A total of 45 visitors from University of South Florida fully enjoyed Gifu and Gifu University

　Gifu University has concluded an interuniversity academic exchange agreement with University of South Florida (USF) in the United States, and a wide range of exchange activities are actively taking place between the two institutions.
　From May 17 to 21, 2026, a total of 45 participants--including 20 students from the Honors College (Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts), 17 students from the College of Public Health, 6 faculty and staff members from USF, as well as 2 USF College of Medicine students currently studying abroad at Gifu University on a short-term basis--fully enjoyed their visit to Gifu and Gifu University.
　The group traveled to Takayama City on May 17. Beginning on the morning of the 18th, they visited the Miyagawa Morning Market, the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, and Hida Folk Village. In the afternoon, following a courtesy visit to Mayor Tanaka, they attended a lecture by Mr. Ushimaru, Director of the Takayama City Board of Education, titled "The Culture, Traditions, and Medical Care of Hida Takayama," and also toured Takayama Red Cross Hospital under the guidance of Director Takenaka and Dr. Shiroko. It was truly a full and enriching day. This visit to Takayama City was made possible through the wholehearted cooperation of Associate Professor Takahashi, specially appointed to the Department of Community-Based Co-Creative Hida Takayama Health Professions Education Program at the Medical Education and Development Center, Gifu University. We sincerely appreciate the wonderful planning and generous support.
　On May 19, the group traveled to Gujo City and paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Yamakawa at Gujo City Hall. Mayor Yamakawa is also a neurosurgeon and a graduate of the Gifu University School of Medicine. The group then visited Gujo-Hachiman Elementary School, where a nutrition teacher Yamashita gave a lecture on Japanese school lunches and food education. The visitors observed the lunch program and afterward played together with fifth- and sixth-grade students and even joined them in cleaning activities. Accompanied by a local festival music club, the group also participated in the famous Gujo Odori dance which has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Everyone formed a large circle in the school gymnasium and danced together to the well-known songs "Kawasaki" and "Harukoma." We are deeply grateful to the principal Fukute, the executive director Tsuji of the Gujo-Hachiman International Friendship Association (GIFA), and all those who warmly supported the visit.
　On May 20, the group finally visited the Gifu University campus. In the morning, they toured the Gifu University Hospital, including the doctor helicopter and earthquake-resistant facilities, and attended a lecture by Professor Yamamoto, a Director of the Health Administration Center on "Japan's National Health Insurance System and University Health Management." This was followed by greetings from the University President Yoshida and Vice Presidents Lim conducting international exchange. After lunch, the Japanese Music Club performed traditional Japanese instruments such as the koto, shakuhachi, and shamisen. In particular, the performance of "Country Roads" using traditional Japanese instruments left a strong impression on the visitors. Afterwards, Professor Morbid conducted a joint medical English class with 78 third-year Nursing College students, Gifu University School of Medicine. Through small-group discussions, origami activities, and exchanging colored paper messages, the students greatly enjoyed themselves and deepened their exchange. The group then moved to the martial arts hall, where they watched demonstrations by the Iaido Club and sparring performances by the Shorinji Kempo Club. Everyone watched with great interest. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Japanese Music Club, Iaido Club, and Shorinji Kempo Club for their wonderful performances, as well as to the University Hospital and the Department of Nursing for their generous cooperation.
　　After this, 13 students and faculty members from the Faculty of Regional Studies, with whom they had studied together through Virtual Global Education (VGE), joined the group and boarded a traditional ukai (cormorant fishing) boat. The students from both universities were said to have been captivated by the 1,300-year history and tradition of this cultural performance. I also heard that on May 21 the visitors further enjoyed sightseeing and exploring the history of Gifu City.
　For students, experiences such as these are invaluable first steps toward becoming globally minded individuals who can respect one another's cultures and traditions and act with an international perspective. Gifu University will continue to deepen and expand its exchanges with partner institutions overseas.