In a first for Nagoya University, Kiso Seminar (First Year Seminar) students from the Schools of Engineering, Informatics, Letters, and Economics engaged in a service-learning project in the coastal town of Mihama, spanning East and West of Aichi's Chita Peninsula.
This seminar aims to raise students' awareness of the demographic challenges faced by rural communities, while leveraging foreign perspectives to develop tourism.
What is service learning?
Service-learning is an educational approach that combines classroom learning with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while effecting positive change that meets local societal needs. (Source: Wikipedia)
In the opening stage of the program, the instructors introduced their students to challenges faced by Mihama town and defined the scope of work to be tackled during the course. The students paid a first visit to Mihama, a picturesque seaside community of 20,700 inhabitants situated just south of Chubu Centrair International Airport, exploring places and activities of interest with the goal to create tour programs tailored specifically to non-Japanese tourists.
These plans were soon put to the test--as Nagoya University welcomed undergraduate visitors from important international partners: the National University of Singapore (NUS, 25 students) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC, 18 students).
At Noma lighthouse with the students from the National University of Singapore
In front of Toyoda Auditorium with the students from UNC Chapel Hill
Alighting after an hour-long bus ride from Higashiyama Campus, our students and their guests formed five groups, and set off along their pre-planned itineraries. Breathing in the fresh, at times pungent sea breeze, the groups walked along wind-blown, sand-strewn coastal roads, and through the sprawling town's maze-like pathways. Some groups delighted in the delicate taste of sea-salt ice cream (and its obscure cousin, tomato ice cream), while others learned the Japanese art of fish-filleting. They took in local sights, such as the white-washed Noma lighthouse (built 1921)--a famed lovers' power spot--, drew their omikuji fortunes at a hidden shrine, and studied the birthplace of Otokichi, the Edo-period sailor fated to be blown across the Pacific, who created the first Japanese translation of the Christian Bible, travelled the world, finally lying to rest as the first Japanese in Singapore, exiled from his native land.
While enjoying the numerous points of charm and interest strewn across Mihama town, the students actively considered ways of drawing greater outside interest to the community. With all teams assembled again at Irohaya, a traditional Japanese inn, they set themselves to the task of summarizing and discussing their ideas amongst each other. Suggestions for improvement converged upon the construction of a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly coastal sidewalk, the availability of English signage, and the aggressive promotion of Mihama's friendliness for family fun, sports, and cultural exploration using social media. This exchange of opinions was greatly enriched by the mélange of the visitors' outside views and decidedly Japanese concepts of the like of cooking anime and Oshi-katsu.
"We got plenty of time to talk to each other and have fun together, and if other people had the opportunity to experience similar activities we did today, I think it would be a great advertisement for the town."
--Sam, UNC student
"I thought it was a fun and unique experience I wouldn't otherwise have had access to--I also learned something very unusual, which is how to filet a fish. I became interested in Japan for a couple of reasons, but most particularly because I love Japanese video games, and I really enjoy learning the language. I also love to travel, and I don't think I would otherwise have come to Nagoya if it weren't for this program--I'm really glad I did!"
--Rhys, UNC student
The day's program ended with the students' return to campus, where they spent a few more hours socializing over food and drink. Despite the short time, a strong sense of togetherness had been formed, contacts were exchanged, and cheerful good-byes waved.
"In the case of Nagoya University, these are students who have just come out of high school. This course is a great way to introduce them to a new learning experience and fostering their sense of international collaboration" --Roland Berkemeier, Designated Lecturer, Global Multi-Campus
Nagoya University students present their findings and suggestions
Two weeks later, on June 24th, came a final challenge for our Kiso seminar participants: armed with tablet computers and meticulously designed presentations, the young students confidently offered their suggestions to Mayor Mitsunori Yatsuya and other Mihama councillors, as well as representatives from the travel industry, the press and the program's sponsor, Tokai Tokyo Securities.
As the course instructors had anticipated, the following discussions saw young optimism gently confronted with realistic considerations of financial viability, yet the opportunity for a valuable learning experience was used in full. Indeed, Mayor Yatsuya greatly appreciated the students' opinions, immediately consulting his staff on the feasibility of social media campaigns or pamphlet redesign.
"It was a great pleasure to accompany Japanese students on this challenge of introducing Japanese local community to foreign students from NUS and UNC. For me, watching the students gradually getting involved with planning and preparation, and then witnessing their tremendous growth in terms of intercultural communication competence, confidence, and bonding with peers was the most rewarding part of this project."--Dina Grib, Lecturer, Graduate School of Humanities
Appreciative comments from Mitsunori Yatsuya, mayor of Mihama
The organizers, students and staff wish to thank Tokai Tokyo Securities Co. Ltd. for their generous support of this program.