On October 21st (Fri) in the Reception Hall on the second floor of the Faculty Club, the Debriefing Session on Former Exchange Students’ Overseas Experiences was held. This session gives former exchange students who experienced study abroad (overseas training) through one of Hiroshima University’s various overseas study programs the opportunity to report on their experiences. On this day, 34 faculty members and students interested in overseas studies participated.

This was the eleventh debriefing session to date. Students who took part in one of the following Hiroshima University overseas study programs reported on their experiences: the HUSA (Hiroshima University Study Abroad) Program, the AIMS-HU Program, the G.ecbo Global Internship Program, the START Program, the exchange programs of the School of Applied Biological Science’s Special Course to Cultivate Researchers, English Plus ALOHA Program, and the STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM in Spain. Five of the seven presentations were in English, and the students had the opportunity to show the results of their language training abroad.

These presentations centered on the students’ motivation and preparations for studying abroad, their student life overseas, and the personal transformations, changes, and discoveries made through this experience. One of the students who had taken part in the English Plus ALOHA Program recounted her experience: “through studying abroad I gained the confidence to communicate and speak in front of others using English. It is important to have a clear set of goals in order to fully benefit from the program, and I would advise that all students participate actively in class activities.” Another student, who went to the U.K. through the HUSA Program made her presentation in fluent English: “The environment in my host university was wonderful, and I am definitely a more grown person now. Everyone should make good use of the overseas study programs available at HU.”

In HU Vice President Professor Nishitani’s presentation, he introduced the new initiatives of HU including the Top Global University Project. He concluded the session with encouragements to participants and presenters by saying “It is my wish that everyone will utilize the various opportunities offered by the university, and take up the challenge to learn foreign languages, join overseas study programs, and take part in international exchanges”.

These are some comments received from the participants: “the English presentations fueled my desire to study; I want to be able to speak in English confidently like them.” “I learnt not only about the program I was interested in, but also had the opportunity to hear about others’ first-hand experiences. It was very motivational to me.”

The Debriefing Session on Former Exchange Students’ Overseas Experiences is held twice a year in spring and autumn. The next debriefing session will be in May 2017. For those who joined us this year, and also those who couldn’t join us this year, we are looking forward to seeing you at the next session.

【Inquiries】
International Exchange Group,
Hiroshima University
Tel. 082-424-4346
E-mail: kokusai-ryugaku(AT)office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp
(* Please replace (AT) with @.)