論是和朋友、室友或是同事吃上一碗甜甜的湯圓，有一種溫馨和圓滿的感覺，也為寒冷的冬天帶來一絲暖流。

其實搓湯圓一點都不難喔！只要準備糯米粉和水，就可以搓出一顆顆嚼勁十足的湯圓們。如果想要有繽紛的各種顏色，就多準備一些南瓜粉、抹茶粉、咖啡粉和番茄粉，除了可以組合自己想要的圖案之外，也可以吃的很健康。

(上面那張圖是我們兩位staff的湯圓版喔~不覺得很像嗎?)
房客們都發揮自己的創意，創作出屬於自己獨一無二的湯圓，然後再大口把它們吃掉。冬至主要是依照農曆時間，其實也離聖誕節很靠近，所以也會看到房客捏有關聖誕節的作品喔~！

冬天真的很適合這種溫馨暖暖的感覺呢！如果大家有任何想要參加的活動或是想法，非常歡迎留言分享給我們喔！讓BORDERLESS HOUSE未來能再提供更多更棒的活動體驗喔！

發表於

✨預繳租金優惠方案✨

哈囉大家好！
感謝您們一直以來對BORDERLESS HOUSE的支持與喜愛！我們希望每一位房客在這裡找到家的感覺，並與來自不同角落的室友們建立美好的回憶。

為了回饋長期支持我們的房客，特別推出了專屬於長租房客的折扣優惠，讓您在BORDERLESS HOUSE的生活更加精彩。與我們一同創造更多難忘的回憶，一起享受這個獨特的國際交流體驗！

優惠方案內容

「房租」及「水電光熱費」提前預繳，即可享有以下專屬折扣優惠：

1. 半年預繳方案：
• 房租減免半個月租金。
2. 一年預繳方案：
• 房租減免一個月租金。
• 水電光熱費統一每月以800元計算。

注意事項：

1. 不受任何租金及水電光熱費調整影響，且不得與其他優惠並用。
2. 若因個人因素提前退居，預繳租金及水電光熱費皆不退還。
3. 若違反契約或經由認定不適合住在BORDERLESS HOUSE之情況，我們有權即刻中止契約。我們將退還剩餘期間的租金，但房客需將優惠期間之折扣金額補齊。

申請流程

表單填寫 ▶ 聯絡staff ▶ 信件確認 ▶ 辦公室簽約與付款（7日內）

※請於表單寄出後主動與我們聯繫，謝謝！

Q&A

1. 申請後，最快何時能夠享受租金優惠？
預繳租金優惠的生效日期為每月1號，完成申請手續需3-5個工作天（不包括簽約程序）。請務必提前申請以避免延誤。
2. 是否可以在日後申請物件或房間的轉移？
可以的，優惠將依據兩個房間的居住時長進行比例重新計算。
3. 一年合約也能申請預繳優惠嗎？
可以的，合約類型和預繳優惠並無牴觸。

如果還有其他疑問的話，歡迎隨時與我們聯繫哦^^！

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BORDERLESS MATES Program▏Mate’s Voice of BORDERLESS MATES LIBRARY (Part.1)

Until now, over 100 Borderless Mates have registered to BORDERLESS MATES LIBRARY program! In this blog article, we’d like to let you know more about this special program that is designed for our residents and help them connect with Borderless House Mates around the world by interviewing our resident!

 

What is BORDERLESS MATES LIBRARY?

Borderless Mates not only have diverse nationalities and language abilities but also have a range of international experience in specialized careers and hobbies. Undoubtedly there are Borderless Mates around the world who have the same interests or areas of specialization. Through BORDERLESS MATES LIBRARY, we would like to connect all these knowledgeable and passionate people with each other!

We imagine each Borderless Mate as a single book in the expansive Borderless Mates Library, which is comprised of both current and past residents.

Then let’s hear out the real voice from our resident, Ash about her experience of using BORDERLESS MATES LIBRARY!

※Aboved pictures are Ashleigh meeting other Borderless Mates from different share houses in person after exchanging messages through Borderless Mates Library!

Tenant’s ‘Borderless Mates Library’ Story and Experience

Please introduce yourself first!

To quote my self-introduction on Borderless Mates Library, “G’day! I’m Ash and I was in Perth Australia until I moved to Japan… I love meeting new people, traveling, photography and I want to learn Korean, Chinese, and Spanish.” I have been living in Itabashi-kuyakushomae House since I moved here in March 2018 and am currently an English teacher at a bilingual kindergarten.

Why did you sign up for Borderless Mates Library?

Being in Borderless for over 3 years, I used to go to almost every event and was even the MC at the Borderless Olympics and Christmas Party in 2019. I loved that it created a community with members from other Borderless Houses and I was able to make friends living in different houses. Everyone has their own interesting background and we can create a connection from living in the same busy city. However, since the start of the pandemic, Borderless has been unable to run these events and I was unsure how to continue creating connections with other houses. Many of my foreign friends that lived in Borderless had to go home and I was left to my own devices to find more Borderless members. I was excited when Borderless announced its Borderless Mates Program. I thought that maybe it was a way to connect with people from other houses again and hopefully have inter-house parties in the future.

Could you please explain to us how it works?

Within the program, Borderless Mates Library peaked my interest the most, as you can post a profile and also look at other people’s profiles who have or are living in a Borderless House. Only those who have created a profile can send you a message because the site is password restricted. If you want to connect with someone after reading their profile, all you have to do is click “I want to contact this mate!” at the bottom of the page and it will lead you to a google form asking why you want to contact them and to write a message to them. The message is then moderated by Borderless Staff before being sent. As I read my profile again, it looks like I might have to update it, but at least that didn’t stop people from messaging me!

Making friends!

After making my profile soon after Mates Library started in September, I was eagerly waiting for someone to contact me. After a couple of months, someone finally reached out to me. I almost forgot that I had created a profile by this time, but was glad that Eiji, who had recently moved into Kikukawa 2. Being my first time to reply to a request, I used the template that Borderless adds to help me respond. Having our interests and hobbies written on our profiles made it easier to make a conversation and we soon exchanged Line IDs to arrange to meet up at a cafe. Being the first Mate to meet, I was nervous but excited! When we met, Eiji told me he was moving to Honancho!

What do you think is the best thing about joining Borderless Mates Program?

The great thing about the Borderless Mates Program is that you can sign up for multiple activities. During the Language Exchange in February, I had the chance to talk to Moe and so I was so glad to see that she reached out to me through Mates Library shortly after! Moe was moving into the same house as Eiji had moved to and she also contacted my housemate Dani, so we arranged for the four of us to get dinner together.

The most recent Mate to contact me is Shinjuku-Nakai member, Shun. Not many Australians are in Borderless right now because they decided to go home, so he reached out to me to make an Aussie friend. We have been hanging out a lot lately and he introduced me to his housemates. Eiji and I even made a small event and I asked Shun to invite his housemates, so we had people from different houses there. It was great to meet others who were interested in being involved in the Borderless community! What I love about this program is that you don’t form just one friend, but many.

※Image of BORDERLESS MATES LIBRARY platform 

There are more interesting stories from Ash that we would like to share with you in our next article, please look forward to it!! 

About BORDERLESS MATES PROGRAM & How to join

Not just BORDERLESS MATES LIBRARY, we also have LANGUAGE EXCHANGE that allows you to brush up your language skills while having fun chatting with other Borderless Mates via 1 on 1 language exchange online, and  CLUB ACTIVITIES to meet people who share common interests and hobbies as you, also BORDERLESS TRAVEL that helps you to meet locals, start an interesting journey! You can find more details from the webpage of BORDERLESS MATES PROGRAM!

Once you become our tenants, you can join and enjoy those programs for free!

We are now offering foreigners who are currently living in Japan a rent-free room for up to 2 months with 【Trial Stay Campaign】! 
This is a great opportunity to try out living in a shared house while enjoying the special program!

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＜Program Review＞ An island where you can meet living dinosaurs !? Virtual Local Trip in Indonesia!

Hello! I am Daijiro!

I usually work as a photographer in Tokyo, but sometimes I participate in Borderless House events as a language exchange facilitator. This is my first time participating in “Virtual Local Trip”, so I will tell you about it!

“Virtual Local Trip” is an online event where the host introduces his/her hometown with various topics. This event is held in English and Japanese, and it is a great way to enjoy unique local stories! I will recommend this event not only to those who are interested in foreign cultures and international exchanges, but also to those who like traveling and eating, and those who are thinking of traveling after the Corona pandemic is over!

This time, a former resident of Borderless House from Indonesia told us many stories about cultures such as local tourist spots, popular dishes, and traditional costumes. If I tell you all of them, it will be more than 10,000 characters (lol), so I will introduce some impressive episodes!

Living dinosaurs!? Komodo island where you can meet Komodo dragons

Participants are from various countries, mainly current residents of Borderless House, and even the host’s friends who live in Indonesia participated at the last minute! It was a gathering of multicultural people.

A relaxed atmosphere from beginning to end with surprises and laughter during the event.
The host told us the charms of the local areas with an introduction video of Indonesia and lots of photos. We could ask questions anytime during the event, so you can feel free to ask any questions you may have. By the way, I asked a lot of questions. (Lol)

When it came to the topic of Komodo Island, everyone was asking a lot about “Komodo Dragon”. It’s really famous! They say that if you go there, you’ll almost certainly see them up close! First-hand information you can get from the natives is very interesting!

Indonesian traditional costume “Batik” 

At the event, they introduced us to Indonesian tourist destinations, history, traditional food, etc., but what impressed me the most was their traditional costumes.
A specialty of Indonesia is a fabric with a beautiful pattern called “batik”. “Batik” is used in many clothing items such as shirts and dresses, and those clothes are also popular as formal wear.

Patterns range from geometric to flower motifs. On the day of the event, the presenters actually wore shirts made of “batik”. They showed us the batik clothes and told us what kind of pattern it is, which was very interesting!
This is also the information the host gave me, but it seems that there are traditional patterns and colors of “Batik” and those for young people! In that respect, it’s similar to Japanese “furisode” and “hakama”, which is interesting!

He told me that “Batik” had collaborated with Japanese kimono at international events. When a kimono fashion show with themes from all over the world was held, it seems that one kimono was made using the dyeing of Kyoto called “Kyoyuzen” and the technique of “batik”. He actually showed me the photo, and it was very impressive to see the flower pattern of “Batik” shining on the cloth dyed in red and white unique to Japan.

Cultural exchanges that connect countries take place in various places and we just don’t know about them. I think it is one of the great things about the event to know these kinds of stories.

Am I able to talk with people I meet for the first time at an online event?

Under the current pandemic situation, I talk to people online more often, but I’m still not used to it.
Moreover, this was my first time participating in this kind of event. Just between us, I felt nervous until I participated.

However, as I said earlier, the event had a relaxed atmosphere from beginning to end, and when I noticed, I was leaning forward and enjoying myself.
I cannot fully understand English, but I could still enjoy the presentation because it was explained also in Japanese!

During the event, I often wondered “How can I ask this in English?”, and found it annoying that I couldn’t say it well in English. But, it is a good learning opportunity, and it also motivates me to learn English every day like “I will definitely be able to ask questions in English by the next time!” I was relieved that all the participants were willing to listen to the questions.

If I think about it, all the participants are those who have learned a second language and they know how difficult it is to learn a new language. I think that is why we could have such considerate communication beyond words.

What makes VLT so appealing? The fun of getting to know new places through the host!

It was exciting to feel the culture of a new land I have never been to, especially when it is difficult to go out due to the Corona pandemic.
Virtual Local Trip will be held in other countries/regions in the future !!!

“Where should we go when the pandemic is over?”
This event made me feel such excitement! I will definitely participate again!

Also, please visit the website below for other Borderless House original programs such as Language Exchange I mentioned at the beginning.

<Borderless Mates Program>

發表於

For Tomorrow’s Bright Future with a New Year 2021 ~BORDERLESS HOUSE能做的事~

大家好！我是BORDERLESS HOUSE的CEO代表李成一。

在世界仍受到新冠肺炎的威脅壟罩之下，我們延續著2020年的動蕩，開啟了2021新的一年。

如大家所知，Borderless House的經營主要是來自於國外的房客的支持，「國際交流」為我們企業價值中最重要的一環。
因為病毒的影響，各個國家的應變措施時時刻刻都在改變，隨之而來的出國和入境限制影響了我們企業的經營，不幸的是，我們預測這樣的困境在2021年將會持續下去。

在這樣艱困的情況下，去年仍有許多人入住Borderless House，選擇在這裡開啟新生活。
在這個時刻，日本、韓國和台灣的96間Share House的700多名房客，一起在同一個屋簷下攜手努力過生活。

2021年的1月，新冠肺炎在日本再次蔓延加劇了人們的不安和焦慮。
這促使我想在部落格上與大家分享關於我們當前的狀況，
以及向大家傳達在新的一年中，我們事業的經營方向和期許。

和新冠肺炎對抗的2020年

由於世界各國因應疫情相關措施紛紛鎖國的關係，原定於2020年春天和夏天要到國外展開新生活的外國人，紛紛取消或延期原定的計畫。
此外，大學的課程改為線上授課以及許多公司實施在家上班的制度，使得我們的新房客數量比往年減少許多。

在春天這一切開始發生的同時，Borderless House也開啟了一個以「語言交流」為主題的企劃服務，希望在無法面對面的互動的時刻中，大家也可以透過科技，在線上體驗到國際交流的樂趣。

線上配對交流活動“〜Build bridges not walls!〜語言交換

此外，為了提供給曾經入住過Borderless House的房客一個能持續互動交流平台，我們也為所有的房客們=“Borderless Mates”打造了含有多項服務的全新特別企劃。
BORDERLESS MATES PROGRAM 旅行、語言、同好交流會 ~讓你成為世界的中心！

在2020年10月的秋天，日本逐漸放寬部分的入境限制，期盼了許久，我們終於迎接了許多在國外等待入境的Borderless Mates們。於2020年10月至12月之間，共有184人搬入Borderless House開始了新生活。

BORDERLESS HOUSE，您的另一個家

Share House就像是一個大家庭。許多人都擔心著在這樣與多人共同居住的環境之下感染肺炎的風險。
但是，現在大家與外界的互動減少了許多，Borderless House的房客們在這段時間也培養及建立起共同生活的默契及樂趣。

無論是在家工作或線上上課的休息空檔中，和室友們聊聊天、一起做飯。
或是在肺炎期間希望找到新工作的房客，也有室友能夠商量、尋求意見和練習面試等等，
相互陪伴、每天彼此督促著，過著有意義的生活。

看更多關於Borderless House的房客在Share House的真實生活！

一個人獨自生活所體驗不到的樂趣，快樂和支持，
Borderless House的每位員工都為打造和孕育這樣的環境努力著，
我們也為Borderless House所提供給房客的獨有價值和感到自豪。

BORDERLESS HOUSE針對「新冠肺炎疫情控制之基本政策」(2021.01.19更新)
本公司之房客、夥伴、員工及其家人等有關健康安全，請參閱以上部落格內的政策措施。 

我們會繼續全力支持著每個在2021年追求新夢想的你！

相信在疫情尚未緩解的狀態中，想要展開新生活會有許多困難之處，
因此我們正盡力的開發各種服務，希望為大家的不安和困擾降到最低。
在這邊，我想再次介紹我們近期在日本方面所提供的企劃與服務。

●即時線上看房和定期舉行的線上說明會！
BORDERLESS HOUSE裡住著什麼樣的人？真正Share House的生活環境或是設備是什麼樣子？
如果您現在正在國外或是日本其他地區，不限地點限制都可以和我們預約進行「線上看房」，
關於訂房流程及未來入住之後的相關問題都可以在「線上看房」時一次解決！

「即時線上看房」詳細說明→

「線上說明會」詳細說明→ 

●直到您的入住日當天，我們將「免費」為您保留您的房間！
若因為疫情關係，還無法確定來日本的日期，或是必須更改計畫延後入住時間，我們將免費為您保留房間至4月15日。

春季優惠活動→

●好想在日本工作！專為外國人設計的就職支援服務！
從2020年的8月起，Borderless House和專門為外國人材提供求職支援服務及工作介紹的公司開始了合作企劃。
透過定期舉行的座談會和專家面談分享，深入了解身為外國人在日本尋找工作的求職技巧，同時住在Share House還有室友會幫助您進行履歷書的修改或是練習面試等，幫助您一步步朝夢想邁進。

日本居住．就職支援服務→

●多元文化座談會，一起學習並思考多元文化社會的價值！
座談會以日文進行，我們希望透過日本年輕人之間的深度互動，培養出能夠相互理解的價值觀。
在和來自不同國家的朋友們面對面交流受阻的疫情時期，我們提供機會讓每個人都能去思考跨文化理解和多文化共融的問題。

多元文化共存的學習和思考，看看線上課程詳細介紹（日文）→

不管是在生活或經濟面上，各種困難和挑戰都還持續著，
但我們會努力開發出更多能持續提供Borderless House獨特價值的服務給大家。
在期待美好未來到來的同時，我們將專注於我們能做的事，並做到最好！
期盼不久的將來，在做好萬全準備的情況下，
迎接許許多多的Borderless Mates來到BORDERLESS HOUSE開啟人生的新篇章。

2021年1月19日
BORDERLESS HOUSE代表　李成一

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I want to know more about BORDERLESS HOUSE! The Ultimate Introduction!　

【Tenant’s Story】Greater Connections with Housemates during COVID19　

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【Special Program】 Joining from America at 5 o’clock in the morning?! What makes Borderless House Language Exchange so appealing?

Hello! I’m Yuuka, the most talkative staff in Borderless House!

Today, I would like to introduce Borderless House’s original language exchange program = Group Language Exchange, which I recommend as a talkative person!

Group Language Exchange is a language exchange activity between Japanese and English which a small group of 3-5 people enjoy by talking about common topics.

・ Those who want to study in Japan when the coronavirus situation settle down
・ Those who gave up studying in Japan this year
・ Those who want to practice out Japanese in actual communication

We recommend Group Language Exchange to all of you!

And, if you are wondering about #Group Language Exchange on Borderless House Instagram and want to know more details, please continue reading!

It is worth getting up at 5 am!? Group Language Exchange participants from all over the world

Now you know the outline of Group Language Exchange, and you may be wondering what the participants are like, right?

I will let you know with some photos!

This is from November 2020.

At first glance, the online screen looks like what we often see these days …
If you look closely, you will find the participant in daylight even though the starting time was 19:30 pm JST…!

That’s right! This program is open to former residents of Borderless House, so everyone is participating from various places!
Even after returning to their home countries, former residents who want to study Japanese participate regardless of the time difference!
(I’m quietly impressed by the fact that this gathering is only possible online)

In this session, we had participants from Germany, Indonesia, the United States, France, and so on. There was a participant who got up at 5 o’clock in the morning to participate! I was very happy that they enjoyed it.

“If you want to escape from dull exercises from your textbooks, why not learn it in a more natural way by speaking to native speakers of your target language? 😆 “

A message from one of the participants to those who cannot decide to participate yet.

It will be a great opportunity to output what you learn, so we would like more people to use this program for their language learning!

Demon Slayer the recent major trend can be a topic too!? Choose your favorite topic and participate!

After checking out those fun photos, now you want to know how you could participate in this program, right?

It’s easy to join!

The dates of Group Language Exchange will be announced by email or LINE @ at the beginning of each month, so all you need to do is to register using the application form there!

After registration, the staff in charge will send you the details by email, so please check it and join us online on the day.
* Held on Zoom which allows online video chatting.

When you submit this application form, you can choose the topic you are interested in!

Topics include traveling, music, what you want to do in the future, cooking, arts, movies, animation, etc …

Recently, Kimetsu no Yaiba(Demon Slayer) has also become one of the topics in response to the enthusiastic requests of the participants!
It’s also popular overseas and everyone knows it. I have a feeling that it will become a common language ….!

By the way, I have seen only two episodes so far, so I’m planning to see the rest during the New Year holidays!

Worried about online participation and your language skill? Don’t worry too much!


“I’m happy to be able to choose a topic that interests me, but I’m still worried about the online communication that I am not used to and overall language skills…”

We would like to introduce you the features of Group Language Exchange that even beginners can feel at ease!

➀ Since this program is limited to those who have lived in Borderless House, many people are enthusiastic about international exchange, and you can get to know each other immediately!

➁ You will chat with 3 to 5 members in a small group, so you can get to know each other well and talk easily!

➂ There is a facilitator who will support the group, so it will be okay even if you cannot speak well.

Above all, everyone here understands how difficult to learn a second language.
So, no one will laugh at you when you try hard to find your words or cannot speak well.

Actually, many participants are willing to help you with what you do not understand. This may be the biggest feature of this program.

There are many people who want to improve their English skills just as you want to improve your Japanese skills.
That would be great if you could join us!

Lots of original programs that you can’t experience anywhere else!

I would be very happy if this blog helped you to know the details of Group Language Exchange and to make up your mind to participate!

However!
Borderless House’s original program = Borderless Mates Program offers many more attractive programs!

“I want to connect with this kind of person!” A program where you can meet a lot of different Borderless Mates.
Club activities where you can enjoy activities together through common interests, etc.!

If you are interested, please check the website below!

★Borderless Mates Program★

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Making friends from all around world even in this pandemic situation!? Borderless House’s original program makes it possible!

Hello! This is Yuka from Borderless House!

The worldwide pandemic of coronavirus makes it difficult to travel abroad.
But, here is good news for those who feel the same way!
“I wanted to go travel around the world and interact with the local people …”
“I wanted to go abroad and study a new language …”

You can connect with people all over the world while staying at home!
Please let us introduce Borderless Mates Program in detail!

Four programs to choose according to your interests


Currently, there are four main programs.

1, LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
You can talk to Borderless Mates all around the world! Multilingual exchange program

2, CLUB ACTIVITIES
A community program that brings people with common hobbies/interests together

3, BORDERLESS MATES LIBRARY
A program where you can meet a lot of different Borderless Mates

4, BORDERLESS TRAVEL
Travel Program where you can meet local Borderless Mates while traveling

Now let’s see how you can enjoy each program! Mr. K, the current tenant who has participated in all programs, will help us here.

* K’s profile *
University freshmen, majoring in International Relations.
Studying English every day aiming for the exchange program to Canada.
Moved to Borderless House in hopes of stimulating daily life (as university classes are all online) and improving his English skill

Snow in Egypt!? Motivating yourself to learn new languages with Language Exchange program!

First, there is Language Exchange program K has participated in many times!
There are two ways to participate.

1 on 1 Language Exchange
A program to enjoy one-on-one language exchange.
Not only English, we can match according to the language you want to learn, such as Korean, Chinese, Indonesian, etc.!
Click here for details on how to register

Group Language Exchange
A program for small groups (3-5 people) to enjoy conversations on common topics.
Topics change every month, such as travel, music, cooking, anime, art, and romance.
* Target languages: English and Japanese
* Date: Twice a month

Yuka: “How was it when you participated in each Language Exchange session?””

Mr. K: “1 on 1 was fun! We could choose a time convenient for each other, could get to know each other well, and it was easy to ask personal questions! When I struggled to find the right English words, my partner who speaks Japanese quite well could help, so I was glad I was able to ask questions. Next time, I want to do my best to say what I want to say!”
Photo: Group Language Exchange

Mr. K: “I felt nervous talking in the group, but the supporters encouraged me.
There were participants from Indonesia and Egypt who I had not met in my share house, and I was super excited to meet new people like them!
Especially, I had this strong image of Egypt as pyramids and deserts, but I was surprised to hear from the participant that there were places in Egypt famous for skiing! “

Yuka: “I was also very surprised to hear that! Thank you for letting us know in detail!”

As you can see from his story, Borderless House is very multinational.
What Language Exchange program can provide is not just more motivation to learn languages but also new multinational encounters that you have never had!

Playing games overcome language barrier! Join Club Activities Board Game!

Next, CLUB ACTIVITIES, a community program that gathers people with common hobbies and interests!

In addition to international cuisine program which offers cultural experiences and seasonal events organized by Borderless House, it is also possible for tenants to host events and club activities!

Yuka: “Mr. K, how was it when you participated in the online board game?”

Mr. K: “It was my first time, and the game was surprisingly exciting!
Each player logged in to the board game and connected to Zoom at the same time. It was fun because we could see each other’s’ reactions!
Everyone could enjoy a sense of unity even though we didn’t exchange many words.

Yuka: “It is the unique point of CLUB ACTIVITIES that you can interact with lots of people regardless of their mother language!”

In addition to Board Game, CLUB ACTIVITIES will hold various activities such as Virtual Local Trip and Borderless Mates JOB BAR in the future.
If you have something you want to try, why don’t you try it with Borderless Mates?

Receive unexpected offers! Chance to make friends from all over the world! Register for Borderless Mates Library!

Borderless Mates Library (BML) is a large library-like platform that makes each character of Borderless Mates look like a book.
It is a matching program that allows you to connect with Borderless Mates across countries just like you find a book that suits you.

Yuka: “Thank you for registering for BML! How was it?”

Mr. K: “I was surprised when I received an offer email from Mr. V, a resident of Taiwan who wanted to hear about the curriculum and situation of my faculty!
I don’t speak Chinese, but fortunately, I was able to communicate in English, so I spoke with him on the videophone.
When I registered for BML, I didn’t think I had special skills or experience, but I was very happy someone found it interesting like this time!
I haven’t been to Taiwan yet and I don’t know much about its culture. I would love to visit Taiwan when travel restrictions are eased! “

Yuka: “That sounds good! It seems that one of the fun parts about BML is broadening your world by receiving unexpected offers!
And there is good news for Mr. K! It is currently on hold, but I definitely recommend House Travel. Please use it when visiting Taiwan! It’s free! “

Mr. K: “Thank you! I already checked the program even before moving in !! Please let me know as soon as the program starts again!”

FREE stay at Borderless House in Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo and Kansai for real!? BORDERLESS TRAVEL

House Travel (former Free House Exchange) which we just mentioned, is a program that allows current tenants to stay at another Borderless Houses abroad (Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo, Kansai) for free!
* Currently on hold and scheduled to restart in August 2021.

House Travel (former Free House Exchange)
Please take a look at the blog articles contributed by the tenants who have used this program.

You can stay in another Borderless House from the period of one week to a whole month.
Borderless Houses in Taipei, Seoul, and Japan all have locals, so you can get to know local shops, eat dinner and enjoy local life together, not just sightseeing!

Community platform made up of 10,000 people from over 50 different countries

Borderless House, as shown above, offers not only share houses but also international exchange experience programs!

There are approximately 8 to 20 housemates living together, but with Borderless House’s community platform, the number of people you can meet climbs up to 10,000 from over 50 different countries!

“Not quite happy with University life, only attending online classes …”
“I want new encounters, discoveries, and inspirations in my daily life, not just going back and forth between work and home ….!”

Why don’t you move into Borderless House and participate in our Borderless Mates Program?

Click here to find how to participate in our Borderless Mates Program

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Why Are Share Houses The Best Shelter Option When You Are Starting Life In Abroad?

In the present world, borders and boundaries have become fluid. These lines that mark and enclose an area to represent a city, country, or continent, and which primarily only exist on paper are in the present world not as rigid as they used to be earlier. Instead, in the present moment, these boundaries have become porous to allow people to move in and out of a country. This sits true for the borders and boundaries of almost all the countries or continents around the globe.

The Earth presently has become a global space, and all the cities and countries have become a part of its chain. Whether it is for studies or managing businesses, every year we witness people moving across borders. Because of this, it has become a natural occurrence to find citizens of different nationalities living together in a country they were not born or brought up.

But if you have ever traveled overseas, then you would know that living in a new country is not a very pleasant experience especially during the initial days. It is so because when you go to a new place you usually miss your old friends and family, and the previous surroundings terribly. Plus, when you move to a new country you feel like a stranger, and thus, it becomes difficult to blend in.

Mixing-in in a new country is not as easy as it may appear in the first place. We say so because when you go to a new place, you usually don’t know much about the culture or tradition of that place. And because of this, you always feel anxious and stressed in your new surroundings. You are always on your toes observing how other people are behaving so you would not mistakenly do that would hurt or disrespect the sentiments of the natives.

Thus, in such a time when you have freshly moved into a new country, it is considered a good idea to live in a share house. Doing so will help you in many ways. Wondering how that works? Well, in that case, read our next section to find out your answers.

How are share houses helpful in starting a fresh life in a new country?

A sharehouse is a big property that is offered on rent to tenants where many strangers share the same roof. In a share house, you can rent a single room for yourself or you can rent a room that houses 3 to 4 people in total depending upon your needs and requirements. This place is a top shelter choice for people, especially for those who have freshly shifted to a new country because-
It helps you in understanding alien customs.

As we have already established, when you move to a new country, chances are that you will be unfamiliar with its customs and traditions. This can make you anxious while adding to your stress levels. Also, there is this probability that if you did something wrong because of your unfamiliarity with the local customs that the natives find offending or insulting, then you might feel even more alienated and alone. Thus, for this reason, it is a safe choice to live in a share house at least for the initial days because there you are bound to come across many people who will be interested in international exchange.

When you will live with them, such people will help you in learning more about their local culture, while at the same time they will also try to understand your traditions. This healthy exchange will make your life significantly easier. So, if you want to know about the local customs and traditions of a place, its food, its manners, etc. in a friendly way without wasting much time, then share houses should be your top priority while seeking shelter.

It is a borderless accommodation

When you move to a new space how fluently you can speak their local language plays a very important role in deciding the ease with which you will blend in your new surroundings. So, for example, if you have moved to Taiwan for your further studies and you can fluently speak and write Chinese, then this will probably mean that you will find it easier to navigate Taiwan as compared to someone who doesn’t even understand Chinese. It is so because when you don’t understand the local language of a place, you find it hard to explain to people your queries or emotions.

Now, in such a scenario, it is wise to find a share house in your new country because in share houses you can probably find residents who are familiar with your language. In this way, your common language can help you in befriending people and it can also help you in learning the local language quite easily. We, BORDERLESS HOUSE, make language exchange easy for you by offering on our website the information about the nationality of its residents. You can even opt to talk to the residents of the share house while requesting a preview of the property.

It offers you easier access to common knowledge

When you shift to a new country, other than the customs, traditions, and language of that place there are many other things that you ought to learn about your new home town. These things include information on the common practices of the new place, knowledge about local shops and convenience stores in your locality, and awareness about the norms of living in that place such that your safety is not threatened.

Living in a share house can help you in gaining easy access to such information. It is so because when you are sharing a roof with other people you are bound to interact with them. In your conversations, you can come across the above-mentioned info without even requesting for the same. In opposed to this, if you opt to live alone in a new country, then acquiring such information may take some time.

Thus, these are some reasons because of which living in a share house should be your preferred choice. Living here can help you in settling-in easily.

 

 

 

 

 

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文化活動｜大稻埕漫遊：穿著旗袍品茶、品香更對味

說到國際交流，除了夜市、小籠包、珍珠奶茶，你還知道台灣有什麼充滿在地文化的東西，可以推薦給外國朋友嗎？其實台北大同區的大稻埕、迪化街商圈，是一個充滿文化底蘊的舊城區，各種百年歷史的建築、特色小吃、景點都聚集在這個地方！

睽違了兩年，趁著最近國內旅遊正夯，我們再次著外國朋友來到了大稻埕，和我們一起老街漫遊，體驗在地台灣味！這次除了穿旗袍，還有品茶、品香的活動，快來看看吧！

（不要忘了滑到文章最下方，看活動影片喔！）

貳零年華：體驗1920年代的旗袍風采

林阿姨的旗袍店「貳零年華Salon 1920s」，收藏了非常多1920年代的服飾和配件，而二○年代正是大稻埕最為繁華的美好年代，林阿姨的旗袍店名，就是這樣而來的。

走進店裡會發現林阿姨對旗袍的熱愛及用心，從店內的裝潢到陳設，都充滿了復古優雅，挑選旗袍的過程中，林阿姨也會根據每個人的需求，提供不同的搭配建議，替大家挑選最能凸顯自身氣質的旗袍穿搭。

除了旗袍以外，妝髮的搭配也十分重要，如果希望裝扮更有完整性，也可以請林阿姨幫忙梳妝，經過阿姨的巧手，只需要短短的5-10分鐘，就能完成非常典雅的盤髮喔！

雖然阿姨的店主打旗袍體驗，但也有部分是提供給男生的長袍選擇喔！
我們的日本室友Hiro換上長袍後，完全是員外啊！

品茶：富有層次及內涵的茶文化

換上旗袍，梳妝完成後，就準備要進行今天的第一個項目「品茶」囉！
林阿姨準備了幾種不同的茶葉，手把手帶著大家從聞香、沏茶、品茶，一步一步泡出好茶。

首先開始的，是林阿姨大手筆分享的1920年的「正山小種」，這可是產自福建，一斤上萬元的老茶葉喔！經過了年份的洗禮，茶葉也自然吸收了周遭環境的味道，帶著一種木質老建物的氣味，大家笑稱這是阿嬤家的味道。

其他還有像是帶著俠女的氣質的「鐵觀音」，氣味十分強而有力，而「東方美人」則是因為沖泡後色澤艷麗，香氣獨特，百年前被英國女王品嚐後，就賜名了東方美人。

而大家最喜歡的茶葉是「白茶」，一種未經過發酵及烘培的茶葉，沖泡前聞起來就像秋天的落葉，沖泡後則是帶有一種蔬菜的香氣，非常特別。

整個品茶的過程，我們一邊喝茶，吃著小點心，聽著林阿姨分享每種茶葉的由來、製程及故事，大家都十分投入。

品香：勾起記憶的嗅覺體驗

接在品茶之後的是「品香」活動，林阿姨準備了20幾種不同的天然香粉，每種都對應到了人體的心、脾、腎、肝、肺，大家可以根據每種香氣的功效，對應自己想要改善的部分，挑選出自己喜歡的香氣做調和。

首先林阿姨已經替大家準備好了專業的調香工具，大家依據自己的喜歡的香氣，挑選出共0.5克的香粉，其中0.2克裝進香囊中，可以隨身攜帶，而剩餘的香粉需要再加入0.2克的龍柏粉，混和以幫助燃燒，最後將香粉裝進模型中壓緊，製成香錐。

這個看似簡單的步驟其實十分需要技巧，施壓的力道不能太輕，否則香錐無法成形，而施壓的力道太重，則可能造成香錐無法從模型中取出，或是不易點燃喔。

大家七手八腳的互相幫忙，終於完成了每個人的香錐囉！最後我們輪流點燃自己調製的香，和大家分享、交流，並根據自己所調和出來的香氣，寫下一個對應的文字，敘述自己對這個香氣的感受。

有人認味香氣帶給他放鬆的感覺，也有人說香氣的味道，讓他想起了在日本家鄉的童年時光，每個人的感受都十分不同，非常有趣。

帶著外國友人，一起探索老街風華！

經過一個上午品茶、品香體驗後，大家都收穫滿滿，外國室友們也覺得非常有趣呢！其實大稻埕曾經是北部最重要的貿易港口，也是最為繁華的商圈之一，至今已經有百年的歷史，許多紅磚洋樓、巴洛克式建築都被保留了下來，走進大稻埕就像踏入了時光機一般。

而現在的大稻埕經過重新規劃後，除了有原本的老字號南北貨商行、茶行、中藥行，也新進駐了許多文青小店、咖啡廳，非常值得大家去走走逛逛！如果有外國朋友來到台灣旅遊，更是一個不容錯過，充滿在地台灣味的景點喔！

最後合照一張，大家就準備吃午餐囉！大稻埕有許多老字號的美食、小吃，就讓大家各自挑選自己喜歡的餐廳，填飽肚子為下午的大稻埕導覽補充體力吧！我們下回見！

活動影片紀錄

同場加映：

■ 不只是住宿！BORDERLESS HOUSE 活動回顧

■ 波波暑期換宿 – 替室友辦個活動吧！