On April 13th (Fri), in the Library Hall of the Central Library a study abroad experience debriefing session was held. A group of former exchange students who experienced study abroad through Hiroshima University’s overseas study programs reported on their experiences to the approximately 90 participants, who ranged from students interested in overseas education through members of the teaching staff.

This session became the second debriefing, continuing from last year, and undergraduate students in their first year up to graduate schools in the humanities and science courses that took part in one of the Hiroshima University overseas study programs such as the English Plus ALOHA Program, START Program, JMU Master Spring Classes, HUSA, INU Double Degree Program, G.ecbo Program, and the Institutional Program for Young Researcher Overseas Visits reported on their rich variety of experiences. One of the students who studied through the START Program talked about his growth: “Experiencing a lot in America broadened my horizons. From now on, I would like to actively try various new things.” Another student who studied in Australia for one year through the INU Double Degree Program talked about his achievements in English.

Many people participated in this session

In the end, President Asahara finished the session with the following comments: “It's encouraging to learn that a number of students from first-year undergraduates up to graduate students who are actively pursuing academic studies participated in studying overseas and experienced a variety of new things. It strengthened my conviction that even more HU students would be able go abroad with the support of the university. I hope more students with experiences talk about what they did directly to their younger friends or colleagues, like you did today, and I believe that is the most convincing form of encouragement. Hiroshima University needs to enrich its support system as much as possible in the future, and I want there to be more interest in studying abroad.”

After listening to the reports, a student said: “Aside from the usual overseas study, now I know that there are various overseas study programs, like internships. I am glad I had the opportunity to think about my future studies in graduate school, and not just about undergraduate work.”

Student talking about his internship experiences

President Asahara talking about his vision about overseas study

【Inquiries】

International Exchange Group,

Education and International Office,

Hiroshima University

E-mail: kokusai-ryugaku(AT)office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp

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