6月24日～7月5日まで米国（ハワイ）、インドネシア、マレーシア、スリランカの協定校や交流校より10名の短期留学生、引率教員1名をお迎えし、本学の初等教育・保育専攻の講義受講、日本文化体験等を行いました。

　短期留学生たちは初めて来日する学生も多く、毎日積極的に講義や文化体験に取り組んでいました。国際交流ボランティアの学生が中心となり、歓送迎会、茶道・浴衣体験、バス研修旅行（熊本城）、野球観戦、ホームビジット体験なども行い交流を深めました。2週間という短い期間でしたが相互に多くの刺激を受け国際感覚、異文化に対する理解を深めました。

（感想）

I got to learn about Early Childhood Education with teachers all over the world and increase my confidence in learning Japanese! Thank you to Chikujo for having me and for all the experiences starting from the arts and crafts class, Dazaifu and Kyushu national museum, the language education, tea ceremony and yukata, bus tour to Kumamoto, kindergarten visit, baseball watching, and the elementary school visit is an amazing experience that I felt as a student. It is such a fun experience, and I would recommend this program to someone who’s interested in education and culture!

The summer short program at Chikushi Jogakuen Univrsity has been designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants in early childhood education. The curriculum of the program is comprehensive and engaging consisting of lectures, practical classes, field visits, cultural activities. I think that all the participants are happy with the contents. The cultural activities were a standout feature, providing a unique perspective on cultural context influences educational practices. We appreciate the opportunity given to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture.

It has not only broadened my understanding of education but has also fostered a profound appreciation for traditions, values and societal norms that shape Japanese life.

I am so happy to have met so many individuals and learn so much about Japanese culture and education. I would recommend this experience to others and would return if given the opportunity!

In these 2 weeks, I was really taught and introduced for the first time about daily life especially in the field of education in Japan. From the first week on Monday, we got to know each other one by one, international friends, chikushi’s and even sensei, too. The welcome party was such a experience. I really liked the “kanpai” moment!