On August 8, 2023, our campus, in collaboration with high schools, proudly hosted the "Cultural Connections: Celebrating Similarities, Bridging Differences" international educational program. This initiative brought together six schools from Nagano Prefecture: Inakita High School, Suwa Futaba High School, Suwa Seiryo High School, Kamiina Agricultural High School, Okaya Minami High School, and Yashiro High School. It's an extension of our ongoing collaboration with Inakita High School, building upon the success of last year's high school-university joint Collaborative International Program.

The event kick-started with Dr. Hamano, from our Center for Global Education and Collaboration (GEC), introducing the participating high school students to the world of international exchange and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) at Shinshu University. Their rapt attention mirrored their keen interest. Adding an international flair, university students including thirteen international students at our Ina Campus also joined in the event. The day's activities began with participants forming seven lively groups and engaging in a joyful game called "Bozumekuri," using the timeless verses of Hyakunin Isshu.

Dr. Fawaz, from the Faculty of Agriculture, took the stage to deliver an enlightening lecture using a fun quiz format. This approach aimed to delve into the depths of cultural diversity, capturing the participants' curiosity and active engagement.

The heart of the event lay in the subsequent group discussions, where topics such as school life, food habits, and festivals sparked lively exchanges on the similarities and differences between Japan and other countries. Each group distilled their insights onto slides, showcasing their newfound understanding. Impressively, the high school students confidently presented their discoveries in English, a testament to their dedication and passion for cross-cultural dialogue.

As group presentations concluded, the program's resonant slogan: "With Cultural Connections, let's Unite and Break Barriers" echoed harmoniously, infusing the atmosphere with unity and enthusiasm. The event's vitality was further elevated by a spirited pose performance, further cementing the camaraderie among participants.

The feedbacks received from participating students are as follows: "Participating has been an incredibly enriching experience, filling me with a multitude of positive thoughts." Another participant shared, "This event went beyond what I expected, igniting fresh possibilities within me."

The "Cultural Connections" event stands as a testament to the potential of unity through diversity, embodying our commitment to nurturing cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect. As we continue this journey, we extend an invitation to all to join us in celebrating the beauty of cultural diversity and forging connections that transcend borders.