ジェンダー、持続可能な開発目標（SDGs）、各国の市場特性など、さまざまなトピックについて話し合っていた時間のおかげで、 文化の多様性が非常に大きいことが気づきました。 それ以来、考えは広がり、自信を持って自分の国の考えや文化を表現できるようになりました。
The field trip and cultural experiences were also very intriguing as it helped us to explore Japanese culture more virtually. In the field trip, observing the technology advancement of Sake production from traditional methods to machinery based and to whole other innovations of cosmetics was remarkable to see.
日本語のクラスでは京都に関する文章、俳句、短歌などを勉強した。 文学作品を読むことで、母国で学んだことと全く違う日本の魅力を強く感じ、 また自分が勉強すべき方向を見つけた。今後もたくさんの文学作品を味わい、 日本の美と文化を楽しみたいと思う。
One of my favorite aspects of the class was our Breakout Rooms, in which we could ask questions to actual Kyoto University students. Here, I was able to converse and practice my learned phrases while getting to know my peers in Japan better. I must admit, I might have asked some non-sensical and basic questions, but the Supporters were incredibly capable of and patient in answering them.
We had consensus on gender equality, transition point of the world marked by COVID-19, the way to ease cultural difference——kindness and understanding, etc. What made our discussion more interesting was the diversity of the stories we told that based on our different background to support our points. It is true that diversity spurs interaction among civilizations, while in turn promotes mutual learning and their further development.
私の大学では、ネイティブ話者から直接日本語を学び、練習する機会がありません。 このプログラムに参加できて本当に幸運であり、感謝しています。 このプログラムでは、より高いレベルで日本語を学ぶことができますが、 日本語しか使わないのでちょっと大変です。 先生の教えをすべて理解するのは大変でしたが、日本語力を伸ばすのにとても役立ちました。
I think Kyoto University truly put much effort in planning and organizing the academic and student activities. They managed to keep a well-balanced ratio of lectures and other meetings, even putting up two different shifts, so that students from every time zone can join. Even though we could not come to Kyoto in person, I felt welcomed and sometimes almost forgot I am not sitting in a Japanese classroom but in my Viennese flat.
I particularly enjoyed the cultural experience. I think the origami activity is very meaningful. As crane origami is a symbol of blessing, good hope, for sure it is great to fold crane in this situation. To show our praying that the COVID-19 could end soon, so that we could get back to a normal and happy life. We folded the crane together in the break out room, and finally shared how many cranes did we fold. A communication and interaction as such is really warm.
In the program, I could learn something new and have enough time to digest and process, but I also time to explore Kyoto and had fun with classmates. During the lecture, I got the chance to learn topics in various fields. Those lectures truly broadened my horizon and made me aware of the important issues in Japan and worldwide.
プログラムへの参加を通じて学んだことは日本の文化と日本についての面白いことです。 例えば、日本語授業で日本の小学生の自由研究についてよくわかりました。 それ以外に、徳島県のゼロウェィストを目指している町についてのことを学びました。 たくさんの新しい単語と言葉と知識を学びました。色々な国と文化交換をしていて、異文化コミュニケーション能力を高めたと思います。 I could learn about Japan and Japanese culture through this program. For example, in Japanese class, we learnt summer research assignments for Japanese elementary school students. Besides, we learnt about the town which aims zero waste in Tokushima Prefecture. I learnt many phrases and knowledge. Thanks to the program which allowed me to exchange cultures with others, I improved the intercultural communication ability more.
