×

News

College students from 12 universities in 10 countries gather for summer peace seminar at Hiroshima University

by Kyoko Shinmoto, Staff Writer

The summer seminar for students from member universities of the International Network of Universities (INU) was held in early August at Hiroshima University in the city of Higashihiroshima. The summer seminar marked its 10th anniversary this year, with INU’s office now located at James Madison University in the United States. Through the one-week program, where students from a range of nations consider the question of peace together, the participants develop awareness of being global citizens. A staff member of Hiroshima University commented, “The experience of the seminar over the past ten years has promoted students’ growth and our university’s internationalization.”

On August 11, the final day of the seminar, 56 students from 12 universities in 10 countries, including 25 Hiroshima University students, held a mock meeting of the U.N. General Assembly at the school’s campus in Higashihiroshima. Based on the actual U.N. resolution which specifies the role of women in building peace, the students took on the roles of national representatives and engaged in debate.

The seminar opened on August 5 and proceeded through events which included workshops given by lecturers from INU member universities in South Africa, Spain, and other locations. Akira Terazawa, a junior in the Faculty of Economics at Hiroshima University, said, “I think I was able to speak my mind, but I felt a little frustrated because there seemed to differences between me and students from overseas in our way of thinking. I’d like to take part in this seminar again.”

INU was established in 1999, with Hiroshima University becoming a member in 2000. The summer seminar, which was developed by Hiroshima University, was launched in 2006. Up to last year, 578 students, including 181 students from overseas, have taken part in the program. Participants also attend the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6 and listen to the personal accounts of atomic bomb survivors.

Hajime Nishitani, the vice president of Hiroshima University, described the positive impact of the seminar by saying, “Because they’re in Hiroshima, our students are able to engage in exchanges and learning with international students, as if they traveled overseas. Inspired by their experience of this seminar, some of our students have then challenged themselves to study abroad for a longer period.” Hiroshima University students can also be accepted for short-term study at other INU member universities.

With the seminar marking its 10th anniversary, a meeting of the presidents of INU member universities also took place this year.

(Originally published on August 12, 2015)

Archives