The Third Soochow-Kansai University Co-Joint International Program was held at Kansai University Senriyama Campus last month. This new short-term study abroad program gave students the opportunity to take online and in-person classes at Kansai University and visit renowned Japanese companies, providing students with unique opportunities to gain insights into various industries and witness firsthand the operations and innovations of these organizations.
 

The summer program commenced on June 3rd with a first cohort of 12 students. Over the span of two weeks, the students joined in-person sessions by IIGE Assistant Professor Eko Prasetyo, IIGE Vice-Director Keiko Ikeda and KU students, while also taking online courses in a wide range of subjects facilitated by Soochow University professors.

The lectures by Prof. Prasetyo were on business in Japan, with a special focus on case studies of key Japanese companies. Following these lectures, the students went on three days of field trips to visit some of the companies introduced. This year the company visits included Asahi Breweries Suita, Panasonic, Asahi Newspaper, Kyoto Railway Museum, Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and Daiwa House Industry Central Research Laboratory. Some cultural visits included Todai-ji Temple in Nara, the Tanabata festival in Osaka, and Universal Studios Japan. 

The program also featured various programs facilitated by KU students to foster intercultural exchange. During the first week, the students were treated to a campus tour by KU student staff and sessions on basic Japanese and life in Osaka, delivered by IIGE student staff Yuna Hanafusa and MI-ROOM student staff Huang Wan Chin.

 

Additionally, eight dedicated student volunteers organized an exciting Osaka city tour, where the participants explored the vibrant Umeda area in groups and were introduced to the best spots for food, shopping, and entertainment.

 

In the remaining part of the program, the students also had access to the MI-ROOM, the Kansai University's unique global communication space where students can do language and cultural exchange, and join various sessions organized by students themselves.

 

Winter 2023 program

Another Soochow-Kansai University Co-Joint International Program is planned for Winter 2023. More information about this program will be announced on the following website: https://abroad.ext.scu.edu.tw/program