Short Stay Training Programs for International Students
Kumamoto University held a short-stay training program for students from the National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, China, which is one of Kumamoto University’s Partner’s universities. Eleven students and one professor attended the short-stay training program from December 16, 2009 to December 20, 2009. The program was organized by Kumamoto University’s Faculty of Engineering.
The participants enjoyed a variety of activities designed to deepen their understanding of Japan. On the practical side, they were challenged with a diverse program that offered Japanese language classes, visiting laboratory offices within the university and visiting factories in the Kumamoto area. On the cultural side, they were able to experience wearing kimomo and got to try their hand at tea ceremony.
On the final day of the program, the participants crafted Japanese hanging lanterns. This experience of constructing the lanterns took place in the “Mono-Kuri Kobo.” This space was set up by Kumamoto University as a place in which crafts and various experiments can be created. Mono-Kuri Kobo is a coined acronym consisting of the words Mono- meaning object, Kuri from “creation” in English and Kobo meaning workshop. In the closing ceremony, the student who crafted the best Japanese lantern was honored by Professor Satonaka, the vice dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
At this closing ceremony all of the eleven students were awarded certificates of completion to honor their participation. For most of the students who attended the program, it was their first trip aboard and their active and enthusiastic participation in the daily activities showed their true interest in gaining knowledge about a new culture. The students completed the program safely and happily and we welcome them again, at any time, to Kumamoto University.
