Idea Mining Seminar ; universities & local community

Had some guest lecturers from University of Münster & joined "Idea Mining Seminar" at Hiroshima University of Economics. (HUE)

A whole session was held in English, but most of the attendees are Japanese, but it's a great success!

First, to get know each other better, we interviewed the one next to us, then introduced him/her. Hiroshi sensei introduced me that I'm crazy for sweets, especially ice cream after trail running.

Then the rules of the session were announced;

1) Everyone in the room is EQUAL.

2) Nothing can be wrong. (Be creative)

3) Be positive and constructive.

4) Try to have FUN.

The main question was;

"What kind of University international programs can be used to invoked the local community to advance internationalization of the local region?"

・Internationalization of university and sustainability.

・Internationalizing together with the local region.

Exciting discussion went on both positive & negative aspect of globalization in the morning.

・Positive

Economic growth, increase of population, etc...

・Negative

Japanese mindset, never let international students left out of the community, training before they live in Japan, etc...

Afternoon we're divided into three groups given some obstacles. Ours was

"Language and cultural barrier."

We planned some sport events, Community Olympiad, both monthly and annually.

The reason why we chose sport was "take advantage of non-verbal communication."

Here is the emblem;

The facilitator gave us some cue "Catchphrase!"

Monthly→TIME FOR FUN

Annually→RUN FOR FUN

The other groups created the plans for international cooking party in which students can get some academic credits, University shop international in a huge mall around there such as café.

Common obstacle is "Financial support." Some suggested cloud funding which I fully agree to!

Through these works, I think it is the most significant to accept many different culture & value, also we need to try harder to overcome generation gap, economical gap, geological gap...

Education is the real equalizer for these gaps, I'm sure.

I'd like to express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart for the invitation to this workshop.

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