日本語
1.May 31st |
All ten students selected to participate met each other for the first time. We talked about the content and goals for this special program, which, despite the Coronavirus, is to make connections and exchange information and ideas internationally with the students of Kasetsart University of Thailand.
Both universities are learning about climate change, and how to we can reduce our carbon footprints. Over half a year, students will work together, present their research, and listen to and learn from the ideas of others. |
2.June 14th |
In our second meeting, Prof. Takeda gave advice for how to make informative and clear presentations, specifically keeping in mind how best to present on ZOOM.
Students made groups and began brainstorming about the following three topics: Introduction to Japanese Culture, Introduction to Yamagata Prefecture and Yamagata University, and Student Life in the Times of COVID-19.
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3.June 21st |
In the third meeting, students continued to work in groups on their presentations. The students researched about Japanese culture and Yamagata Prefecture on the internet. Some students gave questionnaires to determine how most students are managing life and online classes. |
4.June 28th |
Professor Jiptner assisted students in a trial run of their presentations. The students actually tried presenting on ZOOM, and learned about how to screen share effectively and keep their faces in the frame of the camera, all while maintaining a clear and calm voice while speaking English. |
5.July 9th |
Presentation One!The Dean of Yamagata University, Faculty of Engineering, and the Dean of Kasetsart University, Faculty of Science, gave opening remarks. Three groups of students from both YU and KU gave ten minute conversations, and even freely asked questions to each other at the end. It was a very fun and informative first exchange session!
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6.July 12th |
Professor Jiptner praised the students for their presentations the previous week, and then dove right in to teaching students about Carbon Neutrality and the prospects for our future. Students learned how to scientifically calculate their own carbon footprint, both manually and via online calculators. Students will compare these numbers and average them during our second presentations with KU.
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7.August 4th |
Students began working in new groups to prepare for their next presentations, which will occur at the beginning of October. The three groups will present on the following three topics:
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8.October 6th |
Three groups of students practiced for their upcoming presentations about the current state of carbon usage in Japan. The presentations with Kasetsart University in Thailand will take place in just one week so it was nice to get some final feedback and make some changes.
Students also began thinking about small gifts that can be sent from Japan to Thailand. Even though COVID-19 has kept students from meeting face-to-face, we’re looking forward to sending a small box so that Thai students can experience a small part of Japanese culture.
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9.October 13th |
Presentation Two!The second presentation exchange between KU in Thailand and YU was held! As part of the “Online Thai Exchange Program,” students from Yamagata University, Faculty of Engineering, and Kasetsart University in Thailand presented about Climate Change. Each side talked about the impact of climate change in their respective countries, what local companies are trying to do to reduce their carbon footprints, and collective data of our participants carbon footprints. Everyone listened excitedly and asked each other questions. It was a fun and informative exchange! Our third and last online exchange will be held in December. Until then, students will work on creating (and if possible implementing!) an action plan to reduce their carbon footprints.
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10.October 20th |
Students began thinking about their third presentations–their action plans! In just under two months we’ll have our third and final presentations with Kasetsart University. Students will need to have done something to actively reduce their individual carbon footprints or that of our campus, and then make a presentation about their results.
Students are also excited about the upcoming souvenir exchange between the Thai students. They’ve been very busy preparing the small gifts! |
11.November 6th Extra Event! |
Current students from YU and graduates who had participated in the “2013 International Collaboration Summer Program in Thailand” got to talk together! The graduates told the students about their happy memories in Thailand, and how that global experience helped them in their careers.
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12.December 8th |
Students practiced and worked really hard on their presentations! Next week will be the 3rd and last time that KU and YU will do this exchange program. |
13.December 15th |
Presentation Three!
We held the final event of the Online Exchange Thai Program on December 15th. Following what they hard learned about CO2 emissions and reducing carbon footprint, students from both Kasetsart University and Yamagata University worked in groups to make action plans. Some YU students took charge in cleaning up rubbish and abandoned bicycles from around the campus. Others tried to encourage their fellow students to conserve energy by starting a “use the stairs” poster campaign. Students from KU decided to reduce their personal carbon footprints by changing their eating habits or reducing their use of electronic appliances. One person recycled an egg carton and used it for growing vegetables. The students calculated their carbon emissions before and after, so their presentations were interesting and impactful. Despite it being online, over the past seven months of international exchange, students have learned a lot of about the importance of reducing their carbon footprint. The students showed improvements in global awareness, English proficiency, and skills in giving presentations.
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