FY2026 Green Shinshu Program Implementation Report
- Share
- Tweet
- Send to email
Fieldwork for ”Zen” studies
Shinshu University's Center for Global Education and Collaboration conducted the Green Shinshu Program over a two-week period from May 26 (Tue.) to June 6 (Sat.), 2026.
This short-term inbound program was implemented as part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)'s Inter-University Exchange Project. As Japanese culture and natural environments continue to gain global recognition, the program aims to promote intercultural understanding by providing participants with opportunities to experience Japan’s unique worldview, history, culture, and natural environment through the distinctive setting of Shinshu. Through comparing these experiences with the worldviews and cultures of their home countries, participants were encouraged to articulate and understand both the commonalities and differences among cultures.
Exchange Between Students from U.S. Partner Universities and Shinshu University
This year's program welcomed five students and two accompanying faculty members (Speight, Yokolanda and Cheves,Tashia, Assistant Directors at the Hargis Leadership Institute) from Oklahoma State University, as well as ten students and one faculty member (Torres, Nobuko, Japanese Lecturer at College of Arts and Letters) from California State University, Sacramento. In total, the program hosted a delegation of 18 participants, including 15 students.
In addition, more than 20 students from Shinshu University participated in the program. These students represented various faculties and graduate schools, including the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Arts. Throughout the program, they provided academic and daily-life support for the visiting students while actively engaging in intercultural exchange activities. Collaboration across different academic disciplines and year levels created valuable opportunities for interaction among students from diverse backgrounds.
Experiential Learning Through Shinshu’s Nature, History, and Culture
Agricultural Field Trip
During the program, participants took part in a variety of fieldwork activities throughout Nagano Prefecture, exploring the region's natural environment, local culture, and community life. They also engaged in traditional cultural experiences and interacted with local residents.
Through lectures and workshops delivered by Shinshu University faculty members, participants deepened their understanding of Japanese society, regional culture, and environmental sustainability while learning about the rich natural resources and historical heritage of the Shinshu region.
Reflection sessions were conducted after each activity, allowing participants to compare their experiences with their own cultural backgrounds and critically examine Japanese perspectives on nature, values, and community engagement. Sharing diverse cultural viewpoints provided valuable opportunities to foster intercultural understanding from multiple perspectives.
International Co-learning Class for Regional and Global Problem-Solving
Focusing on the challenges of depopulation and aging in Shinshu's mountainous areas, as well as issues within Japan's food system, students deepened their discussions on climate change and the human consumption and production patterns that drive it. These discussions targeted SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), exploring causes, solutions, and areas for improvement. By comparing Japan's culture, spirituality, perspectives on nature, and collaborative ethos with those of the U.S. and other countries, participants identified unique regional characteristics. This created a valuable opportunity for Shinshu University and U.S. students to collaboratively examine, summarize, and present on the future directions of Ethical Leadership and Global Citizenship necessary for a sustainable society.
Mutual Learning Through Student Exchange
One of the defining features of the program was the continuous interaction between the visiting students and Shinshu University student supporters. In addition to participating together in classes and fieldwork, students engaged in daily conversations and collaborative group activities, creating opportunities for open discussions about their cultures, values, and perspectives.
For the visiting students, the program provided an opportunity to gain deeper insights into Japanese society and culture. For Shinshu University students, it served as a valuable learning experience to enhance their English communication skills and intercultural competence. The program created a practical environment for international exchange and contributed to strengthening participants' awareness of future international collaboration.
Final Presentation Session
On the final day of the program, a presentation session was held, during which participants shared their learning experiences and discoveries from the two-week program.
Students reflected on the cultural similarities and differences between Japan and their home countries, as well as the knowledge they gained through experiencing the natural environment and local culture of the Shinshu region. Active discussions also took place regarding the importance of intercultural understanding and future opportunities for international exchange and cooperation.
The Center for Global Education and Collaboration will continue to promote international education programs through the Inter-University Exchange Project, providing opportunities for students from diverse cultural backgrounds to learn from one another and fostering globally minded individuals capable of contributing to an increasingly interconnected world.
