From August 23 to 31, 2022, the CAMPUS Asia Plus 2022 Summer School: International Collaborative Human Resources Development Program in Asia to Foster Inclusive Minds (the Summer School), with online and offline modes combined, was held in Hiroshima University (HU), Japan. Three students from Beijing Normal University (BNU) took part in the Summer School online.
Below are quotes from them:
WANG Dejiang, a third-year undergraduate of Human Geography and Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Geographical Science (FGS)
The HU Summer School has ended. It was a very precious experience for me. From the introductions on the first day to the group presentations on the last day, we felt fully engaged even as remote participants.
What impressed me most was the day of the group discussion. Because of the poor network, I could not keep up with our discussion. Thankfully, my groupmates were so tolerant that they displayed the images in front of the camera to make it clearer and easier for me to see in our remote communication. In addition, after the class discussion, I was flattered that Professor Yanamoto invited a senior student to be an interpreter in order to understand my difficulties and specific circumstances as a remote participant in the discussion.
Figure 1. The first group presentation
Figure 2. A screen capture of the second group presentation
Another memorable thing was the final group presentation by Sumin from the Republic of Korea (ROK), Aninda from Indonesia, and me. We discussed our outlines, revised our slides, and wrote the scripts through online meetings. It was intriguing to me because I had never participated in such a group discussion before.
Figure 3. Scenes from the group presentation
Figure 4. The list of group members and a group photo
Figure 5. Certificate of Completion of the Summer School
All in all, the Summer School was a rewarding experience of cross-cultural exchanges. Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to BNU, HU and CAMPUS Asia for this opportunity. The inclusiveness and care from the lecturers and my groupmates made me feel fully engaged even as a remote participant. We even created a group chat to share some interesting photos and activities. I also made a few good friends this time. I hope to have another such wonderful opportunity to participate in the field in the future and cooperate with our international friends.
JIN Xuanyi, a third-year undergraduate of Resource and Environmental Sciences, FGS
During the one-week CAMPUS Asia Plus 2022 Summer School, I regret not being able to communicate and discuss directly with my groupmates in person, but I could feel and appreciate the overwhelming enthusiasm and friendliness of the teachers and other students even during our online meetings. In addition to the well-prepared lectures by the enthusiastic and dedicated professors, some students had typed the briefs of their discussion in the chat box for me in response to my network instability and professional goals. In our videoconferences, they would happily greet me every time and adjust the position of their cameras for me. Meanwhile, I tried my best to participate, typing my thoughts in the chat box and writing down keywords on a blank paper to show them. In the final paired report, my Indonesian friend and I managed to make a slideshow, which I thought was superb, and we explained it smoothly despite our difficulties. The Summer School was mainly concerned about the integration of diverse cultures. I think it was a great fortune to have such an opportunity to communicate with friends from all over the world. Thanks to all the teachers and groupmates for their efforts!
Figure 6. Group discussion
Figure 7. Group presentation
Figure 8. Certificate of Completion of the Summer School
LV Jiayi, a third-year undergraduate of Institute of Special Education, Faculty of Education
In the Summer School, I did not just learn a lot about international perspectives and knowledge from the lectures of HU professors. More than anything, I experienced differences of opinions and cultures by communicating with peers from different countries and ethnic groups through a variety of paired and group activities in a relaxing and enriching atmosphere. It was very interesting for me and other outgoing, witty overseas students to get to know each other through the random question wheel, introducing ourselves and communicating in English with the characteristics of our native languages. In the group presentation, with the help of the team, I overcame difficulties in expressing my views and participating remotely. The experience not only expanded my international perspective on inclusive education, but also helped me build cross-border friendships with students from Japan, the ROK, and Indonesia. In addition to lectures, paired activities, and group discussions and presentations, the variety of outdoor activities shown in the videoconference also allowed me to experience a rewarding overseas travel online, even though I was unable to participate in person.
Figure 9. Group discussion
Figure 10. In class
