11/11/2009

“Bosei Maru” visited Dong-Eui University in Busan, South Korea

Tokai University’s Research and Training Vessel “Bosei Maru” visited Dong-Eui University (Busan, South Korea), with which the University has an academic exchange agreement with since 2006, for 10 days from October 5th and sponsored opportunities for academic exchange between teachers and students.

The “Bosei Maru Visit to Dong-Eui University and Sea Exchange” stopped at Busan Port, which has the world’s largest shipyard and international harbor facilities, and was designed to develop students’ broad perspectives by engaging in discussion and debate with students from Dong-Eui University. Students from the School of Marine Science and Technology of the Shimizu Campus, School of Industrial Engineering of the Kumamoto Campus, and the School of Agriculture of the Aso Campus participated. 110 people, including President Tatsuro Matsumae and other faculty members took part.

The Bosei Maru departed from the Kita-Kyushu Port (Moji port) on the 5th and the students listened to a lecture by President Matsumae on board the ship titled “The Closest Europe -- The Inside Story of Vladivostok” and also made preparations for the ship tours and forum. Upon arriving at Busan Port the following morning, they were welcomed by Dong-Eui University’s Vice-President. In the evening, a party was held abroad the Bosei Maru. On the 7th, the students visited Dong-Eui University and conducted a forum titled “Tokai University and Dong-Eui University - A Bridge to the Future.” After the plenary session, which introduced the general condition of both universities, participants split into specialized subcommittees like “Engineering education that harmonizes engineering and marine science” and “Cutting-edge biotechnology” and engaged in vigorous discussion and debate.

During their stay, Tokai University’s students were provided with Dong-Eui University student guides and translators, and visited Busan City, which had developed into the world’s 2nd ranking harbor city along with its shipyards. Students stated the following about their time in Busan: “I thought that I had accumulated a lot of knowledge about the ocean after learning at the School of Marine Science and Technology, but I came away from the visit to Busan Port feeling like I had a lot more to learn” (4th year student, School of Marine Science and Technology); “I came away understanding the importance and enjoyment of conversing with people of different cultures after speaking to all of the Korean students” (4th year student, School of Industrial Engineering); “After encountering many cultural differences like social manners, I strongly believe now that true exchange begins by first, acknowledging one another’s culture” (4th year student, School of Agriculture).