On July 21, 2023, graduate students in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences and students in the Hiroshima University Study Abroad Program (HUSA), taking “Intercultural Competence and Japanese Society,” (offered by Dr. Naomi Tsunematsu, Morito Institute of Global Higher Education), participated in the Intercultural Competence Development Seminar and International Educational Exchange with Hiro High School in Hiroshima Prefecture. Students from Spain, Germany, Indonesia, and China joined the event. This became the 2nd time to hold the seminar, following the seminar last year where students from USA, Canada, Britain, Thailand, China, and Japan participated.

The seminar was composed of the sessions of SDGs project discussions, international educational exchange of international students and 1st year high school students, and international students’ practicum of “the Project to create intercultural interactions with high school students.” Exchange session had international students’ speech on “internationalization,” quizzes, and games, which created very lively interactions among participants. International students observed “home room” in Japanese high school and tea ceremony, and enjoyed making chopsticks paper wrapping. They also observed practice of kendo club. This visit brought new cultural experiences for international students and high school students. For international students, it became a heart-warming experience to learn high school life and Japanese culture, and to develop intercultural understanding together with high school students.

Inquiries
Dr. Naomi Tsunematsu
Associate Professor
Morito Institute of Global Higher Education
Hiroshima University
Email: ntsunema*hiroshima-u.ac.jp (Please change * into @)