- 11/24/2025
On Saturday, October 25th, short-term exchange students opened a “Global Game Park” booth at Hiroshima University of Economics University Festival. This initiative aimed to allow exchange students to introduce their home countries' cultures and languages while interacting with local residents and students from our university. Preparations were made in cooperation with a student volunteer group called “VIVA.”*
On the day of the event, an adult-oriented “Language Corner” where local residents could experience the native languages of international students and a “Game Corner” where children could enjoy activities with the students were set up. Over 100 people (local residents, children and students) visited the event and enjoyed the international exchange.
Participating international students shared feedback such as, “It was fun to interact directly with local residents,” and “I was happy to introduce my country's culture.” For exchange students, this provided a valuable opportunity to practically apply their studies in Japan, while also giving an opportunity to Japanese volunteer students to deepen their cross-cultural understanding. Through this event, connections expanded between the local community, the university, and students from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating a warm moment of international exchange.
※“VIVA” is a student volunteer group comprising of Japanese students and full-time international students at our university. The group aims to support short-term exchange students in their campus life and daily routines, while also fostering mutual understanding of each other's cultures and values through interaction with students from various countries. Through active initiatives such as planning and running welcome events for international students and international exchange activities, members themselves develop their international awareness and broaden their global perspectives.