Gifu University 2014 Summer School started on Wednesday, June 4. Every year between June and July, Gifu University offers eight-week and four-week courses to overseas university students. This year, 17 participating students from Lund University (Sweden) arrived for an eight-week course. Those students will be at campus until the end of July, so please feel free to speak to them when they are around.
This year marks the 27^th year of our summer school program. In addition to Japanese language class, participating students can go on excursions to Mino City (wadaiko experience & kimono wearing), Toki City (pottery class), and Gujo City. In Gujo City, students have a homestay for three nights. Additionally, the program is full of various events including Noh & Kyogen workshop, sumo watching, and overnight trip to Kamikochi. Participating students live with summer school tutors in an off-campus facility for two months, and during their stay in Japan, students and tutors build a strong bond through having a meal together, studying together and sharing their lives together. A number of Japanese student tutors decided to go abroad and study at Lund University or other overseas universities after their summer school tutoring experience.
Following the opening ceremony and guidance session at International Student Center Wednesday afternoon, June 4, students went on a campus tour. After the tour, welcome tea party was held at Exchange Lounge. The party started with a speech from Dr. Takeuchi, Director of International Student Center, and the attendees made a toast with soft drinks.
At the welcome tea party, participating students introduced themselves in Japanese, followed by self-introduction of student tutors. In a friendly atmosphere, students became closer and had a pleasant conversation as if they were old friends.
We will report more on the coming summer school events. 4-week course starts from Wednesday, June 25, and 4 students are participating from Mokpo National University (South Korea).