As part of research exchange activities based on the Framework of Agreement between Gifu University and the Ministry of Education, Thailand, Mr. Sujin Sawangsri, Director of Lopburi Panyanukul School visited Gifu University on June 23, 2017. He gave a lecture for the students studying the Training Course for Teachers at Special Needs School at the Faculty of Education.

Mr. Sawangsri introduced a unique curriculum for children with special needs focusing on job-seeking and employment. The curriculum starts from a kindergarten and when students enter a junior high school, they take part in working experience programs to know more about themselves, such as their interests and skills. The whole audience was intently listening to his presentation. They came to learn that special curricula are in place for children with disabilities at an earlier age than in Japan. Later, many questions were raised from the students such as, "What is unique about special needs education in Thailand as opposed to that in Japan?" "What about a turnover rate in Thailand?" After attending the lecture, the students had developed deeper understanding about special needs education from global points of view.

Lastly, Professor Naotake Iketani, Dean of the Faculty of Education gave Mr. Sawangsri a letter of appreciation for his lecture, and they confirmed continued, strong partnership between the two universities. The lecture turned out to be an enormous success with participation of so many ardent students studying special needs education.