Kumamoto University International Students Interact Local High School Students
On July 8, ten international students from Kumamoto University visited Dai-Ni High School, a local high school in Kumamoto which has been designated as a “Super Science High School” by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
The researchers listened as students of Dai-Ni High School presented their research topics in English, and then asked questions about the scientific process and results of each topic.
The high school students and researchers overcame challenging language barriers to enjoy scientific communication in English. Kumamoto University’s Global Youth Campus looks to continue providing opportunities for local exchange between the university’s international students and the young local community.
Folk Music Seminar & Performance held by Open Education Center
On Thursday July 7, Dr. Rickard and Dr. Chan of the College of Cross-Cultural and Multidisciplinary Studies held a public seminar in English with Mr. Nick DiSanto, an artist from America, followed by a short performance.
The topic of the seminar was innovation through culture and the revitalization of folkways through music. Around 50 people participated in the seminar, including students and faculty from Kumamoto University, as well as the general public of Kumamoto.
Through events like this, the Center for Open Education aims to contribute to the local community by providing opportunities for global education and international cooperation with Kumamoto University’s College of Cross-Cultural and Multidisciplinary Studies.
Welcome Party for International Students Held at Kumamoto University
On Saturday July 2, a welcome party for international students in Kumamoto Prefecture was hosted at the College of Cross-Cultural and Multidisciplinary Studies, Kumamoto University. The party was sponsored by The Kumamoto Foreign Student Exchange Promotion Regional Conference, which strives to welcome and familiarize newly arrived international students with Kumamoto.
More than 150 international and Japanese university students attended the party. Four international students gave words of greeting as representatives of their universities, and a performance was held by Higo Magma, a performing group with student membership from several universities around Kumamoto prefecture.
The party served as an opportunity for international students to meet and interact with Japanese university students, and also strengthen the bond between the institutions of higher education in Kumamoto.
Activities at the College of Cross-Cultural and Multidisciplinary Studies
From April 25 to 28, an assortment of educational activities were held by the Open Education Center at the College of Cross-Cultural and Multidisciplinary Studies, and were open to Kumamoto University students, international students, as well as the general public. Many of the programs were student-led, and included multiple language classes, Japanese calligraphy, origami, yoga, art therapy, Polish and Turkish dancing, and movies.
The programs had participation from both university students as well as the general public, totaling 269 people over the course of 4 days. Despite the circumstances in the wake of the earthquake, participants were able to learn something new and make valuable experiences.
Activities for the Community by the Open Education Center
From Monday April 25 to Thursday April 28, events organized by the Open Education Center and led by Kumamoto University international students will be held at the College for Cross-Cultural and Multidisciplinary Studies building.
The events are open to anybody, including students, children, and the general public, so please feel free to join at any time.
Schedule (link)
Earthquake Information
To all students, faculty and staff:
The following announcements are in regard to the recent earthquake and subsequent aftershocks in Kumamoto.
Classes for Friday, April 15 have been cancelled.
The regular health check scheduled for April 15 has been cancelled.
The TOEIC-IP test scheduled for Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17 has been cancelled.
The teaching practice guidance scheduled for Saturday, April 16 has been cancelled.
If you have any information regarding injuries as a result of the earthquake, please make contact by phone or email, as listed below.
Phone: 096-342-2103
Email: gji-ryugaku@jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp.
“International Students Meet & Greet” Enjoyed by All
On February 22, during the first-ever Spring Program at Kumamoto University, high school students from around Kumamoto prefecture gathered at the 100 Year Memorial Hall on Kumamoto University’s south Kurokami campus to take part in the “International Students Meet & Greet.”
41 high school students came from 6 different schools to join the 39 international students who attended the Spring Program. The international students’ home countries included Nepal, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand.
During the event, the international students first made simple self-introductions in Japanese, and then made presentations in English about their experiences with Japanese culture (namely kendo and calligraphy) and the places they visited during the Spring Program, including Yamaga, Kumamoto Castle, and Reigando. Finally, the participating students enjoyed free talking time in English. Many participating high school students reported that they “were able to have a great experience” and “enjoyed the chance to speak with foreign students”.
Kumamoto University’s Global Youth Campus project will continue to seek to provide more opportunities for the youth of Kumamoto Prefecture to experience global education and interaction with international students in the future.
English Presentations by International Students
Group Photo
‘Study in Japan Fair 2015 in Malaysia’ and ‘Study in Japan Info Day’
Kumamoto University recently attended ‘the Study in Japan Fair 2015 (International Education Fair: Malaysia)’ held by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) on December 19 and 20, and ‘the Study in Japan Info Day’ hosted by the Institut Bahasa Teikyo, held on December 21.
‘The Study in Japan Fair 2015’ is held with the participation of Japanese educational institutions so that local students who wish to study in Japan can find an educational institution that best matches their expectations, so they can achieve their academic pursuits in Japan. Approximately 3,500 local students visited the Japanese pavilion in this fair.
Our staff members used documents and posters to explain the University’s characteristics and the procedures required to study in Japan, to 92 students visited our booth.
Institut Bahasa Teikyo (IBT), the host organization of ‘the Study in Japan Info Day’, is one of the overseas educational institutions established by the Teikyo University Group. IBT provides students in Malaysia who wish to study in Japan with courses in Japanese language and basic subjects (e.g. mathematics, physics, chemistry, social studies and English).
‘The Study in Japan Info Day’ was held for the first time, 10 universities including Kumamoto University and a vocational college in Japan attended the event. We provided IBT students and local visitors with information about the University using briefing materials.
At both events, students visiting our booth were very much interested in Japan. In particular, many IBT students have already attained Japanese proficiency at the level of being able to handle a normal conversation with native Japanese speakers, and are very eager to study in Japan.
Attending these events has increased recognition of our University in Malaysia. Moreover, it was a valuable opportunity for us to interact directly with local students and understand their profound desire to study in Japan.
Links:
JASSO Study in Japan Fair (International Education Fair: Malaysia):
http://www.jasso.go.jp/study_j/info_fair_malaysia_2015_e.html
Institut Bahasa Teikyo “Study in Japan Infor Day”:
http://www.teikyomy.com/index.php/2014-03-18-04-26-13/info-day.html
Exhibition site at ‘the Study in Japan Fair 2015’
Our booth at ‘the Study in Japan Fair 2015’
Our booth at Institut Bahasa Teikyo
