A summer school program, "2014 Kyoto Study Program for Kasetsart University," was conducted in Kyoto in collaboration with Kasetsart University, Thailand. Organized by the Human Security Development Educational Unit, this program was implemented as the inbound program for the outbound international program "Changing Southeast Asia Environment, Industry and Society," which is offered by the Graduate School of Agriculture in collaboration with the Organization for the Promotion of International Affairs, scheduled from September 1-13.
The thirteen-day summer school program was held from May 13 to May 23 and was facilitated by Prof. Nawata, Prof. Kanzaki, and Prof. Shiraiwa from the Faculty/Graduate School of Agriculture; Ms. Yuri Ohara and Ms. Miho Seto from Administration Office, North Campus; and Dr. Tobina, a lecturer at the Human Security Development Educational Unit. The participating students were given the status of "short-term exchange students" at KU's Faculty of Agriculture.
The participating students attended a lecture entitled "Agri-Food World in Japan: Present and Future," presented by Associate Professor Akitsu. They also visited the experimental farm of the Graduate School of Agriculture, Fujita Forestry, the Log Producer's Association, Kayabuki-no-sato, the Otsu and Southern Shiga Agricultural and Rural Development Promotion Office, the terraced rice-fields of Ritto City, the Kyoto Prefectural Biotechnology Research Department, the Tea Industry Research Division, and the Suntory Brewery. Students gained insight into Japanese agriculture, forestry, and environmental issues via the lecture and the visits. They also examined ecosystems and eco-preservation activities in the Lake Biwa area during the field trip to Lake Biwa Museum.
The students also participated in the Kyoto Cultural Study by attending a lecture on Kyoto culture, which was offered by Associate Professor Yukawa of the International Center. Students not only visited world cultural heritages in Kyoto and Nishiki Ichiba, a traditional market but also experienced Yuzen dyeing and kimono wearing.
The students were divided into five groups and participated in group discussions that were held throughout the school program. Students also made group presentations on the last day of the program.
During the course of the summer school, dozens of Japanese students from Kyoto University, regardless of their fields of studies, engaged in several activities and developed meaningful friendships with the Thai students.
 Experimental farm of the Graduate School of Agriculture |  Visit to terraced rice-fields in Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture |
 Visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in kimono |  Lecture at Lake Biwa Museum |
 Group presentations |  Group photo at the farewell party |
