On November 25, 2024, 24 students from Zhongqiao vocational and technical University embarked on a seven-day short-term study tour to Japan. On the second day of their trip, they arrived at Nagasaki International University (Nagasaki Kokusai Daigaku) in Sasebo, Nagasaki. The university’s motto, “いつも人から、そして心から (Always from people, and from the heart),” embodies a teaching philosophy that emphasizes a people-oriented and heart-centered approach.
Professor Ikenaga, a distinguished professor in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Nagasaki International University, introduced the visiting teachers and students to the unique features of Nagasaki Prefecture’s tourist areas, covering its geographical location, regional distribution, and local culture. Through this introduction, the students gained deeper insights into the geography, culture, and historical evolution of Nagasaki. During their campus meal, they sampled authentic Japanese-style campus cuisine, experiencing the daily life of local students.
At Nagasaki International University, tea culture became a unique bridge for in-depth interaction and exchange between Zhongqiao students and Japanese students. The Japanese students meticulously demonstrated the steps of the tea ceremony, while Zhongqiao students observed attentively. The Japanese students shared the respect and pursuit of nature, interpersonal relationships, and inner tranquility inherent in the tea ceremony, while Zhongqiao students expressed their feelings and newfound insights from this unique cultural experience. Within the small tea room, cultural integration and heartfelt communication transcended language barriers, leaving an unforgettable and precious mark on this study tour.
On November 28, the study group flew to Tokyo and visited Teikyo Heisei University and its affiliated language school in Chiba Prefecture. As a comprehensive university integrating health and medical services, it offers students ample opportunities for practical internships to enhance hands-on abilities. The faculty provided detailed introductions to the Japanese teaching system, program offerings, and advantages in further education, while also offering guidance on professional-related academic advancement.
This study tour provided students with a broad platform for learning and exchange, allowing them to experience cultural differences, expand their international perspectives, and clarify their future academic goals and plans.
