IIGE is pleased to announce the successful completion of another COIL project, developed in collaboration with the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE), Romania. The project was initiated by Adrian Bercea, Special Appointed Assistant Professor for the COIL initiative, and marks the third consecutive year of collaboration between Kansai University and ASE. On the Romanian side, the participating students were guided by Magdalena Ciubăncan, Director of the University’s Center for Japanese Studies, whose expertise have played a key role in the project’s success.

Despite the time zone difference and several communication challenges typical of online international projects, students from both institutions had the opportunity to meet, interact, and learn from one another. They explored both differences and similarities between their cultures, academic systems, and daily student life.

The interaction combined synchronous and asynchronous formats. Live sessions were conducted via Zoom, enabling real-time discussion and collaboration, while platforms such as Slack and Padlet supported ongoing communication, idea sharing, and reflection outside scheduled meetings. This flexible structure helped students remain engaged throughout the project.

In addition to participants from Japan and Romania, a small group of students from other countries, including Thailand and South Korea, joined the project. Their presence further enriching discussions and contributing to a broader, more diverse international perspective.

The project began with accessible topics such as food culture, helping students feel comfortable and encouraging open dialogue. Gradually, discussions moved toward the project’s main objective, which was to explore various aspects of student life in the participants’ home countries. Key sub-themes included time management, balancing academic and social life, exams, and extracurricular activities, offering insight into both shared experiences and cultural distinctions.
Student feedback clearly highlights the project’s value. Remarks such as “If it wasn’t for this project, we wouldn’t have found out so much about each other’s culture” and “finding out new things about each other’s culture was the best” confirm its positive impact. Motivated by these outcomes, we look forward to continuing this collaboration in the coming years.