Students Embark on Enriching Journey to Japan through Turing Scheme
Nine Newman University students have recently returned from an exciting month-long stay in Japan, facilitated by the UK government’s Turing Scheme and hosted by our partner university, Aichi University of Education (AUE).
Students had a varied itinerary which included attending university classes alongside AUE students, cultural activities, and excursions to notable landmarks such as Tokoyawa Shrine and Osaka Castle. The students also took the opportunity to explore the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto independently during the weekends.
The cultural immersion included wearing traditional Yukata attire, learning basic Japanese phrases, and sampling local cuisine such as Takoyaki and visiting ramen, sushi and soba restaurants. The trip’s highlight was attending the famous Sumo Wrestling Competition in Nagoya on the final day.
Students shared their experiences and impressions from their journey:
“It’s been very fun, the food is great, and the staff and volunteers here are wonderful. The weather is ridiculously hot and humid, but we are coping,” one student commented.
Mike O’Reilly, a second-year Primary Education student, added, “Japan is good. Not a big fan of the food, but it’s edible. I like the weather; it’s very similar to the UK but around 10 degrees hotter. People in Japan are incredibly friendly, and Anthony (the coordinator) is great. It’s more similar to England than I expected, considering it’s the other side of the world.”
This trip provided a unique opportunity for our students to engage deeply with Japanese culture and education, enhancing their global perspective and academic experience.