UEF News

Fall Study Program: Unforgettable memories of Japan for UEFers

10/25/2023

Following the series of international exchange activities in Japan organized by the UEF International Institute collaborating with Kobe International University - Fall Study Program 2023, UEFers once again have a chance to experience many interesting activities in the land of rising sun. Besides visiting various historical sites in Japan, UEFers also participated in soft skills classes and experienced the traditional costumes of this country.

Visit Hyogo with interesting culinary and cultural destinations

OCTOBER 23 - UEFers, along with Taiwanese students, attended Wagashi-making class and visited Himeji Castle in Hyogo province under Ms Ozawa’s guidance (An official from Kobe University). Salon de Tea Patissrie restaurant is conveniently located on a beautiful and peaceful road which, especially, has a lot of small shops selling various souvenirs and products related to the Himeji region. Wagashi is a traditional confection often served with tea. "Wa'' means Japanese, and "gashi" means confectionery. This cake is delicious and symbolic of Japanese culture and spirit. Wagashi is also the Japanese pride toward nature and the year's seasons.

To make Wagashi cake requires very meticulous steps from choosing ingredients to pre-processing and also demanding such professional, skillful, and intricate hand-shaping techniques to create a truly standard, and visually appealing cake. After "struggling" with various ingredients, the students were able to complete their own Wagashi and enjoyed this cake immediately with tea.

The students moved to the Salon de Tea Patissrie restaurant to experience making Wagashi

After participating in the Wagashi-making experience, the students enjoyed a local dish called Oden for lunch in front of the castle. Oden is a type of nabemono (Japanese one-pot dish) that includes ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon, or konjac, and fishcakes stewed in a light soy-flavored dashi broth. Oden originally is commonly known as misodengaku, or simply dengaku; konjac (konnyaku) or tofu was boiled and eaten with miso.

UEF students enjoyed a local dish for lunch

After lunch, the UEF delegation set out to visit Himeji Castle. The castle is also known as the White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant and white color. It is also regarded as the most magnificent castle in Japan due to its magnitude, stunning beauty as well as complex ground with excellent preservation. The castle is a national treasure and a world heritage site.

The students visited and admired the beauty of Himeji Castle temple

Finishing the tour, UEFers came back to the hotel to take a rest and prepare for the next journey.

Attend English class, experience Yutaka costumes with Halloween celebration

OCTOBER 24 - On the 7th day of the trip, UEFers, along with Taiwanese students, attended an English class at Kobe International University conducted by Mr. Yuki Shimomura (Former President of Kobe University) and Mr. Sumitami (English lecturer). During the class, they were introduced to a social issues topic in the field of Japanese Socio-Cultural Studies. Students learned about the current situation, causes, and consequences of Japan's aging population and its impact on labor productivity and the Japanese economy.

The students attentively listened to Mr. Sumitami shared the topic on culture and society in Japan

Ms. Sumitami accompanied the soft skills sharing session with the students

After finishing the English class, the UEFers had lunch at Kobe International University's cafeteria. They were very impressed with the quality of the food, the service, and the opportunity to admire the sea from a very close distance.

The UEF delegation enjoyed the lunch and admired the ocean view at the school’s cafeteria

Following lunch, the UEF delegation, along with Taiwanese students, had the opportunity to experience how to wear Yukata outfits under the guidance of Ms. Morimoto (a university lecturer). Yukata is a summer kimono made of unlined cotton fabric, traditionally worn on casual settings like summer festivals and to nearby bathhouses. Originally worn like a bathrobe, their modern use is much broader, and is a common sight in Japan during the summer. Yukata is primarily made from indigo-dyed cotton fabric. However, with its popularity in the late 1990s, there is now a wide variety of colors and styles available.

Ms. Morimoto shared details about the Yukata costume

UEFers quickly chose for themselves Yukata outfits they liked afterwards. They were then further guided by university staff on how to wear these clothes and took yearbook photos on the university campus.

he students chose Yukata outfits that were suitable for themselves

The yearbook photos of the UEFers with Yukata costume at Kobe University

At the end of the traditional Yukata costume experience, the UEF delegation with international students joined a meeting about the "Halloween Festival" at the university. Students from different institutions interacted, chatted, and had fun during this festival.

UEFers with the international student exchanged joyfully on the Halloween topic

Through this journey, the students continued accessing and learning many new things through the culture and advanced education from the land of rising sun. This is all useful knowledge, contributing to filling the integration bagged and improving the learning quality of UEFers.

Quang Huy

Photos: UEF International Institute