Pomeranian University Students: Welcome to Japan!
In November 2024, a delegation of students and faculty from Pomeranian University’s English Department visited Japan as part of our longstanding exchange program with Jiyu Gakuen College. This initiative, which began several years ago, aims to strengthen cultural and academic ties through immersive experiences and collaborative learning.
The journey commenced in Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis, where students explored iconic districts such as Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Akihabara. Beyond the city’s bustling commercial centers, they ventured into less frequented areas like Higashikurume and Tokorozawa, discovering a quieter, more authentic side of the region. These districts provided the group with a remarkable contrast to central Tokyo’s energetic pace, highlighting the city’s multi-faceted cultural identity.
A centerpiece of the visit was the stay at Jiyu Gakuen College, a longstanding partner institution known for its educational philosophy emphasizing freedom, self-reliance, and hands-on experience. Students immersed themselves in campus life, participating in English and gymnastics classes, sharing dormitories with their Japanese peers, and enjoying communal meals prepared with fresh, homegrown produce. The highlight was attending the school’s annual festival, where vibrant stalls offered handcrafted goods, traditional snacks, and an atmosphere of warm hospitality. This exchange of daily life and educational practice fostered a deeper understanding of Japanese values and traditions.
The itinerary also included excursions to Yokohama and Kamakura. Yokohama provided a more relaxed urban landscape, complete with a visit to the Ramen Museum and an evening in its colorful Chinatown. Kamakura, rich in historical and spiritual heritage, introduced students to Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and the iconic Great Buddha, all easily explored on foot. An excursion to Enoshima Island, with its scenic lighthouse, coastal views, and Iwaya caves, offered yet another perspective on Japan’s cultural and natural diversity.
Throughout the trip, participants engaged directly with Japanese residents, from schoolchildren eager to practice English, to local vendors and fellow travelers. These interactions underscored the importance of mutual respect, cultural awareness, and responsible tourism.
Looking ahead, Pomeranian University anticipates welcoming Jiyu Gakuen students in 2026 and hopes to broaden our academic partnerships in Japan. Strengthening these relationships promises a bright, collaborative future—one that encourages global citizenship and intercultural understanding.
This exchange marked the first in-person visit since 2019 and was made possible through the realisation of the “Active University” Programme and the institutional support of the Rector, professor Zbigniew Osadowski, Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation, professor Marek Łukasik, and Ms Ilona Gapys from the Erasmus+ Department as well as other staff from the Office for Development and Cooperation.