The School of Dentistry welcomed four fifth-year dental students from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, for a one-week program and five third-year dental students from Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia, for a ten-day program as part of its short-term exchange and training activities.

During their stay, the students participated in lectures and practical training sessions, visited the university hospital and research laboratories, and took part in a student networking event and an excursion to Miyajima. Through this intensive program, they gained first-hand experience of dental education and clinical practice in Japan and acquired valuable insights that would not have been readily available in their home countries.

In particular, the students from Universitas Airlangga participated in the program as part of their coursework on “Community Development.” In addition to visiting the Hiroshima Prefectural Dental Association and learning about the role of organizations in community-based oral health activities, they took part in visits to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Mazda Museum, as well as activities at the Hiroshima City International House and an international exchange NGO, together with two Universitas Airlangga students who are currently studying at our university. Through these experiences, the participants gained a deeper understanding of collaboration among individuals, organizations, and society within diverse communities, while also developing new perspectives on community engagement, a sense of belonging, and the roles individuals play within society.

Although relatively short in duration, the program provided a rich and intensive learning experience. It offered the visiting students valuable opportunities for both academic and cultural development, while also fostering meaningful international exchange with students and faculty members at our university.