Japanese students experience Aussie adventure
Students from Miyagi University of Education (MUE) in Japan have recently visited the CQUniversity Cairns campus on an international study tour.
The immersive cross-cultural exchange showcased the growing partnership between the two institutions and provided an enriching experience for both students and hosts alike.
In 2023, 12 MUE students visited the Cairns campus and this year, the cohort included 31 students – a significant increase from the pilot program.
CQUniversity Partnerships and Mobility Coordinator Dominic de Moura McCarthy said he was thrilled to see the collaboration grow.
“CQUniversity values our long and enduring partnership with MUE Japan," Mr de Moura McCarthy said.
“It was a pleasure to welcome such a large cohort of students to the Cairns campus for two weeks,” he said.
During their visit, MUE students engaged in various activities aimed at enhancing their academic and cultural experiences, participating in CQUEnglish classes, staying with local homestay hosts and joining cultural and tourist excursions led by CQUniversity Connect assistants.
Connect assistants Riley Briggs and Kate Porter said the cross-cultural experience had a positive impact on both the visiting students and the campus community.
“The MUE study tour was both rewarding and genuinely enjoyable. It offered valuable insights, making it a highly enriching experience,” Riley said.
“It doesn't feel like work when you're excited to go to your job each day,” Kate agreed.
“It was a pleasure to work with every person involved. We were proud of how well the student presentations went. We built a relationship with the group and organised a classic BBQ send-off for them.
“At the BBQ, we were presented with a card with heartfelt messages. Some students teared up and said they hoped to come back to Cairns and see us again one day. It has been such a unique and wonderful experience that I will never forget.”
Among the myriad of activities, students had the opportunity to gain insights into the Australian education system through visits to local schools, including Edge Hill State School and Peace Lutheran College.
MUE Director of the Research Center for International Understanding in Education, Professor Tomonori Ichinose highlighted the diverse learning opportunities students were able to engage in.
“Our student tour was interrupted due to COVID, but thanks to CQU Cairns, last year we were able to recover our short-term training," Prof Ichinose said.
“Our MUE students will become primary and secondary education teachers in the future. Through school visits to elementary and lower secondary schools, students were able to learn about the differences in education methods and school cultures between Australia and our own country.
“Through interaction with CQU students, students were able to deepen friendships of the same generation. Through the homestay experience, students were able to experience the kindness and cultural life of the Australian people."
