The Japan Multilateral COIL/VE Project (MCP) at Kansai University successfully concluded its Spring 2026 course, Mental Health and Well-Being. The program welcomed 27 students from Kansai University, partner universities in Japan, and institutions in the United States, Spain, the Philippines, and Brazil.

 

The Mental Health and Well-Being course was facilitated by Prof. Keiko Ikeda (Kansai University) and Prof. Don Bysouth (Kansai University), and supported by Prof. Amy Ishida (Kansai University) and Prof. Kinnosuke Manabe (Kansai University). The program provided an engaging learning environment for students to explore diverse perspectives on mental health, emotional resilience, and well-being in today’s interconnected society. Through interactive lectures and discussions, participants examined topics such as stress management, mindfulness, intercultural empathy, emotional intelligence, and the impact of digital environments on mental health.

 

Through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), students analyzed case studies, exchanged cultural insights, and collaborated on group projects aimed at promoting well-being in educational and community contexts. The final presentations explored whether environmental factors affect everyone’s mental health equally or impact certain individuals more strongly, and examined after-work socialization as both a potential stress reliever and a source of pressure. Discussions also addressed concerns about isolation and the shift from physical to digital forms of communication.