"Cross-Cultural Experiences in STEM at Kumamoto University" Held for Students from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan

From June 22 to 26, 2026, Kumamoto University's Graduate School of Science and Technology (GSST) and the Research and Education Institute for Semiconductors and Informatics (REISI) hosted the summer program, "Cross-Cultural Experiences in STEM at Kumamoto University," for 18 students from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taiwan.

The program was designed to provide participants with opportunities to experience the nature and culture of Kumamoto through STEM-related lectures, laboratory visits, and field trips to places such as Mt. Aso and Kumamoto Castle, while also deepening their academic and cultural learning through interactions with Kumamoto University students.

Unfortunately, due to the heavy rainfall that affected Kumamoto Prefecture beginning on June 24, Kumamoto University was forced to suspend classes from the afternoon of June 24 through June 26. As a result, some of the scheduled lectures and laboratory visits had to be canceled, and it was not possible to carry out the entire program as originally planned.

On the final day, June 26, the participants gathered at the Kumamoto City International Center for the final presentations by the participating students and the closing ceremony. The students reflected on what they had learned and experienced during the shortened program and shared their perspectives on their time in Kumamoto. At the closing ceremony, certificates of completion were presented to the participants, bringing the program to a successful conclusion.

Although only part of the program could be implemented, the experiences gained through the program provided the participants with a valuable learning opportunity. We hope that their time in Kumamoto will inspire their future studies and further interest in international exchange. We also hope that they will have another opportunity to visit Kumamoto again and experience the city under clearer skies.
　　