Kansai University welcomed 42 students from the United States, Spain, Thailand, and Malaysia last week for the start of the on-site part of its intensive two-week Blended Global Competence Program, designed to deepen participants’ understanding of sustainability while enhancing their intercultural skills 🇯🇵🇺🇸🇪🇸🇲🇾🇹🇭

During the first week, students took part in a diverse lineup of academic workshops and cultural activities aimed at fostering global competencies. Sessions included deep dives into sustainability, Society 5.0, marketing in Japan, and the Japanese economy, all delivered by various IIGE/JIGE colleagues and collaborating faculties. Japanese language and culture classes, led by Kansai University graduate students, provided hands-on opportunities for international participants to engage more deeply with local culture and customs.

The program’s first week also featured campus visits across Kansai University’s locations, including Takatsuki, Senriyama, and the Suita Mirai campus, where students interacted with KU peers through discussion groups and collaborative learning activities. These campus experiences offered international participants an authentic glimpse into student life in Japan.

To wrap up the week, the group visited the Osaka World Expo, a highlight of the program. Students toured several national pavilions, including special guided experiences at the Thai, Malaysian, and Spanish exhibits, where they learned more about each country’s contributions to sustainability and innovation. A visit to the NTT Pavilion offered insights into Japan’s telecommunications history and its vision for the digital future.