The 2019 KIT International Week took place from October 21 to 25 to publicize the diverse range of international exchange activities that are now available to our students and encourage them to study abroad. A large number of guests from Japan and overseas joined in the week’s festive events.

　At the Study Abroad Seminar on the first day information was provided on the various overseas dispatch programs and scholarships offered at our university. In addition, at the Overseas Safety Seminar, information helpful to know before traveling was provided in a lecture accompanied by footages from actual crimes. Attending students understood the importance of self-protection.

KIT Tobitate-funded students report on their overseas study experience

　Also on that day, Vice President Johannes Fröhlich of the Technical University of Vienna (Austria) honored President Morisako by offering inter-university exchange with his institution with a particular focus on doctoral students.

　On Wednesday, to provide an opportunity for students to learn more about specific programs, the University of Queensland English Study Program Information Session, Final Presentation on TH Köln (Germany) – KIT Joint Architecture Workshop 2019 and Presentations on KIT’s Study Abroad Programs were held. On Thursday, there was a “Study Abroad Café” where students who had studied abroad were available to speak individually with many students who are interested in studying abroad. After a joyful chat, many students seemed to made their mind to study abroad. In addition, the event, Career X English (Alumni Discuss Global Careers), gave an audience to persons who are presently active on the international stage through their jobs. We welcomed Shuichiro Miyata, a graduate of our university who now works for Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd. He talked about topics of particular interest to students.

Study Abroad Café

　As a special project this year, we invited guests from overseas partner universities to hold a symposium. In the first session, “Study Abroad: Academic Lectures by Top Faculty of Italian Partners,” Vice President Tiziana Lippiello from the University of Venice Ca ‘Foscari, Vice President Laura Montanaro of the Polytechnic University of Turin and Professor Annalisa Polverari of the University of Verona touched on their research into topics ranging from ceramic physics and Chinese thought to plant biotechnology. This was done in a manner that was easily accessible to students who enthusiastically participated in the Q & A session that followed.

　Dr. Ekkachai Mahaek, Vice President of Chiang Mai University, Thailand, and Thai and Italian program participants discussed objectives and outcomes of our joint and double degree programs in a second session entitled, Study Abroad: Experiences and Future Possibilities of Joint/Double Degree Programs.

Symposium lecturer: Dr. Tiziana Lippiello, Vice-President of Ca Foscari, University of Venice

　President Morisako hosted this year’s KIT International Night at a venue that was somewhat less formal than in previous years, the KIT 60th Anniversary Hall. Consul Generals in Osaka, Dr. Werner Köhler of Germany, Mr Yang Ho-seok of South Korea, and many other important guests honored us with their presence and entered into lively discussion with our international students. Eric Savadogoi of Burkina Faso who is now studying applied biology with us, gave a drum performance with the assistance of students from Mauritius and Cameroon.

KIT International Night with Werner Köhler, Consul General of Germany in Osaka (left), Vice President of Chiang Mai University Ekkachai Mahaek (center),
The enthusiastically-received international student drum performance (right)

　On the final day of the international week festivities, we vigorously promoted overseas study in collaboration with “Campus France.” Jules Irrmann, the Consul General of France in Kyoto, came to provide information on the benefits of studying in France, one of the most popular destinations for our students studying abroad. Students who attended a short-term program at Polytech Orleans, the University of Orleans also gave a presentation of their experience.

“Study in France” information booth (left)
Jules Irrmann, Consul General of France in Kyoto, tells about a study abroad seminar in France (right)

　Thanks to the cooperation of numerous organizations and universities in a range of countries, our international collaboration projects are thriving. Once again, this year’s International Week catalyzed new student and research exchange opportunities and reminded us of the importance of our partnerships.