On March 3 and 4, Okayama University students from the School of Engineering participated in an international exchange event in English with Australian students from the University of Queensland. Thirteen students attended the event, which was held in two parts and took place online as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

The first half of the event, on February 14 and 15, offered short-term language training to students and encouraged them to practically improve their English communication skills through presentations and discussions.

Then, students were given two weeks to review the skills they had learned before participating in the second half of the international exchange event on March 3 and 4, during which students had the opportunity to examine a variety of issues under the themes of SDGs and A Society for All. 

After answering questions in a quiz format to deepen their understanding of the SDGs, students participated in small-group discussions about SDGs initiatives and social issues. In order to encourage students to participate actively and communicate in English, Okayama University students were paired up with University of Queensland students in groups of two or four. 

To end off the program, students were asked to consider topics like “What kind of society should we build for the future?” and “How can we contribute to world peace?”. 

The School of Engineering has implemented multiple online international exchange programs since the start of the pandemic and will continue to develop unique and innovative programs while assessing educational methods that facilitate globalization.