The School of Political Science and Economics (SPSE) hosted a short-term inbound program from Northeastern University (USA) from May 25 to June 15, 2026, welcoming 28 students.
Northeastern University is a private comprehensive university located in Massachusetts, USA. Since launching this program in 2008, SPSE has annually welcomed students from Northeastern University for a short-term program. The program offers special lectures delivered by SPSE faculty members, as well as opportunities for student exchange and off-campus excursions.
During the program, participants attended lectures on Japanese politics, economics, society, and culture, deepening their understanding of Japan. In addition to on-campus classes, the students took part in a guided tour of the National Diet, allowing them to experience Japan’s political and economic environment firsthand.
For student exchange activities, “The Supporters”, SPSE’s International Exchange Student Committee, played a leading role in welcoming the participants.
【Voices from The Supporters】
May 25: Welcome Party
A welcome party was held for students from Northeastern University who had just arrived in Japan, with the aim of encouraging smooth interaction over the coming month. Participants experienced a wide range of Japanese cultural activities, such as kendama, target shooting, and bean-transfer games. Through carefully designed activities that could be enjoyed beyond language barriers, the event was a great success and provided an excellent start to building friendships.
May 29–30: Weekend Trip to Yamanaka Seminar House
A total of 34 students from SPSE participated in the weekend trip, where they engaged in recreational activities and sightseeing around the Mt. Fuji area together with students from Northeastern University. In planning and managing the trip, The Supporters members held extensive discussions to ensure that all participants could enjoy the experience. While living together, we became keenly aware of cultural and value differences; however, these differences prompted lively communication. The trip proved to be a meaningful experience, offering valuable learning opportunities through exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives.
May 31: Japanese Culture Experience Event
The cultural experience event consisted of four activity booths. Some challenges arose in time management, as differences in activity duration affected the schedule. Despite unexpected issues on the day, participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The event highlighted areas for improvement in operations while demonstrating the significant value of cultural exchange opportunities.
June 15: Farewell Party
The Supporters organized the farewell party to express appreciation for the time spent together in Japan and to send off the participants. Through activities such as word-chain games and pose games, participants shared an enjoyable final experience. In planning the event, The Supporters members repeatedly discussed ways to ensure that everyone could participate easily and have fun. After the party, students from both universities took commemorative photos and exchanged heartfelt farewells, creating lasting memories of their time in Japan.
(Written by: The Supporters)
Through this program, it is hoped that student exchange between the two universities will continue to flourish, and that students will further enrich their academic life and future career.
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here for short-term exchange programs (inbound)
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here for "The Supporters" (Japanese only)
