The 41st International Seminar: "Reunion" - Celebrating 10 Years of Exchange with TUD

Since signing the Memorandum of Understanding in 2016, the Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden (TUD) and Shinshu University School of Medicine have actively promoted student exchanges. To date, we have conducted 29 outgoing exchanges and 34 incoming exchanges. While pursuing their medical studies far from their home countries, students have broadened their horizons by being exposed to different cultures and perspectives, and have deepened their relationships with fellow students, faculty members, and staff.

Prof. Henning Morawietz and Ms. Peggy Zolal, International Affairs Advisor, who have supported the partnership between the two universities for many years, visited Shinshu University from June 1 to 5, 2026. During their stay, we held the 41st International Seminar, entitled "Reunion ", and was attended by students who had participated in exchange programs in the past, as well as those considering studying abroad in the future.

In Part 1, Prof. Morawietz and Prof. Tanaka, Director of International Relations Office at Shinshu University School of Medicine, gave talks on the background leading up to the start of the partnership, and also the history and achievements of student exchanges over the past 10 years. In Part 2, entitled "The Reality of Student Life", Ms. Kanoko Oyama (Shinshu University) and Mr. Arthur Müller-Zantop (TUD) presented their experiences of interacting with international students, studying at Shinshu University and their daily lives, from the perspective of medical students. Their candid and lively presentations made the participants feel that international exchange activities and studying abroad are more accessible. At the end of the seminar, Ms. Zolal explained the procedures and preparations required to study at TUD. This seminar was held in person and online, with approximately 30 participants, including students, faculty and staff and it concluded successfully.

Afterwards, students organized a welcome party for Prof. Morawietz and Ms. Zolal, which was attended by over 40 students. It was a warm and enjoyable occasion where conversation flowed freely regardless of age or background, and we were reminded of the strong bond between the universities.

This event not only provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on ten years of the partnership, but also enabled Shinshu students to consider studying at TUD as a more accessible option and to develop a more positive attitude towards living abroad.

We hope to continue student and faculty exchanges and further develop our partnership, passing it on to future generations.

Naoki Tanakaka
Professor,
Department of Global Medical Research Promotion International Relations Office Shinshu University School of Medicine