On June 29th to July 8th, Yokohama National University International Strategy Organization accepted 8 students and a faculty member from Shine Mongol High School (Mongolia) supported by the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science (SAKURA Exchange Program in Science).
Shine Mongol High School is an affiliate of New Mongol Institute of Technology (Mongolia). The university is under the inter-university agreement with YNU.
This program invites elite students who major in the field of science and engineering such as physics, chemistry, and math. The purpose of the program is to experience the Japan’s advanced technology, and Japanese culture through various activities which include special lectures by YNU faculty, dialogues with YNU students, company visits, and learning both Japanese history and culture.

During the 10 day stay, the Shine Mongol High School students visited JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology), Fujitsu Technology Hall・Fujitsu Laboratories, Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum, and Toshiba Science Museum. At Kanagawa Prefectural Koryo High School, they attended a chemistry class, experienced calligraphy as well as tea ceremony, and enjoyed simulated Japanese festival.

On the YNU campus, the Mongolian students took a Japanese language class by Professor Chie Yomota, and attended a lecture of Japanese culture by Associate Professor Hisami Andrade. They also learned IAIDO by Professor Shohei Yoshida, and how to wear Yukata by Professor Yayoi Satsumoto. In addition, they attended seminars at College of Economic, and College of Business Administration, visited laboratories of College of Engineering Science, participated in a group discussion with 14 international students studying at YNU, and prepared presentation materials taught by YNU international students from Mongolia. The Mongolian students were able to deepen exchange with many people through the various activities.

The group experienced Japanese traditional culture when they went on a tour of Kamakura and Enoshima on July 5th. In the afternoon, they stopped by at Wagae-jima, the oldest harbor facility in Japan, and Professor Hitoshi Yamada explained the history of it.

On the last day of the 10 day program, the students made presentations in Japanese and English, sharing what they had learned and achieved. Their visit was short yet productive as they were satisfied with their firsthand experiences of learning a variety of the Japan’s advanced technology, and culture. Some of the students expressed their wishes to enter YNU learning more about the advanced technology. This program turned out to be very significant as we were able to deepen cultural exchange and understanding between Mongolia and Japan by way of meeting with many people who supported the program.