The International Collaboration Office held project-based learning (PBL) results presentations at the Nakano and Izumi campuses on July 13 and 15.
At the presentations, students who participated in the Japan-U.S. Interuniversity Exchange Program for Developing Individuals with the Ability to Shape the Future organized through the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Study Abroad under Agreement) in academic year 2025 reported on the outcomes of their PBL activities under the guidance of MIZOBE Yasuo, Deputy Director of the International Student Center and Professor in the School of Global Japanese Studies. As a new initiative, the presentations were also attended by students with an interest in international experiences and those considering studying abroad.
While studying abroad, the participating students took specialized courses related to four themes: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), multicultural societies, innovation, and comparisons between Japan and the United States. As they deepened their understanding of U.S. society, they conducted fieldwork and research, and proposed solutions to challenges facing both the international community and Japanese society.
At the presentations, 13 students, each of whom had studied for one academic year at one of seven universities, were divided into four groups and gave presentations. The host universities were the State University of New York at New Paltz, University at Buffalo, Arkansas State University, Temple University, Southern Utah University, San Francisco State University, and California State University, Long Beach.
The four presentation topics were “Gender awareness in the United States and regional characteristics,” “Prospects for Japan viewed through immigration issues in the United States,” “A comparison of mutual perceptions and behavioral patterns in Japan and the United States, with a focus on media, attitudes toward work, communication, and consumer behavior,” and “The realities of AI innovation in the United States from the perspectives of education, student-run companies[A1.1], and autonomous driving.” After examining their respective topics, the students presented proposals aimed at addressing the identified challenges. Following the presentations, audience members asked questions about what the students had learned and experienced while studying abroad.
The program aims to enhance students’ ability to identify and solve problems, intercultural understanding, and communication skills through specialized study and practical PBL activities at their host universities. The presentations gave participating students an opportunity to reflect on and share what they had learned. They also helped students interested in studying abroad gain a deeper understanding of academic and everyday life overseas.
The International Collaboration Office will continue to support self-directed student learning and further enhance study abroad programs that foster an international outlook.