Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL) organized the 5th Winter School, 2019 at Gifu University from December 2 to 27, 2019. Five students from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG, India), and the National University of Malaysia (UKM, Malaysia) took part in various programs offered during the school (the two universities are Gifu University's oversea partners of the Joint Degree programs (Master's and PhD, started in April 2019). During their stay in Japan, five students engaged in research work at their labs, experienced cultural events and activities, and joined a company inspection tour, etc.

On December 11, the students attended a twelve-layered traditional kimono workshop hosted by the Center for Japanese Language and Culture, Gifu University. They also tried their hands at making Japanese sweets at one of the long-established confection stores in Gifu City on December 13. They all expressed their deep appreciation for the opportunity of experiencing traditional Japanese culture firsthand.

On December 17, the students visited Sinfonia Technology Co., Ltd. (advanced parts and high quality equipment manufacturer, located in Mie Prefecture) and observed its research facilities after being briefed the company overview from the officials.

The Accomplishment Reports session was held on December 19. Five students introduced what they have learned from the school programs, made presentations on their research results and insights in a very systematic manner. At the end of the session, President of Gifu University, Hisataka Moriwaki made the following remarks: "I am very glad to hear that all of you did your utmost best on your Japanese studies and laboratory work in your respective research labs within a very short period of time. In addition, I hope that your participation in other extracurricular activities and events that took place during this year's Winter School provided you with invaluable opportunities to practice the Japanese language you had learned and immerse yourself in Japanese culture firsthand. I hope that the brief and yet fulfilling time you had experienced in Gifu University and Gifu Prefecture will inspire you to return to Gifu University again to pursue further studies and research in your field of specialization in the near future. We would definitely welcome you back again."

After the president's speech, Dr. Fumiaki Suzuki, Executive Director for International Affairs and Public Relations handed out the certificate of completion to each student.

GU-GLOCAL is hoping that the winter school programs will continue offering students an opportunity to study in Japan and also facilitate deeper understanding about international collaborative education among Gifu University students, teaching and administrative staff members in the future.

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