From May 18 (Sun.) to June 1 (Sun.), 2025, 21 students from Ehime University’s partner institutions, College of Lake County (CLC) and Joliet Junior College (JJC), and their advisors, Professors Jimenez Miguel (CLC) and Gorder Erik (JJC) and conducted a short-term training program. The program was led by Assistant Professor Hiding Adriana of Ehime University and volunteer students from Ehime University.
On the second day of the program, orientation and a welcome party were held for the students, on the third day they visited Oshima Island in Imabari City to learn about the history of the Seto Inland Sea, and on the fourth day they had Japanese lessons in preparation for their homestay. On the 11th day, a field trip to Uchiko Town was held. The students also participated in a practice session of Ehime University’s traditional Japanese music club, visited Matsuyama Castle, Ishite-ji Temple, and an art museum, and deeply experienced Japan’s traditions and history.
On the last day of the program, students presented their findings in the form of a poster session in the courtyard next to the Johoku Campus Collaboration House Hall. Using posters they had created themselves, students compared Illinois and Matsuyama and presented haiku they had composed themselves in both regions. Under sunny skies, many students and staff members visited the event and engaged in a lively exchange of ideas. In addition, as part of an English class held at the same time, a faculty member of the institute visited the poster session with his students, and students could be seen communicating with the visiting students and others in English.
At the farewell party, a live performance by Ehime University’s Japanese music circle featured koto, shakuhachi, and shamisen music, and the students bid farewell to the Ehime University students. The greatest value of this program was that the students were able to learn from each other through many exchanges, and it was an enjoyable time for all participants.
The Institute for International Relations hopes to continue to deepen exchanges with the College of Lake County and Joliet Junior College in the coming year and beyond, providing fruitful learning opportunities for students from both institutions.
＜Institute for International Relations＞