The online phase of the blended mobility program between Kansai University (KU) and Portland State University (PSU) has come to a successful close. With the groundwork laid through virtual sessions, KU students are now ready to embark on the in-person experience in Portland. The program's online component included an English Preparation Course, Intergenerational Climate Workshops, and a partnership with PSU’s Student Sustainability Center.

 

English Preparation Course

Facilitated by Will Seed, the English Preparation Course aimed to strengthen students' public speaking and presentation skills. Through a combination of three live workshops and on-demand training sessions, KU students honed their communication abilities. PSU linguistics students acted as teaching assistants, providing valuable support and fostering an interactive learning environment that boosted students' confidence in using English effectively.

 

Intergenerational Climate Workshops

KU students had the unique opportunity to participate in PSU’s new Intergenerational Climate Workshops, led by Professor Frank Granshaw. These workshops brought together PSU students and senior citizens from Portland to engage in discussions about climate impacts and actions. During the first online session, students explored various tools to understand climate systems and their effects. The second session shifted focus to practical solutions, emphasizing the use of the En-ROADS climate simulator from the Climate Interactive group for independent research.

 

The final workshop, which will center on international climate action, will be fully in-person during the on-site phase of the program. This time, KU students will join all participants face-to-face, further enhancing collaboration and learning.

 

Workshop with the Student Sustainability Center

KU students also joined forces with the coordinator and members of PSU's Student Sustainability Center. This workshop focused on translating values into actionable sustainability efforts. Students were introduced to the center's initiatives and will continue to collaborate on-site, including participating in workshops and assisting with the campus community garden.

 

Ready for departure!

With the successful completion of the online component, KU students are now well-prepared to embark on the in-person phase of the program in Portland. Over the next two weeks, students will explore sustainability through interactive workshops, field trips, and service-learning activities, gaining valuable insights into how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
 

Read more about the on-site program:

Week 1: https://www.kansai-u.ac.jp/Kokusai/IIGE/COILPlus/detail.php?seq=441

Week 2: https://www.kansai-u.ac.jp/Kokusai/IIGE/COILPlus/detail.php?seq=443