Vietnamese students invited by Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science visit Kyoto University's GSGES (18-26 February 2015)

Ten students and three lecturers from three universities in Vietnam (Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hue University College of Agriculture and Forestry, and Da Nang University of Technology) toured environment-related facilities at Kyoto University and other organizations in Japan.

At a reception party on 18 February, the participants interacted with Kyoto University students who had visited Vietnam in 2013 through the international exchange course, and with teaching staff that are engaged in that country. Next day, Vietnamese students studying at Kyoto University delivered a briefing on the institution and gave a presentation on KU's international exchange program "Let's Study Abroad". Then, the participants visited a micro-chemical agents analysis laboratory operated by the Environmentally-friendly Industries for Sustainable Development, Kyoto University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies (GSGES), and met with Professor Shigeo Fujii, the Dean of GSGES, and Professor Kayo Inaba, Executive Vice-President for Gender Equality, International Affairs, and Public Relations, who delivered briefings on the activities of GSGES and international exchange programs provided by Kyoto University. On 20 February, the participants visited the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims and other sites to study issues relating to war and peace. On 23 February, guided by residents, they toured "Kabata" at Harie in Shiga Prefecture to observe the harmonious relationship between spring water and local people practicing a sustainable lifestyle. Next day, they attended a lecture on organic farming and reforestation activities being conducted by a local company. Finally, on 23 February, the participants visited Lake Biwa Museum to study the history of the relationship between the aquatic environment and local inhabitants.

Throughout the period, Kyoto University undergraduate students who had visited Vietnam through the international exchange program and graduate students who had served their internships in Vietnam cooperated in the implementation of the program. Through visiting environment-related facilities in each other's countries and deepening mutual understanding, both Vietnamese and Japanese students were able to enhance their transnational understanding and respect.