Activity Report-The "Agricultural Engineering and Cultural Experiences in Kobe " (June 2 to June 27,2025)
ad_sekaFrom June 2 to 27, 2025, we conducted the four-week Summer Program: Agricultural Engineering and Cultural Experiences in Kobe. 6 students participated
in this program from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).
Week1: Japanese Language, Culture, and Cross-Cultural Understanding Program
During Week 1, students focused on learning Japanese language/culture and cross-cultural understanding through lectures delivered by Kobe University's
lecturers. Many Japanese students from our university also participated in these lectures. Through conversation practice in Japanese, discussions about
cross-cultural topics in both Japanese and English, and presentations, participants deepened their understanding of Japan and each other's cultures and
languages.
Week2: Special Lectures: Dr. Brian Woodall from the Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) and Dr. Sangjin Ryu by UNL
During Week 2, we welcomed Dr. Brian Woodall from GT and Dr. Sangjin Ryu from UNL to deliver special lectures. Students from UNL and Kobe
University participated together in classes, learning about “Energy, Environment, and Society” by Dr. Brian Woodall and “Academic Writing” by
Dr. Sangjin Ryu. Discussions on global issues with the SDGs in mind, along with presentations by international and Japanese students, both UNL and
Kobe University students participating with keen interest and enthusiasm.
Presentation by UNL and Kobe University students on natural disasters and disaster prevention in Japan and Nebraska
Week3-4: Lab Experiences, a Tour of the Kubota Factory, and a Visit to the Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko
During the final 2 weeks, we conducted lab experiences in 2 separate sessions. Starting this week, 3 students from our partner, IPB University, joined us.
Divided into 3 groups, they conducted experiments and practical training in 6 laboratories belonging to the Division of Agricultural Engineering and
Socio-Economics, Graduate School of Agricultural Science. We also provided opportunities to learn about Japanese history, culture, and industry through
excursions, including a tour of the Kubota factory and a visit to the Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko.
Final Day: Group Presentations on Lab Experiences and Farewell Party
On the final day, participating the international students presented the outcomes of their lab experiences in groups. Each presentation showcased experiences
tailored to the unique characteristics of their respective laboratories. Engaging with research outside their primary fields sparked innovative ideas, resulting
in highly interesting presentations from every group. Furthermore, through various activities including classes, lab experiences, and excursions, the students
deepened their bonds. After the presentation, they seemed reluctant to part ways. Starting next academic year, we will further expand our international student
acceptance system. This includes offering lab experiences in departments beyond the Division of Agricultural Engineering and Socio-Economics, and inviting
participation from other overseas partner universities.
※The “Summer School of Agricultural Engineering and Cultural Experiences in Kobe” was part of the “International Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Program for Global Human Resource Development to solve global issues through Food-related Science, Business and Culture,” adopted under
the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Inter-University Exchange Project.
Graduate School of Agricultural Science Faculty of Agriculture
