A joint short-term study abroad program organized by the Six Universities Network/International Education & Research System, Japan (SUN/SixERS, Director of which is Masaru Araki, Executive Director of Okayama University), was carried out at Chiang Mai University, Thailand, for 15 days from March 5 (Sun.) to 19 (Sun.).

18 undergraduate students from SixERS member universities (eight from Chiba University, two from Niigata University, three from Kanazawa University, two from Okayama University and three from Nagasaki University) participated in the program and engaged in various activities. They included the following:

1) Communication-based English language study (speeches, presentations, etc.);

2) Internship opportunity in a Japanese-affiliated company located near the city of Chiang Mai;

3) First-hand experience with Thai culture (cooking, dance, etc.);

4) Field trip (elephant ride, etc.); and

5) Interactions with Chiang Mai University students.

In the program, 16 students from Chiang Mai University also participated as student buddies. Thai and Japanese students, regardless of differences in language and academic background, quickly became friendly with each other and deepened friendships through various events.

At the same time, this program, implemented as a joint program based on the cooperation agreement between SUN/SixERS and AUN (ASEAN University Network), was able to facilitate stronger ties between the two parties.

SUN/SixERS will continue to contribute to the development of human resources with a global perspective, one of Japan’s key challenges, by further promoting joint student exchange activities with overseas universities.