Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies (GSICS), Kobe University
From February 15th to 28th, 2024, the “Winter Short Term Program at Korea University under the Campus Asia Plus Program 2024” took place at Korea University. This program offers two courses aimed at graduate students from partner universities: one focusing on language and culture and the other on research related to Korea. This year, eleven graduate students from Kobe University and Fudan University in China participated. From the Ogawa Seminar, Mai Hirose, Ryosuke Sueda, Souvananh Bounnak, and Sonexay Chanthasak chose the language and culture course. We learned basic Korean language, joined special lectures by professors from Korea University and Ogawa Seminar alumni, and took field trips to learn about Korean culture and history.
In the Korean language classes, we were taught Hangul pronunciation, basic words, and greetings. The special lectures covered topics such as Korea’s water resource management ODA projects, career paths in international cooperation, and how to write cover letters and CVs when applying to international organizations. Additionally, during the field trips, we had the opportunity to visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between South Korea and North Korea, the former presidential residence “Blue House,” and experience wearing traditional Korean clothing (hanbok). We also had meaningful interactions with Fudan University students, exchanging opinions on China and Japan’s history and culture, and learning together about the Korean War at the War Memorial Museum.
Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Professor Keiichi Ogawa, Dr. Najung Kim, an Ogawa Seminar alumni who provided extensive support from application to participation and research guidance, Grace Choi, who served as our teaching assistant for the program, Jang Jisoo, who taught Korean language classes, Dr. Masato Nakahara and Ms. Osaka from the Campus Asia Office for supporting various procedures related to our program, and everyone at Korea University’s Academic Office who facilitated this program.
Authored by Ryosuke Sueda (Master’s Student)
