News & Events

The School of Arts and Letters conducted a field training program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from September 8 to 14, 2025. Aimed at deepening cross-cultural understanding and encouraging students to consider their own career development, this year’s program was attended by 13 students in the School of Arts and Letters, ranging from first to fourth year, participated.

During the preparatory training held at the Surugadai Campus from May to August, they studied Vietnam’s history and social background. Additionally, they conducted a survey targeting local business professionals to explore the meaning of work.

On site, participants visited the War Remnants Museum, which preserves records of the Vietnam War, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, known as an underground base from the war era, deepening our understanding of the historical context.

Furthermore, they conducted field research with students from Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology (HUFLIT) on the theme of the “meaning of work” for Vietnamese people. They also experienced diverse programs, including exchanges at Japanese language schools and orphanages, and a career forum with local Japanese business professionals.

A social gathering with the local alumni organization Saigon Shikonkai was also held, and the students were warmly welcomed. Students shared feedback such as, “It made working overseas feel more accessible,” and “It gave me a chance to think about my future goals.”

Toward the end of the training, participants gave team presentations on the theme of differences in values between Japanese and Vietnamese people, followed by individual presentations on their own “meaning of work.” For the participating students, it served as a valuable international experience in which they reflected on themselves within a different culture.