Singaraja- Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) continues to strengthen cooperation with universities abroad in order to increase competitiveness. This was welcomed by the faculties, one of which was the Faculty of Languages and Arts. Strengthening cooperation in the fields of language and culture was carried out with Ohkagakuen University, Japan. This collaboration was packaged in a Virtual Spring Camp activity, Monday (14/3/2022).
This activity was opened by the Dean of FBS Undiksha, Prof. Dr. I Made Sutama, M.Pd. He conveyed that as a faculty engaged in the fields of language and culture, an increase in insight, both for lecturers and students, is needed, especially in the global era. This is also important to increase competitiveness. “Therefore, I hope that this collaboration with Ohkagakuen University can become a forum for exchanging information related to language and provide cross-cultural understanding to get to know each other and get closer to each other,” he said.
It is said further, the involvement of cultural issues in international relations, is not only limited to performing arts, but more than that. As is the case in interacting with citizens of other countries, it requires an understanding of culture, including the language in it so that the process of friendship or cooperation can run well. “Of course, we really appreciate this activity. Through this, students can learn about foreign cultures,” he said.
On this occasion, the Dean from Ubud, Gianyar Regency also introduced the ‘greeting’ culture and introduced study programs at FBS Undiksha. Dean of the Ohkagakuen University School of Liberal Arts, Prof. Eunjin Do, also expressed his appreciation for the holding of this activity and is expected to continue.
This activity was held from 14 to 17 March 2022 and was designed with attractive learning activities to provide opportunities for program participants to practice languages and get to know each other’s cultures. There were 104 students who participated, consisting of 56 from Undiksha and 48 students from Ohkagakuen University.
Collaboration between Undiksha and Ohkagakuen University is not something new. But it has started since 2018. There are a number of programs implemented, such as student mobility, and cultural exchange activities. During its development, the program was not only intended for students of the Japanese Language Education Study Program but was expanded to other study programs. (rls/hms)
