2015 Yonsei University Spring School concludes successfully (2-23 March 2015)

As part of the Short-Term Study Abroad Program under the Agreement on Inter-University Students Exchange (also known as the East Asia Short-Term Study Abroad Program), this year's spring school program at Yonsei University in South Korea was held from 2 to 23 March 2015. With the full cooperation of Yonsei University, a partner university under the agreement, the three-week program focused in particular on study of the Korean language, experiencing local culture, and promoting exchange between Korean and Japanese students. All participating KU students were exempted from tuition and accommodation fees thanks to financial support from the host university. Each participant was accompanied by a "buddy" student from Yonsei throughout the program, so that students on both sides could develop mutual friendships. Fifteen KU students, who had been selected from a much larger number of applicants, took part in the program.

In the language lessons, KU students were grouped by proficiency, studying side by side with students from numerous other countries. Classes were held at Yonsei University Korean Language Institute, a world-renowned institute for studying Korean. All of the KU students worked very hard, making great progress in language proficiency. They also participated in cultural programs, such as touring the city of Seoul, tasting local cuisine, and practicing taekwondo.

The spring school also included a joint student exchange seminar in which a number of Yonsei students participated. Students of both universities gave presentations, followed by lively discussions in English, Japanese, and Korean, chaired by Professors Tomoko Seto and Henry Em at the Underwood International College of Yonsei University. Prior to the spring school, KU students had prepared presentations in Korean with assistance from Korean students studying in Kyoto. Thanks to these efforts, all KU participants successfully delivered their presentations in Korean. In addition, the Yonsei students interviewed KU students on the subject of "Minorities in Japan, Images of Sengo (the post WWII period)".

Based on the experiences they gained through the program, it is anticipated that participating students will continue to develop this fledgling exchange, leading to even deeper bilateral ties in future.

Report from a Participating Student

Yudai Nishiyama
Deputy group leader for Yonsei University Spring School
Third-year, Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto University
(Report presented at a debriefing held Friday 27 March 2015)

This year's Yonsei University Spring School, including classes in which we took part and our life in the city of Seoul, were as follows.

Korean language classes were given at Yonsei University Korean Language Institute, where students from around the world study Korean together using the Institute's original curriculum. Only Korean can be used in class, meaning that we had to listen attentively all the time. The multifaceted coursework enhances comprehensive language learning. It provided us with a rare opportunity of communicating with students of many nationalities sitting together with us. We also enjoyed a wide range of cultural experiences, including practicing taekwondo, learning through TV dramas, and cooking. During tours of the city of Seoul, we experienced traditional culture by trying on hanbok dress and attending a tea ceremony.

In the student seminar, we interacted with students studying at Yonsei University's international college. Both sides delivered distinctive presentations, covering various subjects including the universities at which we study, life experiences, and cultural topics. We had conversations about campus life and national culture with students who had shared interests.

Off campus we were fully exposed to the Korean language: on the streets between the university and the station, and even in our hotel room where as we watched Korean television programs. At first, the cold winter air in the city froze me and the unfamiliar language also seemed harsh, a double-blow to body and mind. In such surroundings, our group sometimes met downtown at a restaurant full of Hangul characters. How wonderful it was to enjoy meals that I managed to choose myself from the Hangul menu! As my tongue gradually became used to the hot flavor of gochu, spring was blooming in the city.

In Seoul, we noticed the large degree to which people's daily lives were infused with influence from Japan. Back home, it would appear that the boom in public interest in Korea has subsided somewhat, but I believe Korea continues to have a great deal of attractions to offer. Based on my experiences in this program, I aim to contribute to deepening mutual cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries, and continue working hard to enhance my Korean proficiency as well as global leadership skills.

The Short-Term Study Abroad Program under the Agreement on Inter-University Student Exchange (also known as the East Asia Short-Term Study Abroad Program)

Each academic year, Kyoto University sponsors seven groups as part of the Short-Term Study Abroad Program under the Agreement on Inter-University Student Exchange, in order to provide students from Kyoto with opportunities to take part in exchanges with students in other countries, become more globally-minded, and to improve foreign language proficiency. In principle tuition is free, and participating Kyoto University students have the same status as visiting exchange students. During 2014, the program was supported by the ASEAN-focused "Re-Inventing Japan Project", the JASSO (Japan Student Service Organization) Scholarship Program in important policy frameworks, the project for core universities facilitating international students admission, and the Kyoto University Global Frontier Project for Young Researchers (the "John Mung Program").