Experience in Long-term Program,

Program description

The Hokkaido University’s RJE3 (East Russia Expert Education) program is oriented to prepare experts on various fields of study and exchange between Russia Far East and Japan. During the long term program study period of this program we learned about the current issues taking place in Japan and East Russia such as Indigenous rights and sustainable development.

Experiences in Japan

We attended conferences dedicated to the Arctic Research and challenges related to it. During the program we learned much about International Policy, Gender Inequality and Migration Issues worldwide. The program (RJE3) helped us to deeply comprehend contemporary international relations and mutual understanding. There were many cultural activities included in the program. Besides those activities we had a chance to enjoy Japanese traditional cultural activities and festivals such as snow festival in Sapporo Odori and Japanese New Year o-sho-gatsu.

Comments

This program is designed for master students from the various fields of study, therefore not all the subjects included in the available curriculum were well fit to meet needs for the most students. It would be better if the program focused mostly on the independent study of each student rather than trying to fit the program with courses available at the institutions. It would be better to actually visit the Japanese factories (e.g. organize field trip to the beer or chocolate factory) see how management works in Japan (invite actual Japanese local entrepreneurs who are interested in doing business with foreign countries) organize meetings with Japanese students who want to continue their further career related with improving Japan-Russia relations.