Between August 31 and September 16, IIGE organized a unique summer program under the Osaka Social Impact Project (OSIP) initiative, supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan (MEXT). A group of nine students, guided by Professor Adrian Bercea, had the opportunity to visit Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM) in Bangkok. During their stay, they participated in various courses, engaged with Thai students, and immersed themselves in the local culture firsthand.

 

What made this program particularly special was its dual component: Japanese language teaching and cross-cultural research. Kansai University students had the opportunity to directly experience the teaching of Japanese. For one week, they took on the role of teachers themselves, offering beginner-level Japanese lessons to PIM students. The sessions were conducted in a relaxed yet dynamic atmosphere, combining textbook exercises with fun games and activities designed to help participants understand the unique expressions and nuances of the Japanese language.

 

In addition to teaching, KU students worked on a comparative research project about Japan and Thailand, culminating in a final presentation session. The topics varied widely, from Plastic Waste to Work-Life Balance to Traffic Problems. KU students were able to collect valuable data from PIM students during group interview sessions, which led to fascinating discussions and an enriching exchange of ideas.

 

Apart from these academic and cultural activities, the program also featured visits to a Kao Industrial (Thailand) factory and the Ichitan Green Factory, providing students with a unique chance to observe local manufacturing processes and get a closer look at major producers in the region.

 

Furthermore, KU students had the chance to interact with Thai high school students during an Open School event. Here, they demonstrated origami and introduced various Japanese cultural games, sparking greater interest in Japan and its culture among the younger generation of Bangkok.

 

We are incredibly proud to have such a dedicated partner in PIM University, which not only supported the organization of this program but was always ready to assist with any needs we had along the way. Their commitment to fostering international collaboration and educational exchange continues to enrich the experiences of our students.