At our university, we accept visitors from overseas through the "KSU Short-Term Program," with the aim of creating opportunities for them to experience the Japanese language and traditional Japanese culture (Fukuoka).
As part of this initiative, we once again hosted nine students from the University of Hawaii West Oahu, with whom we have an inter-university agreement, from June 1st (Monday) to June 13th (Saturday) this year.
During their stay, the delegation participated in Japanese language classes, a campus tour guided by students from Professor Ichiro Maki 's seminar in Department of Tourism, Faculty of Faculty of Collaborative Regional Development, a takoyaki-making experience, and a program to experience Department of Economics Faculty of Economics such as calligraphy, origami, and cat's cradle, led by students taking Professor Yumiko Nakahara 's "Business English B" course and her seminar students. Furthermore, outside the university, students accompanied the delegation on field trips to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Shikanoshima Kyukamura, and Ohori Park.
On the final day, a closing ceremony and a Mahalo dinner were held. Professor Nakahara, Director of the Global Education Center, presented each student with a certificate of completion. After the presentation, one of the students gave a speech in Japanese expressing their gratitude: "I felt a warmth like Aloha (=love, compassion) from the students, teachers, and staff who welcomed me so warmly. Not only did I get to study, but I also had the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture, and I've come to love Japan even more. When I return home, I will tell my friends back home about my memories of this experience, and I hope that many students will come to Japan. Mahalo (=thank you)."
Finally, we looked back on the memories of the past 10 days through photos, spending a bittersweet but enjoyable time together.
Ayano Kasahara (Kitakyushu Municipal High School), a fourth-year student Department of Tourism Faculty of Collaborative Regional Development who was in charge of planning during the hosting period, reflected on the experience, saying, "It was challenging to actively communicate with each individual and build relationships amidst differences in language and culture, but it was also very rewarding.When the course I planned didn't go as planned, the students at the University of Hawaii would say, 'It's ok!', which was a great help. What I remember most is how the students grew closer through daily interactions, and in the end, I was able to see them naturally laughing and supporting each other, transcending national and language barriers. I believe this experience will be a great asset in my future activities in the tourism field and international exchange."
[Faculty of Collaborative Regional Development / Faculty of Economics / Global Education Center]
