University of the Ryukyus

~2011 International Student Field Trip~

An international student field trip to the Kansai region was held from December 8th to 10th by the International Student Department.

The purpose of this trip was so that international students who are registered at the University of the Ryukyus would have a cross-cultural experience by directly seeing the difference in culture and environment between mainland Japan and Okinawa. The field trip to the Kansai region, which is held in December every year, was the 30th time for this program.

For this trip, 40 participants were selected from among international graduate and undergraduate students in their last year, international trainees in the Japanese language and culture programs, and international special auditor students. (The trip was conducted by three faculty members from the International Student Department.) Many students had their first experience at a Japanese hot spring, and some were also excited to see snow for the first time in their lives. This trip became an unforgettable, wonderful trip for them. The trip schedule was as follows:

First day: Kiyomizu Temple ~ Sanzenin (Kyoto)
Second day: Mt. Hiei Enryaku Temple ~ Kinkaku Temple ~ Arashiyama ~ Nijo Castle ~ Nishiki market street (Kyoto)
Third day: Nara Todai Temple ~ Osaka Castle ~ Namba strolling (Osaka)

First-day group photograph after dinner

Viewing deer at Todai Temple, Nara

Group photograph in front of the Temple of the Great Buddha, Todai Temple, Nara