For 29 days, from Friday, June 5, Reiwa 8, to Friday, July 3, we hosted 12 trainees from Ulsan University in South Korea and conducted the “Ai Ai Program: In-Depth Japan Training.”The trainees took Japanese language classes provided by the Institute for International Relations and visited various locations throughout the prefecture to deepen their understanding of the Japanese language and culture.
In our Japanese language classes, we focused on learning to accurately understand the content of conversations and convey them clearly, as well as expanding our vocabulary and range of expressions. We also conducted interviews with and interacted with Japanese students at Ehime University during these classes.As part of our cultural experiences, members of Ehime University’s Karuta Club provided explanations of waka poems using the “Hyakunin Isshu” anthology and led a karuta workshop. We also visited famous sites and facilities unique to Ehime Prefecture, such as Uchiko Town and Shikokuchuo City, where we fully immersed ourselves in Japan’s culture, society, and scenery.
At the closing ceremony on the final day, each student gave a presentation on the differences between South Korea and Japan from various perspectives, based on interviews they had conducted with students at Ehime University. Japanese students with whom they had interacted during the program were also in attendance to watch the presentations, and although the trainees were nervous, they delivered their presentations in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.Finally, Professor Kazuhiro Murakami of our organization presented the trainees with their certificates of completion.
Since signing an academic exchange agreement in Heisei 22, Ulsan University and Ehime University have maintained active exchanges in various fields. The Institute for International Relations will continue to foster these exchange activities through training programs such as this one.
＜Institute for International Relations＞
