Opening Ceremony of Kumamoto University Summer program 2010
The opening ceremony of the Kumamoto University Summer program 2010 was held on July 26, 2010 at Kusunoki Kaikan in the Kurokami Campus.
The Kumamoto University Summer Program is held annually, and is open to students from universities with which Kumamoto University has academic agreements. Those students who have basic knowledge of Japanese language are eligible to participate. The program runs for two weeks. In this program, in addition to Japanese language classes, there will be lectures by experts on topics of interest such as waste recycling, water resources, case study of industrial pollution (Minamata) and mount Aso. Students are exposed to Japanese traditions and culture, through practical sessions such as wearing kimono dress, participating in tea ceremony, making Japanese sweets and handicrafts. Field visits are also arranged to places of importance in the vicinity such as Kumamoto Castle, Mount Aso and Minamata. This year, there are 26 participants from China, Taiwan and Korea.
During the opening ceremony, held in the morning of July 26, President Taniguchi delivered the opening address. In his speech, the students were told to make best use of their brief stay of two weeks in Kumamoto through class room study, field trips to places of historical importance such as the Kumamoto castle, industrial visits, visit to the volcanic mountain Aso and other activities. Also, President Taniguchi encouraged all the participants to make a lot of new friends and have a memorable experience of Kumamoto.
In the evening, a welcome party was organized in FORICO (cafeteria). The participants had the opportunity to interact with the students and staff of Kumamoto University, host family members of the Summer Program 2010.
