GLOBOLA (Global Volunteers) is a student organization at Okayama University of Science that brings together international and Japanese students through fun and meaningful events, both on and off campus. This academic year’s info sessions were held on April 15 and 18, offering students not just information, but a chance to experience what GLOBOLA is all about.
 
April 15: Breaking the Ice with a Cultural True-or-False Quiz
The first session featured a student-led “Cultural True-or-False Quiz,” designed to help participants explore global topics in a fun and interactive way. Students were split into teams and answered a series of questions, competing for small prizes. The quiz served as a great icebreaker, with lots of laughter and friendly energy filling the room.
 
After the quiz, Hiroshi Sahan—a third-year student from Sri Lanka majoring in Management—gave a short introduction to GLOBOLA’s mission and activities. By the end of the session, many students had signed up as provisional members, eager to get involved.
 
April 18: Students Get a Firsthand Taste of GLOBOLA Activities
In the second session, prospective members were treated to a GLOBOLA activity event that mirrored past activities the group had participated in on and off campus. Eight students, under the guidance of five GLOBOLA members, prepared Sri Lankan coconut pancake rolls, also known as Pani Pol. These are snacks made with a coconut and honey filling wrapped in a crepe-like pancake made from coconut milk. In true GLOBOLA fashion, the students were separated into two groups. In both groups, two students prepared the filling while the other two prepared the pancakes.
After they finished preparing the Pani Pol, the students listened to graduate student Ryusei Nakamura’s presentation about GLOBOLA while eating their creation.
 
At the end of both activities, students gave feedback about their experiences. Many commented that they enjoyed the activities and had a firm understanding of GLOBOLA’s mission and activities, and wished to get involved.
 
In May, GLOBOLA will host its first two university events: a kick-off meeting on May 13 and an exciting cultural exchange event with students from Chihlee Institute of Technology visiting from Taiwan on May 22. We look forward to seeing the new GLOBOLA members along with current students there.