From August 25 to September 3, the School of Science and Technology conducted its International Practicum program in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of the multidisciplinary specialized subjects. The program consists of pre-departure study, practical training in Thailand, and a presentation session after returning to Japan. This year, a total of 29 students participated, including 26 students from the School of Science and Technology and three from the School of Global Japanese Studies.
As part of their pre-departure study, the students learned about the Thai language and culture and interacted online with students from Srinakharinwirot University in Thailand in preparation for the practical training.
During the field training from August 26, the students attended lectures on the Thai language and culture at the Meiji University ASEAN Center and participated in an exchange program with students from Srinakharinwirot University. The students traveled around Bangkok together, deepening their exchanges and understanding of local life and culture. They also participated in Thai cooking classes and traditional dance and music workshops, gaining firsthand experience of Thai food and arts and culture.
During four days of the field training, the students also visited four facilities operated by Japanese companies in Thailand and learned about manufacturing operations, quality control, and production systems. At roundtable discussions with employees stationed at each company, the students were introduced to the realities of working overseas and career development, providing them with a valuable opportunity to consider their future career paths.
On the last day, the students attended a special lecture by Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Thailand, a nonprofit organization working to reduce food waste. The students learned about the impact of food loss and waste on society and the environment and deepened their understanding of initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable society.
Through the program, the students deepened their understanding of Thai history and culture and had an opportunity to consider their fields of specialization and future careers from a global perspective. The School of Science and Technology hopes that the program will contribute to the students’ future research activities and career development.