Students at Tokyo's Waseda University in early June gave group presentations in English, covering social networks and other topics during a class on globalization.

Though not so lively, as some struggled with their English and others weren't used to speaking in front of their peers, the participants made the most of a rare break from the conventional college norm of just listening to lectures.

"Having discussions and presentations is stimulating," said Hayato Sawa, 19, one of the 40-strong class, which includes Chinese, Koreans and Westerners. "It's also effective to speak in English."