From May 26 to June 7, 2025, students from the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu (UHWO) participated in the KSU Summer Program 2025, hosted by Kyushu Sangyo University (KSU) in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.
This immersive two-week program offered UHWO students a rich blend of Japanese language instruction, cultural workshops, and excursions across Fukuoka and Nagasaki, all guided and supported by KSU students. Participants entered the program with varying levels of Japanese language proficiency and cultural familiarity, but all made notable progress as the days went on—demonstrating increased confidence, curiosity, and cultural sensitivity.
Hands-on cultural activities included calligraphy, traditional Japanese games, and kendo. Excursions brought the students to historic and cultural landmarks such as Ōhori Park, Fukuoka Castle Ruins, Marine World Aquarium, Dazaifu Tenmangū Shrine, Dejima, Glover Garden, Shinchi Chinatown, and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.
One student reflected:
“Thank you all so much for making this study abroad experience unforgettable. I feel grateful to have been part of such an extraordinary opportunity, and I’m especially thankful for the friendships and bonds that were built throughout the program. I genuinely enjoyed everyone’s company—from the laughs to the deep talks—and I’ll always cherish the memories we created together.”
The program fostered not only academic growth, but also personal connections and mutual understanding—embodying the spirit of global learning and cultural exchange.
