Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies (GSICS), Kobe University
On March 15, 2024, six international graduate students from the Ogawa Seminar had the exciting opportunity to visit and participate in a cultural exchange session at the Hyogo Prefectural International High School, Japan. Renowned for its unique international curriculum and intensive English language focus, this high school stands as one of Hyogo Prefecture’s premier educational establishments. Notably, it holds the prestigious designation of a Super English Language High School (SELHi), bestowed by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT).
During the visit, the international graduate students from the Ogawa Seminar had the thrilling opportunity to explore the inner workings of a Japanese high school and observe several activities regularly conducted by high school students. However, the most captivating aspect for both the international graduate students and the high school students was the cultural exchange sessions. Here, the international graduate students introduced themselves and shared insights about their home countries, their own high school experiences, life in Japan, and details about their research as well as studies. These topics proved to be novel and intriguing for the high school students, as they were able to hear diverse stories from the international graduate students from the Ogawa Seminar, each representing different countries and continents across the world.
Following the presentations, the high school students enthusiastically participated in a question-and-answer session, further fueling their interest and curiosity sparked during the presentations. Throughout the event, each of the six international graduate students from the Ogawa Seminar conducted two sessions, totaling twelve sessions in all, which were attended by over 120 high school students. The sessions proved to be stimulating for the international graduate students as well, as interacting with the high school students and immersing themselves in the Japanese high school environment provided them with a fresh and enriching experience.
This was undeniably a remarkable experience and opportunity for the six international graduate students from the Ogawa Seminar, and it would not have been possible without the invaluable generosity and support of Professor Keiichi Ogawa, to whom all six international graduate students express their sincerest gratitude and appreciation. Additionally, the international graduate students extend their heartfelt appreciation to Hyogo Prefectural International High School for kindly extending the invitation.
The six international graduate students from the Ogawa Seminar who participated in this cultural exchange session are Abdoul-Karim SOUBEIGA, Jiling YAO, Kabanga DEO, Muleta Million BEKELE, Sheikh Rashid Bin ISLAM, and Sreymech HOEUN.
Authored by Sheikh Rashid Bin ISLAM (Master’s Student)
