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Sharing Global Journeys! Global Challenge 2025 Online Session

2026.03.25 updateNews

Sharing Global Journeys! Global Challenge 2025 Online Session

The 'Global Challenge 2025 Online Session' was held on Monday, March 23, providing a platform for students to share their international learning and experiences.

Six students were selected this academic year to carry out projects in Greece, the Philippines, various European countries, South Africa, and Thailand. They presented their local experiences and insights via Zoom.

Five Presentations Sharing Global Experiences
The speakers were students who gained overseas experience through unique projects. They shared insights from a diverse range of fields, including animal welfare, wildlife conservation, filmmaking, and veterinary medicine.
 
  1. Nanami Tanaka
    5th-year Student
    Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
    Topic: Lessons from Animal Protection in Greece: A First Step Toward Coexistence
    Destination: Greece
    Learning about stray animal issues and the realities of international aid through shelter volunteer work.
  2. Kurumi Nomoto
    3rd-year Student
    Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Associated Science

    Topic: Learning about Biodiversity and Wildlife Protection while Volunteering at the Philippine Eagle Center
    Destination: Philippines
    Gaining hands-on experience in biodiversity conservation and wildlife medicine through training at a sanctuary for endangered species. 
  3. Yuma Ikeda
    3rd-year Student
    Faculty of Biosphere-Geosphere Science, Department of Biosphere-Geosphere Science
    Topic: A Camera in Motion: Bridging the Local and Global through Visual Expression
    Destinations: Malta, Switzerland, Italy, Turkey
    Exploring new expressive possibilities for sharing the unique culture and charm of local communities through film production in various locations.
  4. Ryusei Matsuda & Yosuke Nukata
    5th-year Students
    Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
    Topic: Volunteer International Adventure and Wildlife Reserve in Knysna
    Destination: South Africa
    Gaining a deeper understanding of the realities and challenges of wildlife conservation on the ground through training at animal welfare centers and wildlife reserves.
  5. Norihiro Okano
    4th-year Student
    Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
    Topic: Veterinary Internship in Thailand
    Destination: Thailand
    Experiencing firsthand differences in medical systems and clinical practices between Japan and the local region through an internship at a local veterinary clinic.

Deepening Understanding Through Presentations and Q&A
In this session, the above students each gave a 10-minute presentation, followed by Q&A sessions in separate breakout rooms.

The Q&A followed a format that allowed participants to ask presenters questions directly. This led to lively discussions about specific local experiences, challenges faced, cultural and system differences, and the relevance of these projects to their respective fields of study.

Furthermore, a rotation system was used, with presenters moving between rooms, providing more participants with the opportunity to engage with all presentations.

Looking Ahead to Future Challenges
In his opening remarks, Vice President Naoto Tomioka emphasized the importance of international connections in today's globalized world and expressed his respect for the students who challenged themselves and gained experience abroad despite difficult circumstances.

Through this session, participants were reminded of the importance of practical learning and cross-cultural understanding abroad.

The presentations also highlighted the challenges of language proficiency and expertise, as well as the need for flexibility in dealing with local situations. They provided an opportunity to offer realistic, useful information to students looking for a challenge in the future.

The Global Center at the Okayama campus, the program's organizer, hopes that students will broaden their perspectives through their overseas experience and grow into globally active human resources.

We plan to continue to provide opportunities for students to study abroad and share their experiences.