From June 6 (Friday) to July 4 (Friday), 2025, 15 trainees from the University of Ulsan, South Korea, were accepted for the Ehime University Program “Studying Japan” for 29 days. The trainees took Japanese language classes provided by the Institute for International Relations and visited various places in the prefecture to deepen their understanding of the Japanese language and culture.
In the Japanese class, the students worked on learning to properly understand and convey the content of the conversation in an easy-to-understand manner, and to be able to use a wider range of vocabulary and expressions. The class also included interviews and exchanges with Japanese students at Ehime University. As cultural experiences, the students had an overview of waka poetry using the Hyakunin Isshu poem anthology and experienced karuta playing cards. They also visited places and facilities unique to Ehime, such as Uchiko Town and Shikokuchuo City, to enjoy Japanese culture, society, and scenery.
At the completion ceremony on the last day, the trainees were awarded certificates by Professor Kazuhiro Murakami of the Institute. Each student then gave a presentation on the differences between Korea and Japan from various perspectives based on interviews with Ehime University students. Japanese students with whom the trainees interacted during the program also came to watch the presentations, and the trainees gave their presentations in a tense but friendly atmosphere.
Since the academic exchange agreement between the University of Ulsan and Ehime University was signed in 2010, the two universities have continued active exchanges in various fields. The Institute for International Relations will continue to build on its exchange activities through such training programs.
＜Institute for International Relations＞